Bioengineering of regionalized human cortical models on a chip (M/F)

CNRS - National Center for Scientific Research; France; On-site; EUR 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

CNRS - National Center for Scientific Research invites applications for a First Stage Researcher (R1) on an ERC Synergy PatCorg project in Paris. The role focuses on developing cortex-on-chip models, delivering morphogens via microfluidics, and analysing cortical regionalisation using imaging and transcription factor gradients.

Candidates should hold a master's degree in biology, bioengineering, biophysics, neuroscience, or microfluidics, with interest in interfacial biology between development

Qualifications

• We are seeking students with a master's degree in biology, bioengineering, biophysics, neuroscience, or microfluidics.
• Experience with stem cells or organoids is a strong plus.
• Knowledge in microfluidics or organs-on-a-chip is beneficial.
• Familiarity with imaging and quantitative analysis is preferred.
• Programming in Python, Fiji/ImageJ, or MATLAB is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Culture and differentiate human pluripotent stem cells into neuroepithelium and cortical organoids.
• Utilize microfluidic devices to deliver morphogens on tissue surfaces.
• Study effects of morphogen concentration and exposure duration.
• Quantify transcription factor gradients and cortical regionalisation.
• Collaborate with PatCorg consortium partners.

Skills

pluripotent stem cells

organoids

microfluidics

neuroscience

microscopy

image analysis

Python

Fiji/ImageJ

MATLAB

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

Tools

μ-transwell devices

Job description

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Physique des Cellules et Cancer Research Field Biological sciences Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 7 Dec 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Feb 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

We offer a highly interdisciplinary, inclusive and international work environment at the Cell and Cancer Physics Unit (CNRS, Institut Curie, PSL, SU). Located in the heart of the rich Latin Quarter in Paris, our unit hosts experimental and theoretical physicists, biologists and biochemists. We are deeply committed to fostering diversity and are looking for talented scientists in all fields at the physics-biology interface.

Brain organoids are major models of human brain development, but they still imperfectly reproduce the regionalisation and layering of the cortex. The ERC Synergy PatCorg project aims to create organoids that more closely recapitulate the organisation of the human cortex, using microfluidics.

The objective of the doctoral project will be to develop a cortex-on-chip model to spatially and temporally control the delivery of morphogens in order to induce cortical organising centres and to study the formation of regionalisation axes comparable to the anterior-posterior and medio-lateral axes of the developing cortex.

Activities, Main missions

• Culture and differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into neuroepithelium and cortical organoids.
• Use and optimisation of μ-transwell microfluidic devices to locally deliver morphogens on the basal surface of the tissue.
• Study of the influence of concentration, duration of exposure, combinations of morphogens and distance between organising centres.
• Analysis of cortical regionalisation by imaging and quantification of transcription factor gradients, including EMX2, PAX6 and SP8.
• Characterisation of Cajal-Retzius cell generation, localisation and migration.
• Participation in the development of three-dimensional cortical models with improved spatial organisation and stratification.
• Quantitative analysis of imaging data and collaboration with PatCorg consortium partners.

The candidate should hold a master's degree or equivalent in cell and developmental biology, bioengineering, biophysics, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, or microfluidics. Experience in at least one of the following areas would be particularly appreciated:

• 1. pluripotent stem cells or organoids;
• 2. development of the nervous system;
• 3. microfluidics or organs-on-a-chip;
• 4. microscopy and quantitative image analysis;
• 5. Scientific programming, including Python, Fiji/ImageJ, or MATLAB.

A strong motivation for interdisciplinary projects at the interface between developmental biology, neuroscience and bioengineering will be essential.

The candidate should hold a master's degree or equivalent in cell and developmental biology, bioengineering, biophysics, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, or microfluidics. Experience in at least one of the following areas would be particularly appreciated:

• 1. pluripotent stem cells or organoids;
• 2. development of the nervous system;
• 3. microfluidics or organs-on-a-chip;
• 4. microscopy and quantitative image analysis;
• 5. Scientific programming, including Python, Fiji/ImageJ, or MATLAB.

A strong motivation for interdisciplinary projects at the interface between developmental biology, neuroscience and bioengineering will be essential.