This project deals with -Development of bacteriophage-based therapies for infection prevention in bone conduction hearing implants.
This PhD project focuses on the biological evaluation of hydrogel-based systems designed for the localized delivery of bacteriophages or antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to treat bacterial infections associated with bone conduction hearing implants (BCHI). These delivery systems will be applied to both metallic and polymeric surfaces, including components such as polymer healing caps, percutaneous titanium abutments, and silicone-based transcutaneous devices.
The project will investigate phage and AMP stability, release kinetics, and antibacterial efficacy against biofilm-forming pathogens using advanced in vitro infection models that closely mimic physiological conditions. Complementary in vivo studies will assess therapeutic efficacy and host immune responses. Conducted in close collaboration with clinical and biomaterials experts, including Oticon Medical (Dr. Martin Johansson), this interdisciplinary project aims to advance the development of targeted antimicrobial therapies to improve infection management in BCHI patients and reduce implant-related complications.
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 / DC9 - SHIELD Doctoral Network
Training and mobility:
Research secondments at SHIELD partner institutions:
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.
