PhD Student Position in Infection Biology (Biofilm-related Infections in Orthopaedic Implants) – SHIELD Doctoral Network, AO Research Institute Davos AO Research Institute Davos in Switzerland

This PhD position at AO Research Institute Davos (ARI), Switzerland, is part of the SHIELD Doctoral Network, a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions program focused on strategies for healing implant-associated infections and enhancing device longevity. The project, DC16, investigates advanced approaches to understanding biofilm-related infections in orthopaedic implants, specifically chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm infections. The research aims to establish robust in vitro and in vivo models to study biofilm resilience and evaluate combination therapies, addressing the significant clinical challenge posed by antibiotic tolerance and immune evasion in chronic infections. Key activities include characterizing mature P. aeruginosa biofilms on titanium and other surfaces, quantifying biomass and metabolic activity, identifying resilient subpopulations, analyzing gene expression of resistance and virulence factors, and investigating synergistic effects of antibiotics and small molecule inhibitors.

The project also involves developing and validating a zebrafish model for chronic biofilm infections, optimizing infection parameters, using live imaging and immunological assays, and testing treatment strategies. The successful candidate will benefit from research secondments at SHIELD partner institutions in Germany and Ireland, participation in specialized training workshops, and international conferences.

The position offers a full-time employment contract for 36 months, generous social benefits, supplementary vacation days, pension scheme contributions, and support for continued education. Applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent in Microbiology, Biotechnology, clinical sciences, or a related field, have experience with experimental research, and demonstrate excellent English proficiency. Eligibility criteria include not having been awarded a doctoral degree, being within the first four years of research career, and meeting mobility rules regarding residence in Switzerland. The SHIELD network provides an interdisciplinary and international research environment, integrating basic, preclinical, and clinical studies across orthopaedics, otology, and odontology.

Applications must be submitted online with a motivation letter, CV, and references. For further information, contact Dr.

Fintan Moriarty at ARI.