PhD Studentship: MSCA ESR Studentship SHIELD Doctoral Network (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a Doctoral Candidate in SHIELD (Strategies for Healing Implant-Associated Infections and Enhancing Longevity in Devices) Doctoral Network. The candidate would be working with Professors Serena Best and Ruth Cameron at the Cambridge Centre for Medical Materials in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy.

The SHIELD Doctoral Network offers an exciting opportunity for an early-career researcher to contribute to transforming infection management in 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.

Structured around three core scientific pillars-regenerative medicine, biomaterial science and translational research models  SHIELD supports research on therapeutic strategies, novel antimicrobial materials, and experimental models that bridge laboratory discoveries to clinical applications. The program emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration across orthopaedics, otology, and odontology, integrating basic research with preclinical and clinical studies.

In partnership with 27 institutions across 11 countries, SHIELD aims to train 16 talented doctoral candidates (DCs) through an interdisciplinary approach that combines fundamental science, biomaterials development, and translational research. The network's goal is to advance infection control protocols, improve implant safety and reduce healthcare costs associated with IAIs.

The role holder will develop and characterise novel antibacterial polymers intended for use in percutaneous bone-contacting hearing implants (BCHIs). The project explores photo-activated antimicrobial materials, assessing their mechanical, adhesive, and biological properties using advanced testing techniques. The materials will be evaluated using in vitro cell culture and will be tested for biofilm prevention, aiming to improve wound closure, device safety, and infection resistance.

In terms of experience, we would be looking for someone with a relevant background in materials science/biomaterials / biological testing.

Applicants:

• must not have a doctoral degree on the date of their recruitment
• can be of any nationality
• should be enrolled in a doctoral programme during the project
• should comply with the mobility rules: in general, they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting organisation for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

We reserve the right to fill the position with a qualified candidate prior to the conclusion of the advertising period.

Enquiries regarding the application process may be directed to Prof. Serena Best at smb51@cam.ac.uk or Prof.Ruth Cameron at rec11@cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference LJ46434 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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