PhD (M/F) : Biomechanical digital twins of the foot, from humans to primates and fossil hominins

Job Description

Thesis Subject

1) CONTEXT
This PhD is part of the MorphoTwin-Feet project (CNRS internal initiative 80|PRIME 2026), led by the TIMC laboratory (UMR 5525, CNRS / Université Grenoble Alpes) and the HNHP laboratory (UMR 7194, CNRS, MNHN, UPVD), bringing together a consortium of seven partners: CNRS-Pprime/ISAE-ENSMA, CNRS-IRISA, CNRS-MECADEV/MNHN, CNRS-DoHNÉE/MNHN, and the company Twinsight. This consortium combines expertise in biomechanics, paleoanthropology, comparative anatomy, primatology, and medicine.
The goal is to develop the first generation of biomechanical digital twins of the foot capable of representing the morpho-functional variability of humans (including orthopedic conditions such as hallux valgus, flat or high arches, and ankle instability), non-human primates (chimpanzees, baboons, macaques), and fossil hominins (Australopithecus afarensis, A. prometheus, A. sediba).
By combining high-fidelity biomechanical modeling, statistical shape models, and AI-assisted model reduction, the project aims to link form and function across typical and atypical anatomies —both modern and fossil— to design personalized orthopedic devices and to better understand the diversity of human bipedalism throughout evolution.

2) MISSIONS & MAIN ACTIVITIES
a) In silico
- Evaluate and validate an existing biomechanical model of the human foot (OrthoSim joint laboratory, TIMC/Twinsight) by comparing its predictions (joint mobility, bone kinematics) with weight-bearing CT scans (WBCT).
- Adapt the model to the feet of non-human primates: reformulate modeling choices (joint geometry, ligamentous organization) to reflect their specific morphologies.
b) Ex vivo
- Develop an experimental protocol for simulating motion using a robotic arm and fluoroscopic imaging for model calibration and validation.
c) Applications
- Apply the developed framework to partial fossil hominin specimens (Australopithecus afarensis, A. prometheus, A. sediba).
- Develop statistical shape models and contribute to the training of hybrid AI-mechanical meta-models (model reduction).
- Contribute to the project's deliverables: scientific publications, conference presentations, open-source code, and a database.


3) EXPECTED SKILLS
- Master's degree in numerical mechanics, biomechanics, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
- Experience in biomechanical modeling, ideally applied to rigid multibody systems and to the musculoskeletal system.
- Python programming (NumPy, SciPy, scikit-learn); interest in statistics, machine learning, model reduction, and AI-mechanics integration.
- Experience in medical imaging or anatomical reconstruction (segmentation, landmarking, CT/MRI processing) would be an asset.
- An interest in comparative anatomy, evolutionary biology, or paleoanthropology is appreciated but not required.
- An interest in experimental research is required in connection with work on anatomical specimens.
- Fluent English (the working language of the international consortium); French is useful for communication with clinical and academic partners.
- Independence, rigor, and scientific curiosity to work within a multidisciplinary consortium (engineers, clinicians, anatomists, paleoanthropologists).

Your Work Environment

The PhD will be conducted at the HNHP and TIMC laboratories, primarily in Paris.
The HNHP laboratory (CNRS UMR 7194, MNHN, Paris) also studies the functional anatomy and evolution of current and fossil primates in relation to their environment.
The TIMC laboratory (CNRS UMR 5525, Grenoble) brings together approximately 300 researchers, faculty members, and clinicians working on technologies for health and biomechanics.
Regular travel is expected between the National Museum of Natural History (Paris), the TIMC Laboratory (Grenoble), and other partner sites (Pprime in Poitiers, IRISA in Rennes), as well as for consortium meetings and international conferences.

Constraints and risks

No risks 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

The research professions