Doctoral Candidate 6

DC 6: 

• Host institution: University of Birmingham (UoB), UK
  Department: The Periodontal Research Group (PRG)
• Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Melissa Grant, e-mail: m.m.grant@bham.ac.uk
• More contact: 
  Mr. Peter Monksfield, email: Peter.Monksfield@uhb.nhs.u
  Prof. Martin Johansson martin.johansson@biomaterials.gu.se
• Research Project 6

Project Description

DC6 will analyse biosamples to identify determinants of adverse tissue outcomes associated with bone conduction hearing implants (BCHI). Using clinical data, microbiome analysis, and tissue biopsies, the project aims to develop objective measures of implant health and refine patient risk profiles. This will inform personalised treatment strategies and evaluate how surgical setting and techniques influence microbiota, proteomics, and biomarkers related to implant adverse outcomes. 

The application is closed  / Application Deadline 16 Oct 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/London)

Training and mobility:

The training objective of the doctoral network is to equip young researchers with scientific, technical, and transferable skills to enhance their employability in academia or industry. Network-wide Training Events will provide complementary knowledge, multidisciplinary experience, and transferable skills: ethics & research integrity, scientific writing, communication & dissemination, leadership, project management, team skills & Networking, IPR & regulatory affairs for medical device certification, business entrepreneurship & innovation, career planning, opportunities, job hunting & interview skills, and grant applications. Secondments at host institutions in the field of IAIs will allow DCs to move between sectors (industry-academia-hospital) and gain valuable experience. Regarding the scientific skills, the PhD student will engage in clinical trials in Ear Nose and Throat and gain experience in translational research, focusing on enhancing the clinical outcome of BCHI by identifying biomarkers associated with infection/inflammation. The PhD student will have a Personal Career Development Plan (PDCP) tailored to the student’s needs, detailing the study program, training, research project, secondments, and publication strategies. It will be reviewed every six months.

Research secondments at SHIELD partner institutions:

• University of Gothenburg (Sweden)
• Oticon Medical AB (Sweden)
• 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