M/F, Materials Formulation Technology Transfer Engineer for Robotic Surgery Training

Job Description

Missions

The 3DPhantom project is an interdisciplinary initiative bringing together several academic, industrial, and hospital partners. Its aim is to develop new training techniques for micro-surgery assisted by micro-robots.
The project focuses on developing 3D models of the kidney and tumor system to enable surgeons to train in highly sophisticated robotic-assisted surgical techniques used in partial nephrectomy (the removal of cancerous kidney tumors). Ultimately, these models are intended to replace the animals and cadavers currently used for surgical training purposes.
The combined use of imaging, image analysis, formulation, and extrusion-based 3D printing in a liquid medium enables the production of customizable organ models, i.e. models specifically tailored to individual patients. The models are produced by shaping and subsequently polymerizing initially liquid inks, which consist of water droplets dispersed within a polymerizable silicone phase.
The project is globally coordinated by Professor Jean-Christophe Bernhard, Head of the Urology Department at Bordeaux University Hospital (CHU de Bordeaux). The project was launched in 2022 and has already produced results that have been valorized, notably through a CNRS patent. It has now reached the pre-maturation stage, approximately 3 to 5 years before the creation of a start-up. Funding for the technology transfer engineer position was obtained through a pre-maturation funding application supported by CNRS Innovation.
The engineer's overall mission will therefore be to support the valorization and development of the results already obtained. This will involve carrying out formulation and mechanical and structural characterization of the organ models. Particular attention will be paid to establishing precise and reproducible experimental protocols.
The formulation, characterization, and 3D printing activities will be supervised by a team consisting of Jacques Leng (CNRS Research Director, 3D printing specialist) and Olivier Mondain-Monval (Professor at the University of Bordeaux, formulation and characterization specialist), both members of the Paul Pascal Research Center (UMR CNRS–University of Bordeaux).

Activity

Model Development: Optimization and process validation of the formulation, manufacturing, and characterization of kidney + tumor organ models.
Characterization: Use of optical and electron microscopy, light scattering techniques, and mechanical testing, including rheological measurements and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA).
Formulation: Use of standard formulation techniques, including emulsification and ingredient screening (oils, polymers, surfactants, etc.).
Stability Testing: Evaluation of the stability of different formulations over time and under varying physicochemical conditions (temperature, pressure, pH, etc.), as well as under the shear stresses applied to the inks during the extrusion-based 3D printing process within a support gel.
Project Management: Preparation of detailed experimental reports and protocols, presentation of results, coordination with project partners, and management and traceability of experimental data.

Your Profil

Skills

Education: Engineering degree or Master's degree (5-year university degree) in chemistry, physical chemistry, polymers, or materials science.
Technical Skills: Knowledge of formulation and characterization of dispersed systems, such as emulsions. General knowledge of microscopy and mechanical characterization techniques.
Transferable Skills: Ability to follow protocols, perform precise experimental work, analyze complex results and take a step back to interpret findings, as well as strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently. Adaptability and a collaborative mindset are essential for working within a multidisciplinary consortium.
Strong written communication skills (reports, presentations) and proficiency in scientific English are required. Communication skills would be an asset for promoting and showcasing the consortium's work through print and digital media.
We strongly encourage applications from motivated candidates, even if their profile does not perfectly match all the criteria. We believe that technical skills can be acquired quickly when the right interpersonal skills, attitude, and motivation are present.
As the ultimate goal of the project is the maturation and subsequent creation of a start-up within 3–5 years, the successful candidate should have a strong interest in the industrial valorization and commercialization of research.

Your Work Environment

The successful candidate will join the Paul Pascal Research Center (UMR 5031) in Bordeaux, on the Talence campus, a leading research laboratory in the field of soft matter and materials science more broadly.

The laboratory employs approximately 180 people, whose work focuses on developing innovative materials to address current and future challenges, including climate and energy-related issues.

The successful candidate will benefit from a friendly, supportive, safe, and stimulating working environment. The laboratory places particular importance on quality of life and working conditions. The successful candidate will receive laboratory safety training, as well as privileged access to the CRPP's various facilities and equipment, together with dedicated training on their use.
The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to join the stimulating RHU Urology 3D consortium.

Constraints and risks

No particular risks have been identified. Travel for meetings and conferences should be expected.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Gross monthly salary ranging from €3,143 to €3,403 depending on experience.

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions