PhD Student Infection Biology (ID1854)

This PhD position is part of the European Doctoral Network "SHIELD" (Strategies for Healing Implant-associated infections and Enhancing Longevity in Devices). Structured around three core scientific pillars—regenerative medicine, biomaterial science, and translational research models—SHIELD supports research on therapeutic strategies, novel antimicrobial materials, and experimental models that bridge laboratory discoveries to clinical applications. The program emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration across orthopaedics, otology, and odontology, integrating basic research with preclinical and clinical studies.

SHIELD (Strategies for Healing Implant-associated infections and Enhancing Longevity in Devices) is a Marie Sk?odowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101226717.

Background information on all DC positions and the SHIELD Doctoral Network is available on:

• http://www.shield-dn.eu
• https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/hosting/16-phd-positions-available-highly-motivated-early-career-researchers-be-part-new-msca

DC16: Advanced approaches to understanding biofilm-related infections in orthopaedic implants: from in vitro to in vivo models

Join the prestigious Marie Sk?odowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network SHIELD (Strategies for Healing Implant-associated infections and Enhancing Longevity in Devices) and contribute to cutting-edge research aimed at combating implant-associated infections.

Objectives: This PhD project aims to establish robust in vitro and in vivo models of chronic P. aeruginosa biofilm infections, with a focus on understanding biofilm resilience and evaluating combination therapies. Chronic infections caused by P. aeruginosa pose a significant challenge due to their antibiotic tolerance and immune evasion capabilities. The project will integrate microbiology, molecular biology, imaging, and host-pathogen interaction studies to inform therapeutic development.

Research activities include:

Characterizing mature P. aeruginosa biofilms on titanium and other surfaces:

• Quantifying biomass, structure, and metabolic activity
• Identifying resilient subpopulations and extracellular matrix components
• Analyzing gene expression of resistance and virulence factors

Investigating synergistic effects of antibiotics and small molecule inhibitors:

• Assessing biofilm tolerance to anti-pseudomonal agents
• Evaluating combination treatments for biofilm prevention and eradication

Developing and validating a zebrafish model for chronic biofilm infections:

• Optimizing infection parameters for biofilm formation on implants
• Using live imaging and immunological assays to monitor infection dynamics
• Testing treatment strategies and studying immune evasion mechanisms

Training and mobility:

• Research secondments at SHIELD partner institutions:

• • University Hospital Regensburg (Germany)
  • University College Cork (Ireland)
• Participation in specialised training workshops and international conferences

Research Field:

• Biological Sciences

Education Level:

• Master's degree or bachelor degree  

Skills/Qualifications/Specific requirements:

• Applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent in Microbiology, Biotechnology, clinical sciences or similar providing access to PhD programs and should have experience with experimental research
• Applicants must have excellent proficiency in written and spoken English
• Strong motivation and ability to collaborate in an interdisciplinary and international team
• The appointment will be on a temporary basis for a maximum period of 36 months (PhD student, regular full-time employment contract). Ideal start date March 2026

Eligibility Criteria:

• Have not been awarded a doctoral degree. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible
• Career Stage: Applicants must be within the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers at the date of recruitment. This is measured from the date they obtained the degree that formally entitles them to pursue a doctorate
• Mobility Rule: Candidates must not have resided or conducted their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the host organization's country for more than 12 months within the three years immediately preceding their recruitment
• Nationality: Researchers from any country are eligible, including those from non-European countries

• An interesting and varied job in an exciting and innovative organization
• The opportunity to be part of a highly committed international team
• Modern infrastructure
• High degree of flexibility regarding working hours and location (depending on operational requirements)
• Generous pagacke of social benefits, including supplementary vacation days and pension scheme contributions
• Internal skills training opportunities and support for continued education