This PhD position is part of the European Doctoral Network “SHIELD” (Strategies for Healing Implant-associated infections and Enhancing Longevity in Devices). SHIELD offers an exciting opportunity for 16 early-career researchers to contribute to transforming the management of infections associated to medical implants. Focused on addressing the challenges posed by implant-associated infections (IAIs), SHIELD aims to deepen our understanding of IAI mechanisms and develop innovative antibacterial biomaterials to improve patient outcomes.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.ObjectivesThis PhD project aims to prepare and characterize nanostructured biofilm-repellent surfaces on titanium implants, to evaluate the clinical performance of biomimetic and personalized macroscopic designs for soft-tissue healing using in vitro models of bacterial adhesion and fibroblast proliferation in collaboration with University of Gothenburg and in-vitro dental polymicrobial biofilm model in collaboration with University of Oslo, and, finally, to evaluate these approaches using in vivo models through rigorous animal and/or clinical studies in collaboration with Hospices Civils de Lyon.Research activities include:
Characterization of nanostructured surfaces
Simulating biofilm model/host interactions via a flow cell co-culture system with bacterias and fibroblasts
Assessing the effectiveness of customised, anatomically shaped devices using in vitro and/or animal models
Develop and conduct an interventional study protocol on patients to compare the most effective nanostructured surface with a polished reference surface at individual implant sites.
Training and mobility:
Research secondments at SHIELD partner institutions:
-University of Gothenburg (Sweden)-University of Oslo (Norway)- Hospices Civils de Lyon (France)
Participation in specialised training workshops and international conferences.
Required Education Level
Research Field: Medical sciences and Dentistry
Education Level: Master's degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications/Specific requirements:
Applicants must have completed a dentistry training (DDS) with a first experience in research
Alternatively, applicants should hold a Master's degree or equivalent in microbiology, biotechnology or medical sciences or similar providing access to PhD programs and should have experience with experimental research and dentistry/implantology
Applicants must have excellent proficiency in written and spoken English
Applicants must have a good French language level (B2 level minimum)
Strong motivation and ability to collaborate in an interdisciplinary and international team
Background information on all DC positions and the SHIELD Doctoral Network is available on:--
