PhD Student Biomedical Materials (ID1892)

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The contributes high quality applied preclinical research and development within trauma and disorders of the musculoskeletal system and translation of this knowledge, as well as investigates and improves the performance of surgical procedures, devices, and substances to achieve more effective patient care worldwide. It fosters a close relationship with the AO’s medical community, academic societies, and universities and provides a research environment and support for AO clinicians.

Employment type / Anstellungsverhältnis: Temporary Workload percentage / Pensum: 100% Location / Standort:

Davos Platz, CH

Experience level / gewünschtes Erfahrungsniveau: Students / Interns Application language / Bewerbungssprache: English

Short Description

A PhD position is available at the Biomedical Materials Focus Area of the Regenerative Orthopaedics Program of the AO Research Institute Davos (ARI). ARI's Biomedical Materials Focus Area is committed to designing advanced biomaterials and the development of manufacturing technologies for improved musculoskeletal disorders therapies.
We create polymeric biomaterials that react to environmental stimuli, that interact with cells and tissues and that are amenable to cutting-edge biofabrication technologies.

Main Responsibilities

Topic: 3D bioprinting and immunomodulatory biomaterials.

The successful candidate will develop 3D models of intervertebral disc comprising nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus and endplate. These 3D models will be then utilized to study intervertebral disc physiology and disease. An important part of the project will involve investigating the role of the immune compartment in disc degeneration, regeneration, and discogenic pain. This project is supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation, which is also supporting another PhD student position in the same institute to investigate mechanobiological aspects with multiaxial bioreactors. There will be close collaboration between these 2 PhD students. The academic affiliation for the PhD title will be at the ETH Zürich, although most or all of the work will be carried out at ARI, Davos. The project also involves the University La Sorbonne in Paris and the University of Nantes in an international collaboration. This project will further engineered 3D models of the intervertebral disc to advance the understanding of disc degeneration, which is a prominent cause of pain and disability.

Main Requirements

• The candidate must be very self-motivated and have a strong interest in the research topic.
• The ideal candidate holds a MsC degree in Biomedical Engineering, Health Sciences and Technology, or to any discipline including a solid academic background in Biomaterial Sciences, Musculoskeletal Biology, Biofabrication, Immunology, or similar disciplines.
• We expect proven laboratory skills in cell culture, biochemistry assays, biofabrication; previous experience with laboratory handling of immune cells and chemical modification of biopolymers, is a plus.
• We require good English language skills, a work ethic suitable to the challenges we plan to offer.
• Familiarity with a cross-cultural/interdisciplinary environment is an advantage.
• Eligibility to apply and obtain a Visa for temporary residence is Switzerland is essential.

Additional Information

• The starting date is June 1st, 2026.
• Only applications received via the AO job portal will be considered.
• Due to the holiday season, we will start reviewing applications mid January 2026

We offer

• 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