Functionalization of textile fibers for physiological measurements

IMT Atlantique; France; Sur place; EUR 20 000 - 30 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A research institute in France is offering a PhD position focused on developing robust textile sensors for rehabilitation use. The ideal candidate will work on creating sensors that withstand various environmental conditions and contribute to related scientific publications. Strong knowledge in materials science, laboratory experimentation skills, and the ability to write in English are essential for this role, which starts in March 2026.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge in materials science relevant to textile sensors.
• Understanding of biomechanical characteristics essential for the research.
• Ability and interest in laboratory experimentation and fabrication.

Responsabilités

• Develop textile sensors that can withstand environmental variations.
• Conduct experiments to evaluate sensitivity of different fibers.
• Write reports and scientific articles based on findings.

Connaissances

Materials science

Biomechanical characteristics of the human body

Laboratory experimentation

Report writing in English

Cleanroom experience

Formation

Master's degree in relevant field

Description du poste

Organisation/Company IMT Atlantique Department Doctoral division Research Field Chemistry » Physical chemistry Chemistry » Instrumental analysis Chemistry » Organic chemistry Chemistry » Inorganic chemistry Engineering » Electronic engineering Engineering » Materials engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 14 Feb 2026 - 23:00 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2026 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

Context

Rehabilitation of the upper limbs following a stroke is essential for the patient to regain motor functions. The difficulty in properly tracking the patient's progress, even during exercises done outside the medical setting, advocates for the development of an instrumented orthosis that allows for automatic monitoring. In order for the orthosis to be accepted by the patient, it should preferably be made of fabric to ensure ease of application and comfort. Consequently, the motion and force sensors that measure the range of motion should also be textile-based. Functional textile fiber sensors are the subject of numerous studies, with the development of connected textiles (e-textiles). The goal of this thesis is to work on the functionalization of commercial textile fibers (e.g., elastane) to make them conductive, with an electrical impedance that varies depending on the mechanical stresses to which they are subjected. The use of such textile transducers in garments that need to be worn and washed many times requires addressing several challenges: sensitivity within the desired deformation range, sensitivity to humidity, UV exposure, degradation due to washing cycles, and connection to electronics...

Objectives of the Thesis

The aim of the thesis is to develop a robust textile sensor, capable of withstanding various environmental variations (temperature, humidity), stresses (e.g., washing cycles), and being reliable enough to precisely measure mechanical deformations (insensitive to inherent drifts in any sensor). To achieve this, we will compare different commercial elastic fibers such as elastane or polyurethane. For each fiber, we will determine the best way to apply a conductive material (to be determined during testing) so that it:

• Stays adhered to the fiber.
• Offers the required range of variations within the desired deformation amplitudes.
• Allows for connection to electronics.
• The sensitivity variations of the piezoresistive fibers will be evaluated in relation to:
  • Humidity, temperature, and UV exposure.
  • Washing cycles.
  • Aging over time.

Solutions will be sought either in terms of sensor manufacturing (e.g., adding protective layers, connectors) or in algorithmic terms to counteract drift.

Skills Expected

• Materials science.
• Knowledge of the biomechanical characteristics of the human body.
• An interest and aptitude for laboratory experimentation (fabrication).
• Ability to work and write reports and scientific articles in English.
• Experience working in a cleanroom environment would be an advantage.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Internal Application form(s) needed