PhD Student (M/F) – Biomaterials/Mechanics/Tissue Engineering

Job Description

Thesis Subject

The joint research units UMR5305 (Laboratory of Tissue Biology and Therapeutic Engineering, LBTI) - Lyon, UMR5521 (Laboratory of Soils, Solids, Structures, Risks, 3SR) - Grenoble, and UMR5216 (Grenoble Images Speech Signal Automatics Laboratory, GIPSA-lab) - Grenoble are seeking a PhD student for a thesis in biomaterials/(bio)mechanics/tissue engineering.

The successful candidate will be recruited within the teams:
"Therapeutic Models and Innovation for Soft Tissues" (MITTIM, J. Sohier and R. Debret, biomaterials and cell biology) at LBTI,
"Mechanics and Multiphysics Couplings of Heterogeneous Media" (CoMHet, L. Bailly and L. Orgéas, multiscale mechanics of materials) at 3SR,
"Analysis and Modeling of Human Movement: Biomechanics, Cognition, Vocology" (MOVE, N. Henrich-Bernardoni and X. Laval, human voice modeling) at GIPSA-lab.

This recruitment is part of the CNRS 80|PRIME ARCHIVIBRACELL project, which aims to develop fibrous, architectured, and biocompatible structures capable of reproducing the biomechanical and vibratory properties of vocal folds. The project will elaborate on 3D multilayered, stimulable, biomimetic composite structures and study their mechano-vibratory properties as well as the vibratory impact conferred by human cells. This work will correlate structural properties, cellular responses, and sound production under realistic biomechanical conditions. It will contribute to a better understanding of phonation mechanisms and the development of innovative therapeutic solutions in the medium term.

Missions:
Participate in the development of 3D biomimetic hydrogels of natural vocal folds, which are multilayered and have controlled mechanical properties, potentially modifiable in real time to reproduce the "active" effect of the vocal muscle.
Quantify, analyze, and study the vibratory properties under airflow of 3D biomimetic structures at very high speeds in comparison to simpler "single-layer" structures.
Determine the cellular impact on sound production on one hand, and the effect of periodic collisions during vibration on cellular response on the other hand, through the epithelialization of biomimetic structures.

Activities:
Participate in the development and improvement of composite hydrogels with possibilities of real-time modulation.
Formulate composite hydrogels (Lyon) and measure their mechanical and vibratory properties (Grenoble).
Conduct cell culture studies (epithelial cells) in association with hydrogels to characterize cell/material interactions and the effect of epithelialization on mechanical and vibratory properties.
Collect and analyze in vitro data.
Write scientific articles and present results at national and international conferences.

Please provide CV, cover letter, academic transcripts from the past two years, and references to your application.

Your Work Environment

The recruited candidate will work under the joint supervision of J. Sohier, L. Bailly, and N. Henrich-Bernardoni, in collaboration with L. Orgéas and R. Debret. They will participate in the development of 3D biomimetic hydrogels of natural vocal folds, which are multilayered and have controlled mechanical properties, potentially modifiable in real time to reproduce the "active" effect of the vocal muscle.

Qualifications:
The candidate must hold a Master's degree or engineering diploma in one of the following fields:
Bioengineering
Mechanics/Vibration/Acoustics
Mechanobiology
Biomaterials Engineering
Health Biology
Cell Biology
Tissue Engineering


As the project is experimental, the candidate must have a strong aptitude for laboratory experimentation.
Additionally, the PhD student will be required to work in Grenoble and Lyon across the three partner laboratories for predefined periods, depending on the project's needs.


Expected Scientific Skills:
Formulation or, at minimum, use of hydrogels and/or composite materials
Mechanical and vibromechanical characterization of highly deformable materials (mechanical testing, kinematic field measurements, etc.)
Proficiency in data analysis tools such as MATLAB and Python

Additional skills that will be considered favorably:
Experience in cell culture and characterization (immunostaining, microscopy, image analysis), and/or in acoustics, additive manufacturing, and/or numerical simulation to predict the frequency response of 3D structures of interest (COMSOL Multiphysics)


Other Expected Skills:
Autonomy and initiative
Ability to work collaboratively
Scientific rigor
Data analysis and scientific presentation skills
Compliance with laboratory work rules
Proficiency in spoken and written English


Joining CNRS also means benefiting from the following advantages:
A stimulating work environment in contact with research personnel
44 days of leave/RTT per year
Excellent working conditions (flexible hours, possible telecommuting after an integration period and subject to tasks to be performed)
A company restaurant offering meals at an attractive price
Partial reimbursement of transportation costs (75%) + sustainable mobility allowance of up to €300/year
A site accessible by public transport + private parking
Employer health insurance

Constraints and risks

It is important to note that this PhD will take place across two locations (Lyon and Grenoble) with required alternating presence in three laboratories.

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

The research professions