Study Engineer (M/F) in Microfluidic Bioengineering: Functional modeling of the hepatic sinusoid-on-a-chip

Job Description

Missions

The recruited engineer will work on developing and optimizing a microfluidic “liver sinusoid-on-a-chip” device. This model aims to reproduce a perfusable microvessel formed by liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), under controlled dynamic conditions (e.g., shear stress, biochemical gradients). This model will be used to investigate the mechanisms underlying the liver disease progression and to evaluate targeted therapeutic strategies. The engineer will be responsible for the design, fabrication, testing, and validation of the microfluidic model, in close collaboration with team's biologists for cell integration and functional assessment.

Activity

- Design and fabricate microfluidic chips adapted to the biological constraints of the project (gels, co-culture, perfusion, real-time imaging, etc.).
- Develop devices integrating controlled-pressure perfusion systems allowing precise control of shear stress and intraluminal pressure.
- Integrate and test biocompatible hydrogels for vasculogenesis.
- Perform functional tests of microvessels (permeability, stability, mechanical response).
- Cell culture and integration into devices (the engineer will ensure the maintenance of cells in culture)
- Ensure the monitoring of experiments (plans, protocols, photos, experimental results).
- Actively collaborate with the two project partner teams to ensure the smooth running of biological experiments using the chips.
- Participate in work meetings, in the writing of technical protocols, and in the possible training of users.

Your Profil

Skills

Microfluidics & Bioengineering
- Mastery of microfabrication techniques (for example, mold design and fabrication by micromachining, photolithography, or 3D printing, PDMS molding replication, and microfluidic chip assembly).
- Strong knowledge of hydrodynamic parameters at the microscopic scale (for example, shear stress, flow rate).
- Familiarity with flow control instruments (for example, syringe pumps, pressure controllers).
- Experience in designing microfluidic systems for biological applications (for example, Organ-on-Chip, vascular modeling, etc.).

Cells & Materials
- Experience in mammalian cell culture and characterization by imaging.
- Knowledge of cell culture requirements in microfluidic environments.
- Experience with hydrogels (for example, collagen, fibrin) and their use in 3D co-culture or vascularization models.

Education and Experience
- Previous experience with Organ-on-Chip technologies, cell culture under perfusion, or microfluidic vascular systems.
- Training in bioengineering, microtechnology, or related disciplines will be considered a major asset.

Your Work Environment

All activities will be carried out within the Dynamic and Multi-Scale Processes in Spontaneous Organization in Tissue Morphogenesis team, led by Dr. Wenjin Xiao, at the Dev2A laboratory (UMR 8263), IBPS, Sorbonne University. The team has recognized expertise in developing microfluidic models adapted to applications, integrating relevant mechanical conditions such as fluid flow and substrate viscosity. The work will be conducted in collaboration with other team members Rafaele Attia (IE) and Audrey Saquet (IE) under the supervision of Wenjin Xiao and Valérie Bello.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

4561

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