Postdoc: Silicone Phantoms for Surgery Training (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

-The 3DPhantom project is an interdisciplinary initiative bringing together several academic, industrial, and hospital partners with the goal of developing new training techniques for micro-robot-assisted microsurgery. The project aims to create models of the kidney-tumor system to enable surgeons to train in highly sophisticated assisted surgical techniques applied to partial nephrectomy (removal of cancerous tumors). These models are ultimately intended to replace the animals and cadavers currently used for these training purposes. Furthermore, the combined use of imaging techniques, image analysis, formulation, and liquid-based 3D extrusion printing enables the creation of customizable organ models—that is, models specific to a given patient. The models are created by shaping and then polymerizing initially liquid inks, which consist of water droplets dispersed in a polymerizable silicone phase. This project is coordinated overall by Professor Jean-Christophe Bernhard (head of the urology department at Bordeaux University Hospital). The project began in 2022 and has already yielded results that have been recognized, notably through a CNRS patent.
The goal now is to refine these materials, which function like silicone sponges composed of a network of microcapillaries that mimic the network of blood capillaries found in a human kidney. The goal now is to establish connections between the millimeter-scale external fluid circuit—whose flow is simply controlled by a pump—and the micrometer-scale network of capillaries artificially reproduced inside the models. Once this objective is achieved, the 3D-printed organ will be equivalent to a perfused organ. This project will be led by a team consisting of Jacques Leng (CNRS Research Director, 3D printing specialist) and Olivier Mondain-Monval (Full Professor at the University of Bordeaux, formulation/characterization specialist), both members of the Paul Pascal Research Center, a joint CNRS-University of Bordeaux research unit (UMR).

Activity

Study and analysis of the structure of formulated silicone/water composite materials; Development of micro-/millifluidic experimental setups to establish a connection between an external fluid circuit and the material's microporosity; Measurement of liquid flow within these networks and characterization of the material's poroelasticity; Characterization: Use of optical and electron microscopy techniques, light scattering, and mechanical measurements (rheology and dynamic mechanical analysis). Formulation: Use of conventional formulation techniques. Project management: Presentation of results and coordination with project partners

Your Profil

Skills

Education: Ph.D. in chemistry, physical chemistry, polymers, or materials science. Technical skills: Knowledge of the formulation and characterization of dispersed media, such as emulsions. Broad knowledge of microfluidics and millifluidics techniques. Adaptability and a collaborative spirit to work effectively with a multidisciplinary consortium. Writing skills (reports, presentations) and proficiency in scientific English. Strong communication skills are desirable to promote the consortium's work through print and digital media. The successful candidate must have a strong interest in the industrial application of research.

Your Work Environment

The candidate will join the Paul Pascal Research Center (UMR 5031) (Bordeaux, Talence campus), a leading laboratory in the field of soft matter and materials in general. The laboratory's 180 employees are dedicated to creating innovative materials to address current and future challenges (climate, energy, etc.). The successful candidate will enjoy a friendly, supportive, safe, and stimulating work environment. Quality of life and working conditions are a major priority for the laboratory. The successful candidate will undergo training in laboratory safety and will also have privileged access to and training on the CRPP's various pieces of equipment. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to join the dynamic RHU Urology 3D consortium. the opportunity to join the dynamic RHU Urology 3D consortium.

Constraints and risks

Common risks in chemistry and physical chemistry: use of solvents, surfactants, and standard chemicals

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

3 041 euros gross month salary

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