Research project 1

• Host institution: GÖTEBORGS UNIVERSITET (UGOT), Sweden 
  Biomaterials, Orthopaedics, Infectious diseases
• Supervisor: Professor/ Chief Physician, O. Rolfson 
   e-mail: ola.rolfson@gu.se
• DC 1: NN

Project Description

Short description: DC1 will analyse data from orthopaedic registers to identify how patient factors, surgical techniques, and prosthetic materials influence infection rates. The project will also study tissue antibiotic levels using microdialysis, optimise cloxacillin dosing, and develop diagnostic methods to mimic biofilms on titanium implants to improve prophylactic strategies against implant infections.

Learn more about this position at EURAWESS

Objectives

This PhD project aims to optimise infection prophylaxis and management strategies in hip and knee arthroplasty through a combination of registry-based epidemiological studies, in vitro modelling of biofilm behaviour, and in vivo investigations of antibiotic pharmacokinetics and efficacy. The project is part of the SHIELD doctoral network; a European consortium focused on Strategies for Healing Implant-associated infections and Enhancing Longevity in Devices. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, SHIELD aims to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical application by addressing IAIs in orthopaedics, otology, and odontology.

Research activities include:

To evaluate clinical and experimental data to identify risk factors for prosthetic joint infection (PJI), assess the efficacy of antibiotic treatment against biofilms formed on implant-relevant materials, and refine prophylactic antibiotic protocols to ensure optimal tissue concentrations during surgery. The PhD student will utilise national and international arthroplasty registry data, adapt in vitro diagnostic tools such as the Minimum Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC) assay, and employ micro-dialysis techniques in both clinical settings and an in vivo PJI model to evaluate systemic antibiotic delivery at the target site. By combining clinical epidemiology, microbiology, and translational pharmacology, the PhD student will contribute to the development of targeted, evidence-based strategies for infection prevention in joint arthroplasty. 

Training and mobility:

Research secondments at SHIELD partner institutions:

• University Hospital Regensburg (Germany)
• Heraeus Medical (Germany)
• The University of Birmingham (United Kingdom)

Participation in specialised training workshops and international conferences.

Expected Results

More information about the Doctoral positions at this EURAXESS's link