Missions

- Plan and conduct experiments independently on clinical MRI systems (Siemens, GE, Philips) operating at different magnetic field strengths (1.5 T and 3.0 T), as part of the validation phase.
- Validate the reproducibility and robustness of quantitative MRI maps across multiple clinical MRI platforms (1.5 T and 3.0 T – Siemens, GE, Philips) using test objects (phantoms).
- Coordinate MRI acquisitions on a cohort of healthy volunteers in collaboration with clinical partners.
- Contribute to regulatory documentation (CE/FDA, quality standards), CNRS technology transfer reports, and project deliverables related to the maturation phase.
- Participate in scientific publications, patent drafting, and the strategic development of the future startup.

Activités

The candidate will conduct the analytical validation of quantitative biomarkers provided by this digital biopsy, in preparation for the creation of a deeptech startup. He/She will play a key role in the scientific and translational validation phase, working at the interface between academic research, medical innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Compétences

- PhD in Medical Imaging, Biomedical Engineering, Signal Processing, or a related field.
- Strong expertise in MRI physics, preferably in quantitative or multiparametric MRI.
- Demonstrated autonomy and substantial experience with clinical MRI systems (Siemens, GE, Philips), including sequence programming, parameter optimization, and quality assurance.
- Proficiency in image processing (Python, MATLAB, or equivalent).
- Strong interest in technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and deeptech innovation.
- Scientific rigor, autonomy, and initiative are essential qualities.
- Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken); French is an asset.
- Two years of postdoctoral experience would be a significant advantage.

Contexte de travail

Each year, cancer affects 20 million people worldwide, and diagnosis is typically based on biopsies—an invasive procedure that samples only a small portion of the tumor. Once the diagnosis is made, few criteria are available to predict treatment efficacy. Cancer therapies increasingly rely on biological and morphological criteria for therapeutic decision-making. However, treatment response remains unpredictable due to tumor heterogeneity and the lack of functional, accessible, and non-invasive biomarkers.
With advances in precision medicine, there is a growing need for robust, non-invasive biomarkers capable of predicting treatment response and enabling early therapeutic monitoring.
Our team has developed and patented a digital biopsy based on multiparametric quantitative MRI, enabling in vivo mapping of key biological tumor parameters (cellularity, vascularization, necrosis, hemorrhage, and oxygenation — a major predictive factor for treatment resistance). This non-invasive, spatially resolved, and contrast-free technique can be applied to all types of solid tumors.
Since MRI scanners are not considered measurement medical devices under the Medical Device Regulation (MDR), the accuracy, reproducibility, and repeatability of our method must first be demonstrated to obtain CE marking and FDA 510(k) clearance.
The objective of this project is to carry out the analytical validation of this technology and to identify predictive and response biomarkers from MRI data, with a view to the creation of a deeptech startup.
The selected candidate will join CREATIS, a leading medical imaging research laboratory based in Lyon, France, benefiting from a strong clinical partnership with the Departments of Radiology, Radiotherapy, and Pathology at Centre Léon Bérard, a major cancer center.
This project is funded under the CNRS Innovation Prématuration Program, with a clear trajectory toward startup creation within 18 to 24 months. An extension of the postdoctoral contract within the startup maturation program may be considered depending on project progress and candidate involvement.