PhD Student Infection Biology (ID1854)
Davos Platz
Key information
- Publication date:05 November 2025
- Workload:100%
- Contract type:Unlimited employment
- Place of work:Davos Platz
Job summary
Join the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network SHIELD, focusing on advanced biofilm research.
Tasks
- Establish in vitro and in vivo models for chronic P. aeruginosa biofilms.
- Characterize biofilms on titanium, analyzing resilience and treatment options.
- Develop a zebrafish model to study biofilm dynamics and immune evasion.
Skills
- A strong background in microbiology and molecular biology is required.
- Experience with imaging techniques and host-pathogen studies is essential.
- Ability to conduct research in international settings and workshops.
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DC16: Advanced approaches to understanding biofilm-related infections in orthopaedic implants: from in vitro to in vivo models
Join the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network SHIELD (Strategies for Healing Implant-associated infections and Enhancing Longevity in Devices) and contribute to cutting-edge research aimed at combating implant-associated infections.
Objectives: This PhD project aims to establish robust in vitro and in vivo models of chronic P. aeruginosa biofilm infections, with a focus on understanding biofilm resilience and evaluating combination therapies. Chronic infections caused by P. aeruginosa pose a significant challenge due to their antibiotic tolerance and immune evasion capabilities. The project will integrate microbiology, molecular biology, imaging, and host-pathogen interaction studies to inform therapeutic development.
Research activities include:
Characterizing mature P. aeruginosa biofilms on titanium and other surfaces:
- Quantifying biomass, structure, and metabolic activity
- Identifying resilient subpopulations and extracellular matrix components
- Analyzing gene expression of resistance and virulence factors
Investigating synergistic effects of antibiotics and small molecule inhibitors:
- Assessing biofilm tolerance to anti-pseudomonal agents
- Evaluating combination treatments for biofilm prevention and eradication
Developing and validating a zebrafish model for chronic biofilm infections:
- Optimizing infection parameters for biofilm formation on implants
- Using live imaging and immunological assays to monitor infection dynamics
- Testing treatment strategies and studying immune evasion mechanisms
Training and mobility:
- Research secondments at SHIELD partner institutions:
- University Hospital Regensburg (Germany)
- University College Cork (Ireland)
Participation in specialised training workshops and international conferences.
