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FlexCAT MSCA PhD Germany 2027: β-Catenin Protein Research
FlexCAT Paid PhD in β-Catenin Protein Semi-Synthesis at Göttingen 2027
7 min read
Updated
NBy Naman Kumar
Page Summary⌄
Paid MSCA PhD: Three-year doctoral position at Georg August University Göttingen.
Research: Chemical synthesis and semi-synthesis of site-specifically modified β-catenin proteins.
Eligibility: Relevant Master’s degree, no existing doctorate and at least B2 English.
Mobility rule: Applicants must not have spent more than 12 of the previous 36 months in Germany.
Deadline: 31 October 2026, with the PhD expected to start between January and March 2027.
Table of Contents
Georg August University Göttingen is recruiting a doctoral candidate within the FlexCAT Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network for a PhD project on the semi-synthesis of site-specifically modified β-catenin protein variants.
The three-year project sits at the intersection of chemical biology, peptide chemistry and protein biochemistry and focuses on creating precisely modified β-catenin proteins to understand how this important signalling protein behaves and interacts with other molecules.
Applicants of all nationalities can apply, subject to the MSCA mobility rule. The current FlexCAT recruitment round closes on 31 October 2026, with doctoral candidates expected to begin between January and March 2027.
PhD Position at a Glance
Information
Details
Project
Semi-synthesis of site-specifically modified β-catenin protein variants
Project code
FlexCAT DC10
Network
FlexCAT MSCA Doctoral Network
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Institution
Georg August University Göttingen
Location
Göttingen, Germany
Fields
Chemical biology, chemistry and protein semi-synthesis
Position type
Paid MSCA doctoral employment
Funding duration
3 years
Funding
Living + Mobility Allowance
Family allowance
Where applicable
Degree required
Relevant Master’s degree or equivalent
English
Minimum B2
Deadline
31 October 2026
Expected start
January–March 2027
FlexCAT is funded through the EU's Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks programme under Horizon Europe, Grant Agreement 101311592. Georg August University Göttingen is an official beneficiary of the network.
What is this FlexCAT PhD about?
The project focuses on producing specially modified versions of β-catenin, a protein that plays an important role in cellular signalling and gene regulation.
β-catenin contains flexible regions known as intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs). Unlike conventionally folded proteins, these regions do not maintain one stable three-dimensional structure, making them difficult to investigate and target with conventional drug-development approaches.
FlexCAT uses β-catenin as a model to develop new methods for understanding and therapeutically targeting such flexible proteins.
In this particular project, the doctoral researcher will use chemical and biochemical approaches to create β-catenin variants containing modifications at precisely defined locations.
These modified proteins can then help researchers understand how specific molecular changes affect β-catenin's structure, dynamics and interactions.
What will you research during the PhD?
The project combines synthetic chemistry with recombinant protein methods.
Research is expected to include areas such as:
- peptide synthesis - protein expression and purification - selective bioconjugation - protein semi-synthesis - protein characterisation - installation of site-specific molecular modifications - biochemical binding experiments.
Indexed copies of the vacancy indicate that synthetic β-catenin fragments will be combined with recombinant protein fragments to generate full-length, site-specifically modified β-catenin variants.
These variants can then be used to investigate how modifications influence β-catenin interactions and the behaviour of its flexible N- and C-terminal regions.
Potential modifications include post-translational modifications, fluorescent labels and chemical handles that allow researchers to study the protein more precisely.
How is the PhD funded?
The position is funded for three years through the Horizon Europe FlexCAT MSCA Doctoral Network.
The remuneration package follows MSCA rules and includes: - a Living Allowance - a Mobility Allowance - a Family Allowance, where applicable.
The final payment is subject to applicable taxes and social-security contributions and can also be affected by MSCA country-adjustment rules.
The vacancy does not publish one final monthly gross or net salary. For this reason, applicants should not rely on generic online MSCA salary calculations as their expected take-home pay.
Who can apply?
Applicants should hold, or be close to completing, a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent qualification that allows entry into doctoral study.
Relevant academic backgrounds may include: - chemistry - chemical biology - biochemistry - molecular life sciences - protein chemistry - peptide chemistry - related scientific disciplines.
Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.
FlexCAT seeks candidates with strong academic results and the scientific background needed for the individual doctoral project.
For this position, relevant experience in areas such as protein expression, peptide chemistry, bioconjugation or protein characterisation would be particularly relevant.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. Applicants of all nationalities can apply. However, the MSCA mobility rule applies.
For this Göttingen position, applicants must generally not have resided or carried out their main activity — such as work or studies — in Germany for more than: 12 months during the previous 36 months before the relevant recruitment date.
This requirement is especially important for applicants who are already studying or working in Germany.
An international student who has spent more than 12 months in Germany during the applicable three-year period may therefore be ineligible for this specific MSCA position, even if they meet all academic requirements.
What are the language requirements?
Applicants need a strong command of written and spoken English.
The FlexCAT recruitment requirements specify:
English level: B2 or higher
German is not stated as a programme-level requirement.
Because FlexCAT is an international doctoral network involving institutions across several European countries, doctoral candidates must be able to communicate research findings in international scientific environments.
International training and secondment
International mobility is a key part of the FlexCAT Doctoral Network.
Indexed details for this particular project identify a planned secondment at TU Wien with Dr. Anne Conibear, focused on the synthesis of modified peptides.
FlexCAT as a whole also provides doctoral candidates with structured scientific training, international collaboration and exposure to academic and non-academic partners.
Looking for chemistry or biochemistry programmes in Germany?
Explore degree programmes related to chemistry, chemical biology and molecular sciences.
motivation statement for the selected FlexCAT project
detailed CV
Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcript
Master’s degree certificate and transcript
publication information, if applicable
contact information for two referees.
Applicants who are finishing their Master’s degree may still be considered if they obtain the required qualification before doctoral recruitment.
How to apply for the FlexCAT PhD
Applications are submitted through the central FlexCAT recruitment portal.
Step 1 — Check the MSCA mobility rule
Calculate how long you have lived, studied or worked in Germany during the applicable 36-month period.
Step 2 — Select the correct doctoral project
Look for the Göttingen project:
Semi-synthesis of site-specifically modified β-catenin protein variants — DC10
This is separate from the other Göttingen FlexCAT project on peptide-derived β-catenin inhibitors.
Step 3 — Prepare your application
Prepare your motivation statement, CV, degree documents, transcripts and details of two referees.
Your motivation statement should explain why your scientific background matches chemical biology, peptide/protein chemistry and protein semi-synthesis.
Step 4 — Submit through the official recruitment portal
Applications must be submitted through:
phd-recruiting.medunigraz.at
The central FlexCAT recruitment system is currently accessible.
Application Deadline
31 October 2026
The current recruitment information identifies the following general timeline:
Stage
Timing
Applications opened
15 September 2026
Application deadline
31 October 2026
Selection process
November–December 2026
Expected PhD start
January–March 2027
Funding duration
3 years
The Göttingen research group has independently publicised both FlexCAT doctoral positions with the same 31 October 2026 deadline and January–March 2027 start window.
Important things to know before applying
This is a separate PhD from the peptide-inhibitor project. Göttingen is recruiting for two related FlexCAT projects: one focuses on developing peptide-derived β-catenin inhibitors, while this position focuses on producing chemically modified β-catenin proteins.
The mobility rule can determine eligibility. Check it before spending time preparing the full application.
This is paid doctoral employment, not a traditional scholarship. MSCA Doctoral Networks recruit doctoral candidates under employment or equivalent contractual arrangements following the applicable host-country framework.
An exact salary is not published. The funding structure is confirmed, but German gross and net monthly figures should not be invented.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the two FlexCAT PhDs in Göttingen?
One project focuses on designing peptide-derived β-catenin inhibitors. This project, DC10, focuses on the semi-synthesis of site-specifically modified β-catenin proteins.
Is this a paid PhD?
Yes. The position is funded for three years through the MSCA FlexCAT Doctoral Network and includes Living and Mobility Allowances, plus a Family Allowance where applicable.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes, applicants of all nationalities can apply, provided they satisfy the MSCA mobility rule and all academic requirements.
Can I apply if I already live in Germany?
Possibly. Eligibility depends on whether you have spent more than 12 months in Germany during the relevant previous 36-month period.
Do I need a Master’s degree?
Applicants must hold or complete a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent before doctoral recruitment.
Do I need German?
German is not listed as a requirement. English proficiency of at least B2 is required.
Can I apply if I already have a PhD?
No. MSCA Doctoral Candidate positions are for researchers who do not already hold a doctoral degree.
Official Sources and Verification
FlexCAT: Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network Grant Agreement: 101311592 Host institution: Georg August University Göttingen
Verification note: The official central FlexCAT recruitment portal and EU project record are available, but a directly accessible individual official DC10 vacancy page could not be retrieved during verification. Project-specific details were therefore cross-checked against indexed copies of the vacancy and the Göttingen research group's public recruitment announcement.
Last verified: 4 October 2026
German Uni Finder independently summarizes official doctoral opportunities to make funding, eligibility and application requirements easier to understand. Recruitment conditions and individual project details may change. Always confirm the final requirements in the FlexCAT application portal before submitting your application.
