PhD Position in Cutaneous Biology (M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Chronic wounds (such as pressure ulcers) are a major public health challenge, affecting up to 2% of the global population and imposing substantial economic burdens on healthcare systems. These lesions arise from a complex interplay of prolonged mechanical stress, tissue hypoxia, and inflammatory responses, ultimately compromising tissue integrity. Despite their prevalence, the underlying mechanobiological mechanisms remain poorly understood, hindering the development of personalized preventive strategies.
This project focuses on characterizing the mechanobiological responses of skin under mechanical loading using preclinical murine models. The PhD candidate will :
1/ assess baseline skin properties in healthy mice, including geometry, composition, microcirculation, and oxygenation; but also inflammatory markers (e.g., IL-1α cytokine), epidermal hydration, temperature, and interface pressure.
2/ induce Stage 2 pressure ulcers via a patented magnet-based protocol with high reproducibility, followed by longitudinal lesion monitoring using imaging techniques.
3/ conduct histological, rheological, and molecular analyses of tissue samples to elucidate damage and repair mechanisms.
4/ integrate experimental data into computational models to predict and prevent tissue damage, in collaboration with academic partners (Paris and Grenoble).
The project will combine advanced imaging, histochemical analyses, and biomechanical approaches. The supervisory team has expertise in chronic wounds and tissue repair mechanisms.

Requirements:
- Strong background in cutaneous biology and chronic wounds
- Essential experience with animal models (murine) and immunohistological techniques for skin tissue
- Level 1 experimental certification (highly recommended)
- Knowledge of biomechanics (a plus)

Your Work Environment

The PhD will be conducted at the LBTI (Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et d'Ingénierie Thérapeutique; https://lbti.ibcp.fr/) in Lyon, within the KINDNESS team, led by Dr. Fromy and Dr. Picard. At the start of the project, the team will include 12 permanent academic members (3 CNRS researchers, 4 faculty members, and 5 technical support staff). The student will be co-supervised by Dr. Bérengère Fromy and Dr. Dominique Sigaudo-Roussel.
This project is part of the TWIN-IT initiative (PEPR Digital Health, France 2030).
Benefits of joining CNRS:
• A stimulating work environment in close contact with research professionals
• 44 days of leave/RTT per year
• Excellent working conditions (flexible hours, remote work possible after an integration period and subject to task requirements)
• Subsidized canteen with affordable lunch options
• 75% reimbursement of public transport costs + sustainable mobility allowance (up to €300/year)
• Easily accessible by public transport + private parking
• Employer-provided health insurance

Constraints and risks

The position is subject to French regulations on the Protection of Scientific and Technical Potential (PPST), requiring authorization from the MESR prior to appointment.
Some experiments may require extended daily hours or weekend work.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

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

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