Missions

The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the development of an innovative microphysiological system aimed at modeling living tissues—particularly colonic tissue—in a relevant pathophysiological context. They will be responsible for designing advanced 3D structuring methods for hydrogel-based biomaterials, and integrating them into a microfluidic chip specifically designed to be compatible with confocal and light-sheet imaging techniques. Particular attention will be given to the analysis of tissue remodeling and the dynamic characterization of the mechanical properties of the materials during tissue formation and maturation.
This work is part of the ENVie demonstrator within the PEPR MED-OOC program, in which LAAS-CNRS is in charge of developing biomimetic extracellular matrices and integrated microfluidic devices, suitable for real-time observation and the integration of patient-derived tissues.

Activités

As part of the ENVie project, the postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for finalizing the integration of a microfluidic device designed for the culture of colonic organoids, and for investigating the impact of the physico-chemical properties and 3D structuring of biomaterials on tissue development and remodeling dynamics.

Key activities will include:
The development of three-dimensional structuring methods for hydrogel-based materials (collagen, gelatin, hyaluronic acid), using photopolymerization or molding techniques;
The design and validation of coupled characterization protocols, combining mechanical measurements (elasticity, viscosity) with real-time microscopy techniques to monitor deformations and architectural changes in the materials during culture;
The integration of these structured matrices into microfluidic devices of the microphysiological systems type, with the goal of creating a functional colon-on-chip model.

Compétences

Solid experience in microphysiological systems and/or tissue engineering
Proficiency in micro- and nanotechnologies, and/or 3D structuring techniques (3D printing, photopolymerization, laser ablation, molding)
Knowledge of advanced imaging techniques (confocal, fluorescence, electron microscopy, OCT, Brillouin...) will be highly valued.

Contexte de travail

This position is part of the ENVie demonstrator within the PEPR MED-OOC program, led by INSERM and LAAS-CNRS. The project aims to develop innovative tissue culture technologies that integrate 3D microenvironments, microfluidics, and high-resolution imaging to model digestive diseases (notably IBD and PDAC) on a chip.

The postdoctoral researcher will join the ELiA team at LAAS-CNRS, working in close collaboration with the MILE team, the I2C and TEAM technology services, and the laboratory's fabrication and imaging platforms (RENATECH, MultiFab, TRI-Genotoul). The project is embedded in a dynamic regional and national collaborative ecosystem focused on organ-on-chip technologies and personalized medicine.

Contraintes et risques

This position is subject to the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST) and, in agreement with regulations, requires prior authorization from the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR) for recruitment.