MSCA Doctoral Network PhD position: Semi-synthesis of site-specifically modified β-catenin protein variants Georg August University Göttingen in Germany

PhD opportunity in chemical biology and protein semi-synthesis at Georg August University Göttingen, Germany.

This MSCA Doctoral Network position is part of the Horizon Europe-funded FlexCAT project (Grant Agreement No. 101311592). The project focuses on the semi-synthesis of site-specifically modified β-catenin protein variants, combining peptide synthesis, selective bioconjugation, recombinant protein fragment expression, and protein characterization. The successful doctoral candidate will generate uniquely labeled β-catenin variants for binding assays, investigate the dynamics of the N- and C-terminal intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), and study how post-translational modifications influence β-catenin interactions.

The research is highly interdisciplinary and sits at the interface of chemistry, chemical biology, and protein biochemistry. Synthetic peptides corresponding to β-catenin IDRs will be equipped with site-specific modifications such as PTMs, bioorthogonal handles, and fluorescent probes, then ligated to recombinant β-catenin fragments. The resulting modified proteins will be used in collaborative workflows including binder screening, proteomics pull-down assays, and condensate formation assays. The project also enables installation of small-molecule FRET labels to study compaction and cis-interactions in flexible protein regions.

The position is hosted by Georg August University Göttingen, with a planned secondment at TU Wien. The doctoral candidate will work with Dr. Anne Conibear during the secondment and enroll in the doctoral degree programme at Georg August University Göttingen under Prof. Grossmann. The salary is funded for three years through the MSCA Doctoral Network FlexCAT and includes a Living Allowance, Mobility Allowance, and, where applicable, a Family Allowance.

Applicants should have a science Master’s degree or be close to completing one, with excellent results. The call explicitly requires strong English communication skills (minimum B2 level), motivation for international and multidisciplinary doctoral research, and willingness to take part in mandatory secondments, training, dissemination, and publication activities. Desired technical experience includes protein expression and purification, bioconjugation, and protein characterization.

The application deadline is 31 October 2026. Applications are submitted only via the recruitment portal, and candidates should prepare a motivation statement, detailed CV, transcripts and diplomas, and referees’ contact details. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview, with the selection following MSCA’s open, transparent, and merit-based principles. The expected start date is between January and March 2027.