Doctoral Researcher in β-Catenin Ligands & Cell Differentiation

About us

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) at the University of Luxembourg contributes multidisciplinary expertise in the fields of Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences and Medicine.
Through its dual mission of teaching and research, the FSTM seeks to generate and disseminate knowledge and train new generations of responsible citizens in order to better understand, explain and advance society and the environment we live in.

Your role

• Determine the specific impact of Wnt signalling on C2C12 progenitors and differentiation
• Develop dedicated BRET biosensors to measure intracellular protein-protein interactions in the Wnt pathway
• Investigate the impact of developed peptidic ligands on Wnt/β-catenin signalling and differentiation in C2C12 cells
• Measure: cellular differentiation, signalling responses and β-catenin localisation
• Build: BRET biosensors for target engagement and molecular events
• Integrate: cellular read-outs with ligand optimisation in the wider FlexCAT programme

β-catenin is a central regulator of cell differentiation and stemness. Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin activity can drive developmental defects and cancer. This project tests whether context-specific peptidic ligands targeting β-catenin can restore aberrant differentiation. Using C2C12 myoblasts, you will combine cellular differentiation assays, signalling and confocal localisation studies with dedicated BRET biosensors to measure intracellular protein-protein interactions and target engagement. The resulting mechanistic read-outs will feed back into iterative β-catenin ligand optimisation within FlexCAT.

Your profile

• MSc in Biochemistry, Developmental Biology, Biophysical Chemistry or a related field, with excellent results, qualifying for doctoral admission
• Good knowledge of molecular biochemistry, fluorescence microscopy and/or bioluminescence experiments applied to cell biology
• Basic cell-culture skills; experience with cellular differentiation models is an asset
• Strong project organisation, communication and collaborative skills
• MSCA mobility rule: normally no more than 12 months of residence/main activity in the recruiting country during the 36 months before recruitment
• Motivation for multidisciplinary international research, hands-on experimental work, secondment, publications, conferences and dissemination
• Operational Language Requirements: Excellent knowledge of English is required

Academic Eligibility (Thesis):

Applicants must demonstrate at least B2-level proficiency in the language of their thesis. For details and accepted certificates, please visit the Application for admission - Doctoral Candidates.

We offer

• A modern, dynamic university with a personal and inclusive atmosphere. Multilingual and international character. Staff coming from more than 90 countries. Member of The Guild of European Research Intensive Universities
• An exceptional research environment, supported by skilled staff and high-quality equipment. Strong links to professional sectors and the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban campus with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and a wide range of non-academic partners including ministries, local governments, associations, and NGOs
• MSCA remuneration package: Living Allowance + Mobility Allowance + Family Allowance, if eligible; subject to social security and taxation
• International training, networking, conferences and an interdisciplinary supervisory environment

How to apply

Important Application Instructions

Please note that applications must be submitted exclusively through the FlexCAT Recruitment Portal: https://phd-recruiting.medunigraz.at/. When accessing this website, please follow the steps below to complete your application:

1. Select the project "DC11/Abankwa/Uni Luxemburg - Restoring aberrant cell differentiation with peptidic β-catenin ligands."
2. Click "Login to apply" (or register for an account if you do not already have one) and follow the online application instructions

Please note that applications submitted through any other channel, including by email, cannot be considered.