Apply Now - Doctoral Candidate 3 - University Hospital Regensburg, Germany

Short description: DC3 will investigate 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 characterise phenotypic changes linked to biofilm persistence and the transition to mature, drug-tolerant communities. 

As part of the project, in vivo infection models, like 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-associated implant infections and support the development of clinically applicable antimicrobial strategies targeting resistant pathogens.

APPLY HERE: Regensburg University Hospital, Germany  - Application Deadline: 30 Nov 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin)

Learn more about this position at EURAWESS: Doctoral Candidate (PhD student position) at University Hospital Regensburg, Germany / DC3 - SHIELD Doctoral Network

• More information at SHIELD's web page about Research Project 3

Training and mobility:

Research secondments at SHIELD partner institutions:

• CBE: Industrial-standard biofilm quantification assays – Garth James
• UCD: Advanced microscopy for biofilm architecture – Tadhg Ó Cróinín
• ARI: Rodent infection models for chronic biofilms – Fintan Moriarty
• Participation in specialised training workshops and international conferences.

This PhD position is part of the European Doctoral Network “SHIELD” (Strategies for Healing Implant-associated infections and Enhancing Longevity in Devices), led by the University of Gothenburg. 

SHIELD offers an exciting opportunity for 16 early-career researchers to contribute to transforming the management of infections associated with 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.