Doctorant·e (M/F) Computational Modeling of Bio-Mechanical Interfaces

Job Description

Thesis Subject

CONTEXT:
This PhD is part of the TWIN-IT project (PEPR Digital Health 2026–2030), which brings together seven partners (CNRS-TIMC, ENSAM, CNRS-LBTI, Mines Paris-PSL, CEA-Leti, Fondation Hopale, Pôle Saint-Hélier, and PROTEOR). The objective is to develop a digital twin capable of predicting tissue risk for users of prostheses, orthoses, and exoskeletons. The thesis will be conducted primarily at ENSAM Paris (in collaboration with I2M, Bordeaux).

MISSIONS & MAIN ACTIVITIES:
- Implement a two-compartment model (interstitial fluid + blood) in FEniCSx based on the TCAT framework, calibrated using ex vivo and in vivo experimental data (WP3)
- Extend the model to include O₂ transport, hypoxic cell death, and inflammatory cascades (ODE kinetics, IL-1α)
- Conduct a Sobol sensitivity analysis to identify dominant parameters and define customized damage thresholds
- Build finite element models for N=12 transfemoral amputees and coordinate instrumented clinical data collection (F-Socket, laser Doppler, tcPO₂) – WP5
- Evaluate and refine the digital twin using Bayesian inference on physiological data; contribute to TWIN-IT deliverables (open-source code, publications, reports)

DESIRED SKILLS:
- Master's degree (M2) in computational mechanics, applied mathematics, or biomedical engineering
- Finite element modeling, poromechanics, or multiphase media; soft tissue biomechanics
- Python programming (NumPy, SciPy, scikit-learn); interest in FEniCSx
- Fluent English (working language); ability to communicate with clinicians
- Independence, attention to detail, and curiosity about multiscale mechanobiology and pressure ulcer prevention.

Your Work Environment

The PhD will be jointly supervised by CNRS-TIMC and ENSAM Paris, in collaboration with I2M (Bordeaux), and funded by the PEPR France 2030 program. Consequently, regular travels are to be expected: Paris-Grenoble, clinical sites in Berck-sur-Mer and Rennes (~4 times per year), consortium meetings, and conferences (~2 times per year).
The Biomécamot team (https://www.timc.fr/BiomecaMot) at the TIMC laboratory is part of the CNRS Institutes of Computer Science and Engineering. This laboratory brings together approximately 300 researchers, faculty members, and clinicians in the Grenoble metropolitan area, focusing on the field of Health Technologies. The Georges Charpak Institute of Human Biomechanics (IBHGC, EA 4494, Arts et Métiers – Paris campus - https://biomecanique.ensam.eu/accueil-biomeca-100770.kjsp) is a team of 40 researchers specializing in soft tissue biomechanics and multiscale modeling.

Constraints and risks

No risk identified.

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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