MSCA Research Fellow

Salary: Fixed salary of £51,602 additional allowances may be applicable depending on circumstances 

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to January 2029

Background

This is a role to join the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network SHIELD (Strategies for Healing Implant-associated infections and Enhancing Longevity in Devices) and contribute to cutting-edge research aimed at combating implant-associated infections.

Expected start date for the role is 1^st February 2026

Role Summary

The PhD student will be involved in Work Package 1 (WP1) of the SHEILD network “Clinical aspects of implant-associated infection” which has the following overall objectives:

• Determine the pathogenesis of implant associated infections (IAIs) and adverse tissue response associated with bone conduction hearing implants (BCHI) by evaluating host, bacterial and clinical factors
• Identify determinants and biomarkers for IAI and adverse tissue outcomes associated with bone conduction hearing implants (BCHI)
• Optimise preventive clinical practices for reducing the occurrence of diverse tissue reactions and infection
• Improve the clinical management of BCHI with effective diagnostic methods and treatment protocols.

The overall purpose of this research project is to identify biomarkers and develop effective antimicrobial strategies to prevent infection and inflammation related to hearing implants.

Person Specification

The appointment will be on a temporary basis for a maximum period of 36 months (PhD student, regular full-time employment contract), with an attractive salary plus allowances package according to the Marie Skłodowska-Curie / Innovative Training Networks rules.

• Applicants must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in biological, biomedical or clinical sciences or similar.
• Applicants must have excellent communication skills in English.
• Strong motivation and ability to collaborate in an interdisciplinary and international team

Eligibility criteria: 

• Have not been awarded a doctoral degree. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.
• Career Stage: Applicants must be within the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers at the date of recruitment. This is measured from the date they obtained the degree that formally entitles them to pursue a doctorate.
• Mobility Rule: Candidates must not have resided or conducted their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the host organization's country for more than 12 months within the three years immediately preceding their recruitment.
• Nationality: Researchers from any country are eligible, including those from non-European countries.

Interested candidates should send an application containing the following documents in English (and, when necessary, a certified translation of official documents):

• Motivation Letter (describing research career goals, skills, experience, and highlighting the consistency between the candidate’s profile and the chosen DC position).
• A complete Curriculum Vitae with references to past research and training experiences.
• Copies of Bachelor and Master’s certificates/diploma & academic transcripts.
• Two Reference Letters.
• Publications (if available).

Informal enquiries can be made to Melissa Grant m.m.grant@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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