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• The AO is a medically guided, not-for-profit organization, a global network of surgeons, and the world's leading education, innovation, and research organization specializing in the surgical treatment of trauma and musculoskeletal disorders. We are home to people from all over the world, from different backgrounds, with diverse talents and specialist areas. What binds us together is our passion for excellence, our dedication to our mission of improving patient care, and our understanding that we are stronger together: we are one AO., For more information, visit:
• The contributes high quality applied preclinical research and development within trauma and disorders of the musculoskeletal system and translation of this knowledge, as well as investigates and improves the performance of surgical procedures, devices, and substances to achieve more effective patient care worldwide. It fosters a close relationship with the AO’s medical community, academic societies, and universities and provides a research environment and support for AO clinicians
• This PhD position is part of the European Doctoral Network “” (). Structured around three core scientific pillars—, , —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 , , and , integrating basic research with preclinical and clinical studies

Strategies for Healing Implant-associated infections and Enhancing Longevity in Devices

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

Join the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-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

Research activities include:

• Characterizing mature 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
• Participation in specialised training workshops and international conferences

Education Level:

• Master's degree or bachelor degree
• 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 (PhD student, regular full-time employment contract). Ideal start date March 2026
• 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
• An interesting and varied job in an exciting and innovative organization
• The opportunity to be part of a highly committed international team