Research project 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
• DC 6: NN
• Learn more about this position at EURAXESS

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. 

Objectives

The PhD student will be involved in Work Package 1 (WP1) of the SHEILD network “Clinical aspects of implant-associated infection” which has the following overall objectives:

• determine the pathogenesis of implant associated infections (IAIs) and adverse tissue response associated with bone conduction hearing implants (BCHI) by evaluating host, bacterial and clinical factors
• identify determinants and biomarkers for IAI and adverse tissue outcomes associated with bone conduction hearing implants (BCHI)
• optimise preventive clinical practices for reducing the occurrence of diverse tissue reactions and infection
• improve the clinical management of BCHI with effective diagnostic methods and treatment protocols.

The overall purpose of this research project is to identify biomarkers and develop effective antimicrobial strategies to prevent infection and inflammation related to hearing implants.

This PhD project aims to identify determinants of IAI associated with hearing implants by investigating associations between proteomics, microbial profile and clinical outcome by analysing a large pool of banked biosamples. 

Research activities include:

• Identifying biomarkers (cellular and microbial) determining tissue health following implantation
• Developing and validating non-invasive sampling and analytical methods which can be applied both in clinical observation (studies and routine care) and in an innovative pathway for personalised preventative care.
• Evaluating the effect of moving treatment from the operating room to a treatment room using a prospective sampling study (proteomics, microbiome, clinical outcome data).
• Investigating associations between surgical technique, treatment location and patient factors.
• Optimisation of treatment of adverse soft tissue reactions by refining postoperative maintenance strategies aiming to develop tailored protocols for the prevention of IAI.
• The person taking on the project will need to work closely with the clinical teams and the patients and to do laboratory and computer-based work. A clinical qualification is not a requirement. 

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.

Expected Results