The SIIRI research consortium is dedicated to a fundamentally new and internationally unique strategy in implant research, based on years of close cooperation between dentists, medical doctors, and natural, social and engineering scientists from four universities [Hannover Medical School (MHH), Leibniz University Hannover (LUH), Hannover University of Music, Drama and Media (HMTMH), Technical University of Braunschweig (TUBS)] and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), under the umbrella of the Lower Saxony Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Implant Research and Development (NIFE).
Within this program, smart implant systems will be developed through the scientific use of safety-relevant concepts from the engineering sciences. For the early detection of implant complications, such as implant-associated infections, chemical, biological and physical detection systems will be developed.
The SIIRI subproject B05 “Autonomous sequential drug release systems” aims to develop innovative autonomous sequential drug release systems, that recognize implant-associated infections at an early stage, fight them effectively on their own, and support the regeneration of the adjacent tissue without needing external intervention.
The project uses sophisticated in vivo and in vitro models to evaluate newly developed autonomous sequential drug release systems. Main task is the development and evaluation of an in vivo small animal model for repetitive quantitative observation of infection and regeneration, based on an established intravital microcopy model at the rat. The project is closely interconnected with other SIIRI working groups; it interacts with them on the field of animal model development and application and uses in vitro models and optical methods provided by other working groups.
Your task - In vitro and in vivo testing of autonomous sequential drug release systems, establishment of an in vivo regeneration model
- In vitro studies with various bacterial strains and cells
- Planning, implementation and evaluation of animal experiments
- In vivo studies on biocompatibility, infection and regeneration
- Intravital microscopy and evaluation
- Evaluation and publication of the results
Our requirements - Completed university degree in veterinary medicine, biology or equivalent
- Proven knowledge in animal experiments with rats
- Experience in microbiology, molecular biology, histology and cell biology methods is desirable
- Proficiency in spoken and written English and good communication skills; skills in the German language will be a benefit
- Team player and having a collaborative attitude
We offer - full-time PhD student position limited until 31.12.2025 with payment based on German TV-L E13 scale, 65%, if terms and conditions of collective bargain law are fulfilled. We plan to recruit follow-up funding.
- a collegial induction in a motivated and interdisciplinary team
- innovative working environment in the Lower Saxony Centre for Implant Research and Development (NIFE)
- structured PhD-program integrated in a highly interdisciplinary and innovative research environment, a modern, individual curriculum with defined milestones and overarching learning outcomes in accordance with the European framework for research careers
- an interdisciplinary mentoring team supporting individual career paths (research, academic and industry)
- personal and professional development opportunities - supported by our wide range of internal and external further training and training opportunities
- very good connections with public transportation as well as a job ticket for public transportation
- an excellent range of sports, counseling and and prevention programs - because your health is important to us