PhD Position (M/F): Engineering of Photostructured Hydrogel Matrices for the Generation of Vascularized Adipose Microtissues

Job Description

Thesis Subject

The PhD project aims to develop a perfused human adipose tissue microphysiological system by combining microfluidics, hydrogel photopatterning, and tissue engineering. The objective is to engineer GelMA-based hydrogel matrices, optionally combined with fibrin or rendered porous through phase separation, in order to precisely control their mechanical, structural, and transport properties. These biomaterials will be integrated into microfluidic platforms enabling the assembly of human adipose-derived spheroids, their maturation into functional microtissues, and the formation of a perfusable endothelial network.

The central hypothesis is that the physical properties of the extracellular matrix—including stiffness, porosity, architecture, molecular transport, and localized photopatterning—govern the emergence of functional vascular networks and thereby determine the maturation, long-term maintenance, and physiological functions of engineered adipose tissue.

The project will combine hydrogel formulation and characterization, microfabrication, 3D cell culture, advanced microscopy, and functional biological analyses. Particular emphasis will be placed on developing photostructured GelMA-based biomaterials capable of directing endothelial morphogenesis and promoting vascular self-organization under perfusion. Advanced hydrogel formulations, including GelMA–fibrin composites and porous GelMA matrices generated by phase separation, will also be investigated to enhance vascularization and tissue maturation.

The resulting microphysiological platform will subsequently be used to investigate how ageing-associated microenvironments affect human adipose tissue physiology. By perfusing the engineered tissues with sera from young and aged donors, the project will evaluate changes in adipose metabolism, endocrine function, vascular remodeling, inflammation, and cellular senescence. This interdisciplinary research lies at the interface of soft matter science, biomaterials engineering, microfluidics, and tissue engineering, and aims to establish quantitative relationships between hydrogel physicochemical properties, vascular organization, and long-term tissue functionality. It will ultimately contribute to the development of predictive human in vitro models for ageing research while providing robust alternatives to animal experimentation.

Your Work Environment

The successful candidate will join the ELiA (Engineering for Life Sciences and Applications) research team at LAAS-CNRS, which specializes in the development of microphysiological systems, microfluidics, hydrogel photopatterning, and the engineering of controlled cellular microenvironments. The PhD will be conducted in a highly interdisciplinary environment at the interface of soft matter science, biomaterials engineering, microfabrication, cell biology, and tissue engineering.

The project builds upon the complementary expertise of LAAS-CNRS and the RESTORE research center. LAAS-CNRS will provide expertise in microfabrication, microfluidic device development, photocrosslinkable hydrogels, PRIMO 405 nm light-based photopatterning, advanced imaging, and technological integration. RESTORE will contribute its expertise in human adipose tissue biology, spheroid generation, adipocyte differentiation, vascularization, and functional characterization of engineered adipose tissues. The project also benefits from an established collaboration with Prof. Jose Moran-Mirabal's laboratory at McMaster University (Canada), internationally recognized for advanced biomaterials and hydrogel engineering.

The successful candidate will participate in the design and fabrication of microfluidic devices, the formulation and characterization of hydrogel matrices, the encapsulation and culture of adipose spheroids, and the characterization of engineered microtissues using advanced microscopy, immunostaining, and functional biological assays. Depending on project progress, the PhD may include an international research stay at McMaster University to develop and characterize next-generation hydrogel formulations for vascularized tissue engineering.

The research will be primarily carried out at LAAS-CNRS in Toulouse, with regular interactions with biological and clinical partners from RESTORE and international collaborators.

Constraints and risks

The project involves interdisciplinary experimental research combining microfabrication, biomaterials engineering, hydrogel photopatterning, 3D cell culture, and advanced imaging techniques. The successful candidate should therefore be comfortable working in both micro-/nanotechnology and cell biology laboratory environments, and be willing to develop skills across multiple disciplines.

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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