Missions

The recruited postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the development of an innovative microphysiological system dedicated to modeling human beige adipose tissue organoids in a controlled metabolic environment. The candidate will design and implement advanced 3D hydrogel-based biomimetic matrices (notably GelMA) to support the generation, maturation and functional optimization of multicellular adipose organoids, and integrate them into microfluidic platforms enabling continuous perfusion and real-time monitoring. Particular emphasis will be placed on controlling and analyzing the metabolic microenvironment (nutrients, oxygen, redox state), tissue remodeling, and functional readouts using state-of-the-art imaging techniques (confocal and light-sheet microscopy) and metabolic analyses. This interdisciplinary project is part of the MetaOrgan consortium and aims to establish standardized, physiologically relevant human beige adipose tissue organoids for fundamental research and translational applications.

Activités

Within WP3 of the MetaOrgan project, the postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for designing, developing, and validating a microfluidic platform dedicated to the culture of human beige adipose tissue organoids, integrating fine and dynamic control of the metabolic microenvironment. He/she will contribute to the design of miniaturized microphysiological devices enabling continuous-flow culture of organoids encapsulated in biomimetic matrices, compatible with real-time observation and functional analyses.

The main activities will include:
– the development and fabrication of transparent microfluidic devices suitable for the insertion, long-term maintenance, and retrieval of encapsulated organoids;
– the integration of controlled perfusion systems enabling stable and reproducible delivery of nutrients, metabolites, and oxygen under physiological conditions;
– the implementation of strategies for effluent collection and analysis to monitor the metabolic and secretory activity of the organoids;
– the integration and validation of sensors (notably electrochemical sensors for redox potential monitoring) to enable real-time monitoring of the microenvironment and tissue functionality;
– the evaluation of the impact of flow-based culture conditions on organoid maturation, stability, and functionality, in comparison with static culture conditions.

Compétences

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

Contexte de travail

This position is part of the ANR MetaOrgan project led by the RESTORE Laboratory in collaboration with LAAS-CNRS. The project aims to develop integrated microfluidic devices in the form of microphysiological systems to enable the culture of adipose tissue organoids and their real-time metabolic analysis. The postdoctoral researcher will join the ELiA team at LAAS-CNRS, working in close interaction with the I2C and TEAM technological services, as well as with 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.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

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