Medical University of Graz
2 weeks ago
MSCA Doctoral Network PhD position: Deciphering the molecular grammar of β-catenin/IDR interactions Medical University of Graz in Austria
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Cell Biology
Funding
Available
Deadline
Oct 31, 2026
Country
Austria
University
Medical University of Graz

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About this position
PhD opportunity at the Medical University of Graz in the MSCA Doctoral Network FlexCAT. This project focuses on understanding the molecular grammar of β-catenin/intrinsically disordered region (IDR) interactions, with a strong emphasis on how phosphorylation and other post-translational modifications regulate binding, condensate formation, and transcriptional function.
Research topic. The doctoral project aims to characterize the interaction and structure of IDRs that bind β-catenin and to reveal how β-catenin influences IDR-mediated biomolecular condensates. The work addresses a key open question in transcriptional regulation: how β-catenin acts as a coactivator beyond canonical Wnt signaling, especially when many IDR binding motifs are poorly conserved and difficult to identify by sequence alone.
Research environment. The project is embedded in the Madl group at the Medical University of Graz and is connected to a broader consortium with complementary expertise in NMR-based structural biology, cell biology, high-throughput screening, PTM chemistry, X-ray crystallography, and mass spectrometry. The training environment includes interdisciplinary collaboration within the FlexCAT network and a planned secondment at TUW with Dr. Anne Conibear for synthesis of PTM-IDRs.
Funding. The position is funded for three years through Horizon Europe MSCA-DN FlexCAT (Grant Agreement No. 101311592). The salary package includes a Living Allowance, Mobility Allowance, and, where applicable, a Family Allowance. Additional support for a fourth year may be provided if needed and available.
Who should apply. The ideal candidate has a Master’s degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, structural biology, or a related discipline, with excellent results and eligibility for doctoral enrolment. Experience in recombinant protein expression and purification, biochemical/biophysical interaction assays, and/or cell biology is highly desirable. NMR or other structural biology experience is an advantage. Applicants must have excellent English (minimum B2) and must meet the MSCA mobility rule.
Application. Applications are submitted exclusively via the Medical University of Graz recruitment portal. Required documents include a motivation statement, CV, diplomas/transcripts, and two referees. The closing date is 31 October 2026, with interviews scheduled for November/December 2026 and a planned start between January and March 2027.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree and must hold, or shortly complete, a science Master’s degree with excellent results that qualifies them for admission to the relevant doctoral programme. Applicants must satisfy the MSCA mobility rule, meaning they must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Austria for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment. Excellent spoken and written English is required (minimum B2 level). The ideal candidate has a strong background in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, structural biology, or a related field, with interest in intrinsically disordered proteins, protein-protein interactions, and transcriptional regulation. Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification, biochemical/biophysical interaction analysis, and/or cell biology is highly desirable. Prior NMR spectroscopy or other structural biology experience is advantageous but not essential. Strong analytical skills, interdisciplinary mindset, collaborative attitude, and willingness to undertake international secondments are expected.
How to apply
Apply only through the Medical University of Graz recruitment portal. Submit the motivation statement for selected DC projects, detailed CV, publication list if applicable, BSc/MSc diplomas and transcripts, and contact details for two referees. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.
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