PhD Student Biomedical Materials (ID2179)

The AO Research Institute Davos (ARI) is part of the global, not‑for‑profit AO network that focuses on education, innovation and research for the surgical treatment of trauma and musculoskeletal disorders. Within ARI, the PREPARE project, a joint effort with CK CARE, seeks new ways to prevent fracture‑related infections by creating enzyme‑responsive biomaterials that release antibacterial and immune‑modulating agents directly at the surgical site. The PhD position is a full‑time, temporary role based in Davos Platz, Switzerland, and will be academically linked to the University of Fribourg. The successful candidate will design and synthesize a hyaluronan‑based hydrogel that degrades in the presence of neutrophil‑secreted enzymes. Tasks include selecting a suitable linker, producing a di‑telechelic crosslinker, and characterising the gels with NMR, FT‑IR and rheology. In‑vitro studies will monitor enzyme‑triggered degradation, release kinetics of model compounds, and incorporation of small‑molecule immunomodulators while preserving their activity. The work also extends to creating enzyme‑responsive core‑shell microparticles, testing material performance together with the infection biology group, analysing complex data sets, and presenting findings at conferences. Applicants must hold a Master's degree in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biomaterials science/engineering or a closely related field. They need to demonstrate strong personal drive, a commitment to a demanding research programme, and excellent English communication skills. The role requires the ability to plan, execute and interpret experimental work independently, as well as a genuine interest in biomaterials, innate immunity and translational research. Candidates should also be motivated to collaborate across disciplines and have a particular focus on orthopaedic‑device‑related infection and microbiology. Additional assets include hands‑on experience with polymer derivatisation and soft‑biomaterial characterisation, as well as preparation of micro‑ or nano‑particle delivery systems. Experience with tissue‑cell culture, immunological assays, primary immune cells, especially neutrophils, and familiarity with 3D cell/tissue culture are also valued. The position offers the chance to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment alongside leading surgeons, scientists and clinicians, with the possibility to publish and present internationally. What the role asks for: - Master's degree in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry or biomaterials - Strong motivation and commitment to demanding research - Excellent written and spoken English communication - Ability to design, plan and run experiments independently - Strong interest in biomaterials, innate immunity and translational work - Motivation for interdisciplinary, collaborative research - Interest in orthopaedic device infection and microbiology - Nice-to-have: practical experience in polymer derivatisation and soft biomaterials - Nice-to-have: experience preparing micro‑ or nano‑particle delivery systems - Nice-to-have: background in tissue cell culture and immunological assays - Nice-to-have: work with primary immune cells, especially neutrophils - Nice-to-have: familiarity with 3D cell/tissue culture