Doctoral Candidate position (PhD student) (f/m/d)

Doctoral Candidate position (PhD student) (f/m/d)

At the Laboratory for Experimental Trauma Surgery.

The position is to be filled full-time (38.5 h/ week), limited to 30,5 month, starting from October 1, 2026.

Regensburg University Hospital leads the field in research, teaching and patient care. We employ 5000 dedicated colleagues, who provide first rate medical care for the whole of Eastern Bavaria. We offer cutting-edge medicine, and our top professionals have access to the latest and best equipment. We are committed to the highest level of medical and nursing care for our patients, and to a teamwork that respects and values our personnel.

Doctoral Candidate 3 (DC3): Establishment of in vivo chronic orthopaedic device-related staphylococcal infection models

This position is advertised as a replacement for the current DC3 doctoral position within the SHIELD project.

This PhD project aims at investigating biofilm maturation and antibiotic tolerance on metal surfaces, including titanium and stainless steel. The focus will be on clinically relevant pathogens associated with orthopaedic device-related infections, such as Staphylococcus aureus. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with the AO Research Institute (ARI, Dr. Fintan Moriarty), ensuring strong translational and preclinical relevance. Advanced in vitro biofilm models that mimic physiological conditions will be used to quantify biomass, analyse gene expression, and characterize phenotypic changes linked to biofilm persistence and the transition to mature, drug-tolerant communities. As part of the project, in vivo infection models, such as Galleria mellonella larvae and mice, will be used to evaluate biofilm dissemination, systemic spread, and host immune responses, with particular attention to immune evasion and inflammation. By integrating molecular and cellular analyses with preclinical models, the project aims to advance understanding of biofilm-associated implant infections and support the development of clinically applicable antimicrobial strategies targeting resistant pathogens.

Your profile

We are seeking a highly motivated and curious doctoral candidate (M/F/D) with a strong interest in microbiology, infection biology, and biofilm research, particularly in the context of orthopaedic device-related infections. Applicants should hold a Masters degree in biology, microbiology, biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field. Experience with microbial culture techniques, molecular biology, animal models, and/or standardized microbiological testing methods is a strong advantage. We are looking for an independent, analytical, and creative researcher with excellent communication skills in English, a collaborative mindset, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary and translational research in an international environment.

In accordance with the mobility rules of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Germany for more than 12 months during the past 3 years prior to recruitment. The candidate must not already be in the possession of a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.

The Laboratory of Experimental Trauma Surgery provides the opportunity to work at the interface of trauma surgery and microbiology, one of the most dynamic and rapidly advancing areas in biomedical research. We offer a stimulating, supportive, and international environment where you can develop your scientif