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This PhD position is part of the PREPARE project (Programmable Release of Prophylactic Antibacterial & Response Enhancing agents), a collaborative initiative between the Infection Biology and Biomedical Materials Focus Areas at the AO Research Institute Davos and CK CARE. The Ph.D. student will be formally affiliated with the University of Fribourg and co-supervised by Prof. Michael Walch, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science and Medicine at the University of Fribourg. The PREPARE project aims to address fracture-related infection (FRI), a major clinical challenge, by investigating early infection events and developing next-generation responsive biomaterials for localized infection prevention.

Tasks

  • Establish and optimise advanced 3D in vitro infection models (e.g. staphylococcal abscess communities)
  • Investigate early events in infection establishment, including bacterial aggregation, fibrin encapsulation, and antibiotic tolerance
  • Characterise neutrophil–bacteria interactions, including phagocytosis, ROS production, and bacterial killing
  • Identify and evaluate immunomodulatory compounds that enhance neutrophil function
  • Perform cell culture and co-culture experiments using primary human neutrophils and bacterial pathogens
  • Apply advanced techniques including confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and molecular assays
  • Analyse and interpret complex experimental datasets
  • Contribute to interdisciplinary collaboration with biomaterials researchers within the PREPARE project

Requirements

  • Master’s degree in microbiology, infection biology, immunology, or a related life science discipline
  • Practical experience in microbiology and/or host–pathogen interaction studies
  • Experience with cell culture and immunological assays (e.g. flow cytometry, microscopy)
  • Strong interest in infection biology, innate immunity, and translational research
  • Ability to design, plan, and execute experimental studies independently
  • Excellent communication skills in English
  • Motivation to work in a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative environment
  • Experience working with primary immune cells (especially neutrophils) (desirable)
  • Familiarity with 3D cell culture or infection models (desirable)
  • Knowledge of bacterial physiology, antibiotic tolerance, or biofilms (desirable)
  • Experience with advanced imaging or transcriptomic approaches (desirable)
  • Interest in translational research and biomaterials-based therapeutic strategies (desirable)

Benefits

  • An interesting and varied job in an exciting and innovative organization
  • The opportunity to be part of a highly committed international team
  • Modern infrastructure
  • High degree of flexibility regarding working hours and location (depending on operational requirements)
  • Generous package of social benefits, including supplementary vacation days and pension scheme contributions
  • Internal skills training opportunities and support for continued education
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Über uns
AO Foundation ist eine weltweit tätige, gemeinnützige Organisation im Bereich der chirurgischen Behandlung von Verletzungen und Erkrankungen des Bewegungsapparats. Die Organisation betreibt Forschung, entwickelt medizinische Technologien und bietet Aus- und Weiterbildungsprogramme für Fachpersonen im Gesundheitswesen an. AO Foundation vernetzt ein globales Netzwerk von Ärztinnen, Ärzten und Forschenden und fördert die Weiterentwicklung von Behandlungsmethoden sowie die Verbesserung der Patientenversorgung.
Das Team

The AO is home to people from all over the world, from different backgrounds, with diverse talents and specialist areas. The AO Research Institute Davos fosters a close relationship with the AO’s medical community, academic societies, and universities, and provides a research environment and support for AO clinicians. The PREPARE project involves interdisciplinary collaboration with biomaterials researchers and CK CARE.

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