PhD Position in Biology

About this position:

We're excited to announce an open Ph.D. position in Konstantinos Tripsianes's Research Group!

Applications are invited for the position in the research group of Konstantinos Tripsianes, Ph.D. Dishevelled (DVL) is the central hub of Wnt signal transduction that integrates and transduces upstream signals through distinct cytoplasmic cascades. Looking at the many DVL faces reported in literature, three salient features underlying its function in signaling can be highlighted: (1) it interacts with more than seventy binding partners, (2) it is heavily phosphorylated at multiple sites by at least eight different kinases, in particular by Ck1ε/δ after Wnt stimulation, and (3) it consistently forms puncta in the cytosol, that are phase-separated self-assemblies also called liquid droplets.

Our working hypothesis is that DVL conformational plasticity mediated by the order-disorder interactions allows the combinatorial integration of phosphorylation input, partners binding, self-assembly in droplets, and allosteric coupling, to exquisitely control signal routing. We integrate structural biology (NMR, SAXS, X-ray, MS-HDX) and biophysical techniques (FRET, ITC, BLI) with cellular readouts (TopFlash, BRET) to understand DVL structure, function, and regulation.

Candidates can choose among three open questions, that if resolved, will have significant impact on Wnt research.

1) Does disorder provide new contexts to structured domain(s) and, hence, enhance the DVL functional space associated with them?

2) Is there a direction, order or hierarchy in the phosphorylation of individual S/T sites and clusters in DVL?

3) What are the physical behaviors associated with intrinsic disorder and their connection to DVL liquid-liquid phase separation?

The ideal candidate profile: 

Must have: 

• MSc or equivalent degree (preferably in Life Sciences)
• Strong interest in structural biology and biomolecular NMR applications
• Experience in structural biology, biochemistry and molecular biology methods
• Programming skills is a strong plus
• English proficiency – oral and written

Nice-to-have:   

• Good communication and interpersonal skills, team player
• Motivation and curiosity-driven mindset

What we provide to you: 

• Open access to CEITEC MU core facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and experienced staff
• Full-time fixed-term contract for one year, with the possibility of extension
• An attractive salary condition
• Flexible working hours
• Support for further education and professional development 
• Benefits package: 6 weeks of paid holiday, medical insurance, financial contribution to meal and kindergarten/pension scheme, Multisport card, mental health care, sports lessons directly at the campus 
• Kindergarten Elánek in Campus
• Support in these areas:
  • Welcome Office service before and after arrival 
  • Grant Office support 
  • Postdoc Peer Committee  
  • CEITEC events – workshops, conferences, lectures, training, family gathering etc. 

How to apply? 

Application deadline: 30.4.2025

Start date: 1.5.2025 or by negotiation

Applications, including a CV, motivation letter, list of publications, and contacts for at least two references should be sent an e-application.

Any troubles with the e-application, please contact Petra Linhartova (petra.linhartova@ceitec.muni.cz)