Description of the thesis topic

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics has been identified by the WHO as one of the ten major threats to human health. Innovation in the fight against pathogenic bacteria is therefore of utmost importance. This problem is particularly relevant in the case of biofilm-producing bacteria, making them less vulnerable to antibiotics. The FUS-BACT project (CNRS 80PRIME, 2025) aims to develop an original therapeutic approach based on the combination between focused ultrasound and antibiotherapy, to increase antibiotic penetration as a result of the permeabilization of biofilms and bacterial membranes. Thanks to new methods for controlling ultrasound energy in real time, and to the rigorous study of synergy with antibiotics, the FUS-BACT project aims to reinforce the safety and efficacy of these new therapies.

Work Context

This thesis will rely primarily on the expertise of the RDH (Robotics, Data Science and Healthcare Technologies) team at the ICube engineering sciences laboratory (UMR 7357), in the field of ultrasound therapy and their control in real time. This team develops new methods for the control of ultrasonic cavitation, a phenomenon that enables the permeabilization of numerous biological membranes. This project is carried out in collaboration with the Metals and Microorganisms: Biology, Chemistry and Applications team of the Biotechnologies and Cell Signaling Laboratory (BSC, UMR 7242), which develops new approaches based on antibiotic vectorization for the destruction of bacterial biofilms. The general aim of this project is to characterize the relationship between the intensity and type of ultrasonic cavitation and the effects observed on biofilms and bacteria, and to understand these links, in order, in the long term, to optimize and control this type of therapy.
The profile of the PhD student (M/F) must be highly interdisciplinary. Two different profiles are possible for this position: either a profile in engineering sciences or biomedical physics, with a strong desire to learn about microbiology techniques, or a profile with initial training in biology/microbiology with a minimum of skills in physics and engineering (instrumentation, signal processing), with a strong desire to invest in engineering sciences and understand the physics behind this project. The position is located in a sector covered by the Protection of Scientific and Technical Potential (PPST) and therefore requires, in accordance with regulations, that your arrival be authorized by the competent authority.

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.