Prof espagnol Offres d'emploi - Suisse

PhD Student Infection Biology and Biomedical Materials (ID2106)
The AO is a medically guided, not-for-profit organization, a global network of surgeons, and the world's leading education, innovation, and research organization specializing in the surgical treatment of trauma and musculoskeletal disorders. We are home to people from all over the world, from different backgrounds, with diverse talents and specialist areas. What binds us together is our passion for excellence, our dedication to our mission of improving patient care, and our understanding that we are stronger together: we are one AO.
For more information, visit: /
PhD Student Infection Biology and Biomedical Materials (ID2106)
Short Description
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 (Prof. Mantel).
The Ph.D. student will be formally affiliated with the University of Fribourg and will be co-supervised by Prof. Walch, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science and Medicine at the University of Fribourg.
Fracture-related infection (FRI) remains a major clinical challenge despite current prophylactic strategies. Increasing evidence shows that early infection establishment is driven by rapid formation of Staphylococcus aureus microaggregates and transient impairment of neutrophil antibacterial function following trauma.
The PREPARE project aims to address this problem by:
Defining the earliest events enabling bacterial survival in the surgical field (aggregate formation, fibrin encapsulation, antibiotic tolerance)
Identifying small-molecule immunomodulators that enhance neutrophil antibacterial activity
Contributing to the development of next-generation responsive biomaterials for localized infection prevention
Start of work: Position will remain open until role is filled, preferred start by October 2026.
Duration: 4 years
Main Responsibilities
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
Main 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
Additional desirable skills:
Experience working with primary immune cells (especially neutrophils)
Familiarity with 3D cell culture or infection models
Knowledge of bacterial physiology, antibiotic tolerance, or biofilms
Experience with advanced imaging or transcriptomic approaches
Interest in translational research and biomaterials-based therapeutic strategies
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 pagacke of social benefits, including supplementary vacation days and pension scheme contributions
Internal skills training opportunities and support for continued education jidc24646fa jit0730a jiy26a