Doctoral Candidate 3
Short description
This project deals with - Establishment of in vivo chronic orthopaedic device related staphylococcal infection models.
DC 3:
- Host institution: KLINIKUM DER UNIVERSITÄT REGENSBURG (UHREG), Germany
Department: Trauma Surgery - Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Martijn Riool, e-mail: Martijn.Riool@klinik.uni-regensburg.de
- Research Project 3
Project Description
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. 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)
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.
Learn more about this position at EURAXESS
More information about the Doctoral positions at this EURAXESS's link