Doctoral Candidate (PhD student position) at University Hospital Regensburg, Germany / DC3 - SH[...]

University Hospital Regensburg; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 55.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A prestigious research institution in Germany seeks a highly motivated doctoral candidate to explore implant-associated infections. This PhD project focuses on biofilm maturation and antibiotic tolerance, utilizing advanced in vitro models and in vivo infection studies. Applicants should possess a Master's degree in relevant fields and have a strong interest in microbiology. The position offers a full-time contract for up to 36 months with an attractive salary package.

Leistungen

Attractive salary package

Research secondments

Qualifikationen

• Strong interest in microbiology, infection biology, and biofilm research.
• Hold a Master’s degree related to the field.
• Experience in relevant scientific techniques is a strong advantage.

Aufgaben

• Investigate biofilm maturation and antibiotic tolerance on metal surfaces.
• Conduct experiments in collaboration with institutional partners.
• Analyze and quantify biofilm persistence and immune response.

Kenntnisse

Microbial culture techniques

Molecular biology

Antimicrobial testing

Animal infection models

Excellent communication skills in English

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in biology, microbiology, biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology

Jobbeschreibung

Laboratory for Experimental Trauma Surgery

Organisation/Company University Hospital Regensburg Department Laboratory for Experimental Trauma Surgery Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Germany Application Deadline 30 Nov 2025 - 00:00 (Europe/Berlin) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Reference Number 101226717 Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101226717 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

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.

Doctoral Candidate 3 (DC3): Establishment of in vivo chronic orthopaedic device‑related staphylococcal infection models.

This PhD project aims at investigating biofilm maturation and antibiotic tolerance on metal surfaces, including titanium and stainless steel. The focus will be on clinically relevant pathogens associated with orthopaedic device‑related infections, such as Staphylococcus aureus. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with the AO Research Institute (ARI, Dr. Fintan Moriarty), ensuring strong translational and preclinical relevance. Advanced in vitro biofilm models that mimic physiological conditions will be used to quantify biomass, analyse gene expression, and characterize phenotypic changes linked to biofilm persistence and the transition to mature, drug‑tolerant communities. As part of the project, in vivo infection models, such as Galleria mellonella larvae and mice, will be used to evaluate biofilm dissemination, systemic spread, and host immune responses, with particular attention to immune evasion and inflammation. By integrating molecular and cellular analyses with preclinical models, the project aims to advance understanding of biofilm‑as

Training and mobility:

Research secondments at SHIELD partner institutions:

• CBE : Industrial-standard biofilm quantification assays – Garth James
• ARI : Rodent infection models for chronic biofilms – Fintan Moriarty

Interested candidates should send an application containing the following documents in English (and, when necessary, a certified translation of official documents):

• Motivation letter describing research interests, career goals, relevant skills and experience, and explaining how the candidate’s profile aligns with the advertised DC position.
• Complete Curriculum Vitae (CV) with details of previous research and training experience, and contact information for references.

Note: If you are applying for a different DC position within SHIELD Doctoral network, please follow the instructions provided by the hosting organization. These instructions can be found in the specific link associated with each DC position.

* The recruiting organization may decide to interview only those applicants who appear from the information available, to be the most suitable, in terms of experience, qualifications and other requirements of the position.

Research Field: Medical sciences, Biological sciences

We are seeking a highly motivated and curious doctoral candidate (M/F/D) with a strong interest in microbiology, infection biology, biofilm, and antimicrobial research, particularly in the context of medical device‑associated infections. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in biology, microbiology, biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, or a related field. Experience with microbial culture techniques, molecular biology, antimicrobial testing, biomaterials, and/or animal infection models is a strong advantage. We are looking for an independent, analytical, and creative researcher with excellent communication skills in English, a collaborative mindset, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary and translational research in an international environment.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Additional Information

The appointment will be on a temporary basis for a maximum period 36 months (PhD student, regular full‑time employment contract), with an attractive salary plus allowances package according to the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie / Innovative Training Networks rules.

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.
• 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.

Additional comments

For additional information about this DC position, please contact the scientist‑in‑charge/supervisor:

Some background material about host institution & research group can be found here:

This PhD position is part of the European Doctoral Network “SHIELD” (Strategies for Healing Implant‑associated infections and Enhancing Longevity in Devices). SHIELD offers an exciting opportunity for 16 early‑career researchers to contribute to transforming the management of infections associated to medical implants. Focused on addressing the challenges posed by implant‑associated infections (IAIs), SHIELD aims to deepen our understanding of IAI mechanisms and develop innovative antibacterial biomaterials to improve patient outcomes.

Structured around three core scientific pillars—regenerative medicine, biomaterial science, and 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 offers the opportunity to 16 talented doctoral candidates (DCs) to pursue a PhD within the Network at different universities and industrial companies from 26 institutions across 11 countries (France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States)

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

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