Microtechnologies for innovative therapy

Université Marie et Louis Pasteur; France; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Université Marie et Louis Pasteur in France invites applications for a First Stage Researcher (R1) postdoc in Engineering to develop a microfluidic device controlling cell trajectories using electric fields and impedance spectroscopy.

The project combines theory and experiments: modeling, simulation, and building electrical/mechanical systems, with data analysis in a cleanroom environment. English proficiency required; starting March 1, 2027; 35 hours/week.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in robotics, automation, physics or microfluidics.
• Team player, curious, with a passion for science.
• Good command of English.

Responsibilities

• Conduct theoretical modelling and simulation of physical phenomena.
• Design and develop electrical and mechanical systems.
• Implement control algorithms and analyze data.
• Work in a cleanroom environment and handle biological objects.

Skills

Robotics

Automation

Physics

Microfluidics

Biology knowledge

Electrostatics

Maxwell's equations

Optics

Nonlinear modeling

Education

Master's degree or equivalent in robotics/automation/physics/microfluidics

PhD in related field

Job description

Organisation/Company Université Marie et Louis Pasteur Research Field Engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 28 Feb 2027 - 00:00 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35:00 Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Reference Number FEDER BFC000802 BioImp Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The production of biopharmaceuticals requires the ability to move biological cells in a controlled manner. Among the various manipulation methods, non-contact manipulation methods using force fields allow interaction with biological objects without direct contact. This avoids all issues related to biological contamination, ensuring the sterility of the cells and the liquid environment in which they are cultivated.

The goal of this position is to develop a microfluidic device that enable the control of biological cell trajectories in order to facilitate the analysis of single cells. Various actuation methods are being considered, including electric fields, used both for actuation and measurement, and optical tweezers, which are also used for both actuation and measurement.

For actuation, electric fields have already been used through the phenomenon of dielectrophoresis to manipulate cells within microfluidic chips. Previous work within the AS2M department has demonstrated the possibility of precisely controlling the trajectory of objects in two dimensions using dielectrophoresis with closed-loop control based on visual feedback. However, vision-based measurement has limitations in terms of field of view, data acquisition speed, and information processing. We are therefore interested in replacing vision with impedance spectroscopy. Preliminary work has validated this principle as a measurement method.

With regard to optical tweezers, proof-of-concept studies exist for measuring interactions between lymphocytes and tumor cells. However, measurable forces remain limited to a few hundred pN. Here again, we are interested in using impedance measurements to characterize cellular interactions. The development of microrobotic devices for controlling the trajectory of biological cells using electric fields or optical tweezers represents both a technical and scientific challenge that would enable the study of cellular interactions and improve the productivity and accessibility of innovative therapeutic drugs.

In the context of this position, you will be required to conduct both theoretical studies (for modeling various physical phenomena and performing simulation studies) as well as experimental studies requiring the design and development of electrical and mechanical systems, the implementation of control algorithms, and data analysis. You will also need to handle biological objects and work in a cleanroom environment, but no prior training is required in these areas. You will be part of a team of engineers, post‑docs, PhD students, researchers, and faculty members with complementary expertise on which you can rely.

Requirements

Research Field Engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

We're looking for someone with a master's degree, engineering diploma or PhD in robotics, automation, physics or microfluidics. The following skills are not mandatory but would be an asset for the candidate:

• Knowledge of biology
• Knowledge of electrostatics and a good understanding of Maxwell's equations
• Knowledge of optics
• Modeling and control of non‑linear systems
• Experience in microfluidics

Specific Requirements

Team player, curious, with a passion for science

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Additional Information

Additional comments

• It is not necessary to speak French
• The number of hours per week can be adjusted based on 5 fixed packages (36h52, 37h11, 37h32, 38h04, 38h26), each providing a different number of additional RTT days.
• The contract start date is negotiable, provided that you begin the position no later than March 1, 2027.