Grossmann

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.

PhD opportunity at Georg August University Göttingen within MSCA Doctoral Network FlexCAT. This project focuses on the structure-based design of novel peptide-derived β-catenin inhibitors , with the goal of producing peptide binders and peptidomimetics that can interfere with Wnt signaling in cell-based assays. The research combines peptide/organic synthesis, biochemical characterization, and structural biology to understand and optimize protein–peptide interactions. The project will begin with truncation studies on different peptide sequences to identify core binding regions using fluorescence polarization assays . Promising peptides will be synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis and further characterized for binding to β-catenin, for example by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) . Structural elucidation of peptide/β-catenin complexes will be pursued by protein X-ray crystallography , and later design steps will introduce intramolecular crosslinks to stabilize the bioactive conformation of the peptides. The resulting modified peptides will be tested in cell-based reporter gene assays to assess inhibition of the Wnt pathway, and the best candidates will be analyzed for their binding profiles. The selected doctoral candidate will contribute to the broader FlexCAT research programme by delivering a set of specific, affinity-matured peptide binders to β-catenin. The position is a full-time PhD opening at Georg August University Göttingen, Germany, with a planned start between January and March 2027 . Funding: The position is funded for three years under Horizon Europe MSCA-DN FlexCAT (Grant Agreement No. 101311592). The salary includes a Living Allowance , Mobility Allowance , and, where applicable, a Family Allowance ; standard social security contributions and taxation apply. Eligibility highlights: Applicants of any nationality may apply. You must not hold a doctoral degree and should hold, or be close to completing, a science Master’s degree with excellent results. You must also satisfy the MSCA mobility rule for Germany and have excellent English (minimum B2). The project specifically seeks candidates with experience in peptide or organic synthesis and protein handling in biochemical assays. Application deadline: 31 October 2026, 23:59 (Europe/Vienna). Applications are assessed for eligibility and scientific/academic quality, followed by interviews for shortlisted candidates. How to apply: Submit your application exclusively through the recruitment portal. Include a motivation statement for the selected doctoral project, detailed CV, publication list if available, BSc/MSc diplomas and transcripts, and contact details for two referees. Supervision and secondment: The position includes a planned 3-month secondment at the University of Sussex with Dr Rhys Morgan, focused on testing cellular safety and toxicity. Doctoral enrolment is at Georg August University Göttingen with Prof. Grossmann.