Postdoc: Multiscale characterization of cartilage under robotic loading, UM-LMGC

Société de Biomécanique; Montpellier; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Une société de biomécanique recrute un post-doctorant en caractérisation multiscale des cartilages sous chargement robotique à Montpellier. Le candidat développera un système robotique pour tester les réponses biologiques en charge, au sein d'une équipe interdisciplinaire. Un doctorat récent en biomécanique ou domaine connexe est requis, avec des compétences en robotique et en analyse d'images.

Qualifications

• Doctorat récemment obtenu (≤2 ans) dans un domaine pertinent.
• Solide expérience en biomécanique expérimentale et/ou robotique.
• Compétence en programmation et culture de recherche interdisciplinaire.

Responsabilités

• Développer et intégrer un système robotique pour des tests biomechaniques.
• Améliorer le contrôle de l'actionnement et la synchronisation avec des systèmes d'imagerie.
• Développer des protocoles de charge personnalisés.

Connaissances

Programmation

Biomécanique expérimentale

Robotique

Analyse d'images

Compétences en communication

Formation

Doctorat en biomécanique, ingénierie mécanique, robotique ou bioingénierie

Outils

Micro-CT

OCT

Microscopie multiphotonique

Description du poste

Postdoc: Multiscale characterization of cartilage under robotic loading, UM-LMGC

1.5-year Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Biomechanics at Université de Montpellier TITLE: Multiscale Characterization of Mechanobiological Responses in Cartilage under Biomimetic Robotic Stimulation
DURATION: 18 months (potential extension)
LOCATION: Université de Montpellier – LMGC, in collaboration with LIRMM, IRMB, and the industrial partner Symétrie
START DATE: End 2025
DEADLINE APPLICATION : 30 September 2025 POSITION OVERVIEW The funded project aims to investigate the mechanobiological response of murine articular cartilage and intervertebral discs by replicating physiological loading conditions using a novel robotic platform compatible with advanced microscopy techniques. At the core of this platform is the SOLANO miniaturized hexapod robot, developed by the industrial partner Symétrie, which enables submicron-resolution, multi-axial motion finely controlled in terms of displacement, force, and velocity. The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for the robotic development and integration required to adapt this system for high-precision, dynamic biomechanical testing. This includes:

• improving actuation control (speed and smoothness of motion),
• ensuring synchronization with imaging systems (e.g., micro-CT, OCT, multiphoton microscopy, SEM),
• developing customized loading protocols that mimic physiological conditions.

This interdisciplinary project bridges biomechanics, robotics, imaging, and biology, with the goal of uncovering micro- and nanoscale deformation mechanisms of cells within their native tissue environments, under both healthy and pathological conditions (e.g., osteoarthritis, inflammation). Experimental data obtained from ex vivo robotic tests will inform multiscale numerical models of tissue mechanotransduction, calibrated using in vivo murine gait analysis and behavioral tracking provided by IRMB. ENVIRONMENT LMGC – Laboratoire de Mécanique et Génie Civil[url]lmgc.umontpellier.fr/ [/url]
Joint research unit of the University of Montpellier and CNRS (~120 members). The BIOTIC team specializes in biomechanics of soft tissues, tissue imaging (multiphoton, SEM, micro-CT), and mechano-biological modeling. LIRMM – Laboratoire d’Informatique, de Robotique et de Microélectronique de Montpellier[url]www.lirmm.fr/ [/url]
Joint research unit of University of Montpellier and CNRS (~400 members). The DEXTER team (robotics department) focuses on surgical robotics and parallel kinematics, designing high-performance robots capable of fast, fine, precise movements. IRMB / Cartigen – OsteoStart[url]www.chu-montpellier.fr/fr/cartigen [/url], [url]irmb-montpellier.fr/single-service/osteostart-platform/ [/url]
The Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapy (IRMB) brings together University Hospital Center of Montpellier, INSERM, and University of Montpellier. CARTIGEN platform specializes in motion modeling, 3D printing, and regenerative medicine approaches. The OsteoStart platform develops non-invasive in vivo murine movement analysis for osteo-articular disorders, testing cell and gene therapies in pre-clinical trials. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Recent (≤2 years) PhD in Biomechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Bioengineering or related field
• Strong background in experimental biomechanics and/or robotics
• Experience with microscopy and image analysis (a plus)
• Strong programming skills
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment
• Interest in translational research at the interface of mechanics, biology, and medical devices

FUNDING

• Fully funded by Université de Montpellier and ANR
• Duration: 18 months (possible extension)
• Starting gross monthly salary: ~€2300

APPLICATION PROCEDURE Applicants must submit:

• Detailed CV with publications and diplomas
• Cover letter highlighting relevant experience and motivation
• Contact information for at least two academic references

Send applications to:
Cristina Cavinato — [e-mail]
Sebastian Krut — [e-mail] RELEVANT REFERENCES Cavinato et al, 2021. Mech. Ageing Dev. 196, 111471 Kirnaz et al, 2021. Int. J. Spine Surg. 15, 10–25 Kloefkorn et al, 2015. Arthritis Res Ther. 17, 287 Mausset-Bonnefont et al, 2025. Arthritis Res. Ther. 27, 42 Orozco et al, 2022. PLOS Comput. Biol. 18, e1009398 Petitjean et al, 2021. Mater. Sci. Eng. C 121, 111800 .