(M/F) PhD project - Microfluidics for Tumor Explants
New
- FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
- 36 months
- Doctorate
This offer is available in English version
This offer is open to people with a document recognizing their status as a disabled worker.
Offer at a glance
The Unit
Laboratoire d'analyse et d'architecture des systèmes
Contract Type
FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
Working hHours
Full Time
Workplace
31031 TOULOUSE
Contract Duration
36 months
Date of Hire
15/10/2026
Remuneration
2300 € gross monthly
Apply Application Deadline : 19 August 2026 23:59
Job Description
Thesis Subject
Development of an Instrumented Microfluidic Platform for the Poromechanical Characterization of Tumor Explants
Patient-derived tumor explants represent a promising alternative to animal models for the development of more predictive preclinical platforms. This PhD project is part of the ANR JCJC EXOFLEX project, which aims to develop an instrumented microfluidic platform capable of simultaneously controlling perfusion and mechanical stimulation in tumor tissues to investigate their poromechanical properties and optimize molecular transport within explants.
The successful candidate will be involved in:
- Designing and fabricating innovative microfluidic devices;
- Developing experimental methods to measure tissue permeability, elasticity, and compressibility;
- Performing transport experiments under controlled hydrodynamic and mechanical stimulation using advanced microscopy;
- Developing multiphysics models of fluid transport and tissue deformation (COMSOL Multiphysics);
- Validating the platform using patient-derived tumor explants in collaboration with the Toulouse Cancer Research Center (CRCT).
Your Work Environment
The PhD will be carried out at LAAS-CNRS, one of France's leading engineering research laboratories, within a multidisciplinary team working at the interface of microfluidics, biomechanics, biomedical engineering, and cancer research.
The candidate will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including cleanroom microfabrication, laser micromachining, 3D printing, advanced microscopy, and numerical modeling tools. The project benefits from a close collaboration with the Toulouse Cancer Research Center (CRCT), providing access to patient-derived tumor explants and complementary biological expertise. The position is fully funded through the ANR JCJC EXOFLEX project.
Constraints and risks
This PhD is highly experimental and requires the development of novel microfluidic instrumentation combining device fabrication, biomechanical measurements, advanced microscopy, and computational modeling. The candidate will work with fragile biological samples, requiring careful experimental design and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Potential technical challenges related to microfabrication and device integration have been identified within the project and are supported by well-established alternative fabrication strategies. Experiments involving human tumor samples will be conducted in collaboration with CRCT under approved ethical protocols using fully anonymized patient-derived specimens.
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
| Offer reference | UPR8001-JEACAC-003 |
|---|---|
| CN Section(s) / Research Area | Micro and nanotechnologies, micro and nanosystems, photonics, electronics, electromagnetism, electrical energy |
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.
Create your alert
Don't miss any opportunity to find the job that's right for you. Register for free and receive new vacancies directly in your mailbox.