Postdoctorant en biomécanique M/F

Job Description

Missions

The postdoctoral researcher recruited at LMGC will focus specifically on the multiscale characterization of perineal soft tissues subjected to mechanical loading, with particular emphasis on the coupling between tissue deformation, local damage initiation, and structural reorganization under physiologically relevant loading conditions. The position is strongly oriented toward experimentation and imaging, while maintaining close interactions with the numerical modeling activities carried out within the consortium.
The main objective of this postdoctoral work is to investigate the relationship between microstructural alterations and the macroscopic mechanical response of perineal tissues subjected to large deformations representative of childbirth conditions. The work will rely on advanced multiaxial mechanical testing combined with full-field optical measurements and high-resolution imaging techniques.
This represents an ambitious challenge and an opportunity to contribute to innovative research at the interface between mechanics and imaging applied to healthcare.

Activity

1. Mechanical testing of porcine perineal tissues. The postdoctoral fellow will conduct controlled mechanical tests on entire porcine perineum and isolated perineal tissues up to failure. These tests will include uniaxial, and biaxial bulge inflation tests to progressively replicate the physiological conditions observed during childbirth. The goal is to characterize the fundamental elastic and rupture mechanisms of perineal tissues.
2. Optical tracking and microstructural analysis. During mechanical testing, optical tracking will be used to capture 3D strain data through Digital Image Correlation. Additionally, changes in microstructure under load will be examined using Optical Coherence tomography, two-photon microscopy and histological analysis to monitor tissue integrity and microstructural changes in real-time. The goal is to link microstructural changes with macroscopic mechanical behavior.
3. Development of mechanical models. Based on the experimental data, the postdoc will be involved, with a larger team (University of Zaragoza and IMT in Ales, Paris, and Saint Etienne), in the development of a constitutive model that includes the anisotropic, hyperelastic response of this complex structure together with tissue softening and damage mechanisms. His/her focus will be on linking macroscopic mechanical behavior with microscopic changes to predict tissue damage with the aim of developing multiscale models. The model will be adjusted, calibrated, and validated using data from multi-axial experiments to replicate the stretching and tearing observed during ex vivo vaginal delivery. This modeling work will aim to identify mechanical biomarkers for predicting tissue damage.

Your Profil

Skills

- Recent PhD in Biomechanics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
- Strong background in experimental solid mechanics and biomechanical modeling
- Experience in mechanical testing (e.g., uniaxial/biaxial tensile tests, DIC, micro-mechanics or rupture)
- Experience in Finite Element Analysis (e.g. Abaqus, Ansys, Fenics)
- Proficiency in programming languages (e.g. Python, MATLAB) for data analysis and numerical model development
- Fluent communication in an international background and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team

Your Work Environment

This postdoctoral contract is part of the large-scale PELVITRACK project, funded by the EIC Pathfinder Open programme and launched in May 2025. The project aims to develop an innovative real-time perineum monitoring solution to prevent Pelvic Floor Disorders (PFD). PFDs affect up to 32% of women and 16% of men, often as a consequence of perineal trauma associated with childbirth in women, leading to chronic pain, incontinence, and prolapse [1],[2].
PELVITRACK brings together an interdisciplinary and international consortium composed of 12 partners from several European countries, focused on the development of an advanced monitoring technology intended to improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and prevention of pelvic floor disorders.
The Laboratoire de Mécanique et Génie Civil (LMGC) of the CNRS is a major partner in the project. It is a joint research unit of the University of Montpellier and the CNRS, established in 1991 at the Saint-Priest research campus in Montpellier. The laboratory has approximately 120 members, including researchers, engineers, and PhD students. LMGC specializes in the mechanical modeling of materials and structures.
Within its four research axes, the BBB axis (Biomechanics, Wood, and Bio-based Materials) focuses on biomechanics, particularly the mechanical behavior of soft tissues, cellular behavior, and the development of implantable medical devices. The team collaborates closely on biomechanics-related topics and with the Montpellier University Hospital (CHU), notably through two of its professor-hospital practitioner members (PUPH). This interdisciplinary approach also extends to several internal collaborations, notably with the Thermomechanics of Materials team, which specializes in thermology applied to healthcare, and with the Innovative Structures, Geomaterials, and Eco-construction team, which provides expertise in structural mechanics.

Constraints and risks

At present, there are no clinical tools available for the real-time assessment of pelvic tissue injuries, nor for the diagnosis, prognosis, or prevention of pelvic floor disorders, which frequently results in delayed decision-making and irreversible damage in women. Despite their prevalence, the microstructural mechanisms leading to tissue damage and rupture under extreme loading conditions remain poorly understood.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

From €3,071 gross per month, 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