Doctoral Candidate (PhD student position in biomaterial science) at University of Torino, Italy[...]

Organisation/Company University of Torino Department Department of Chemistry Research Field Chemistry » Applied chemistry Biological sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Italy Application Deadline 15 Oct 2025 - 12:00 (Europe/Rome) 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 2020 Reference Number 101226717 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

DC13: Development of Biocompatible and Antimicrobial Ti Alloys for Implants

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.

Objectives: Commercial Ti-based alloys present challenges such as high elastic modulus and potential toxicity from released elements. To address these, novel aspects will be explored: (i) development of Ti-based amorphous and β-Ti alloys with non-toxic compositions and enhanced biocompatibility; (ii) alloys with tuneable Young’s modulus for improved mechanical biofunctionality; (iii) advanced processing techniques for personalised implant shapes; (iv) development of nanoscale topographical patterns, through dealloying and anodisation, to prevent biofilm formation. In detail, DC13 will (1) Develop Ti–Cu–Zr–Pd and Ti–Zr–Ta–Si amorphous alloys with high glass forming ability and non-toxic compositions; (2) Apply physicochemical surface treatments to create nanoscale patterns that inhibit bacterial adhesion; (3) Assess the mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility of the alloys; (4) Evaluate in vitro antimicrobial properties of the materials, in-chemico antimicrobial activity (reactive oxygen species, Fenton chemistry, free- and surface radicals, peroxidation of biomolecules), and biocompatibility using cellular membrane models including blood.

This PhD project aims to enhance the knowledge on the biocompatible Ti based alloys composition and synthesis with advanced techniques and measure their properties. An in-depth study of the mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility of the alloys will be addressed. Moreover, the surface patterning will be considered and novel processes for antibacterial properties enhancement will be applied to the advanced biocompatible Ti based alloys previously produced. In vitro antimicrobial properties of the materials, in-chemico antimicrobial activity, and biocompatibility using cellular membrane models including blood will be assessed.

Research activities include:

• Developing advanced Ti based amorphous and crystalline alloys
• Evaluate the properties of the Ti based alloys with different experimental techniques
• Design surfaces with enhanced antibacterial properties
• Evaluate the cytocompatibility and the antibacterial activity of the produced alloys and surfaces.

Training and mobility:

• Research secondments at SHIELD partner institutions:
  • Anthogyr SAS
  • Universitat Autonoma De Barcelona
  • Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1

How to apply*

Website:Formal applications must be submitted through this link: forms.gle/Zcx7ghfAQweL2UoG9

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

• Motivation Letter (describingresearch career goals, skills, experience, andhighlighting the consistency between the candidate’s profile and the chosen DC position)
• A complete Curriculum Vitae with references to past research and training experiences
• Copies of Bachelor and Master’s certificates/diploma & academic transcripts
• Two Reference Letters
• Publications (if available)
• A short self-interview video (maximum 90 seconds and 100MB) in which you describe yourself, your education, your scientific interests, why you are applying for the DC13 position within the SHIELD project and how will you contribute to the success of the project?

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: Chemistry, Materials sciences

• Applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent in Chemistry or Materials Science 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

Research Field Chemistry » Applied chemistry

Additional Information

The appointment will be on a temporary basis for a maximum period of 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.
• 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.

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 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 theSHIELD 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.