Postdoc: Silicone Phantoms for Surgery Training (M/F)

Unist; Chevanceaux; Ibrido; EUR 32.000 - 42.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

The Paul Pascal Research Center, part of the CNRS UMR, invites applications for a First Stage Researcher (R1) to contribute to the 3DPhantom project focused on micro-robot-assisted microsurgery. The fellow will join a multidisciplinary team led by renowned experts in soft matter and materials science at the Bordeaux Talence campus.

You will develop and analyze formulation-based materials, implement microfluidic setups, and characterize poroelastic properties using advanced microscopy and

Competenze

• PhD required in chemistry, physical chemistry, polymers or materials science.
• Experience with formulation and characterization of dispersed media (emulsions).
• Knowledge of microfluidics and millifluidics techniques.
• Strong scientific English writing/presentation skills; good communication in a multidisciplinary setting.

Mansioni

• Study and analysis of the structure of formulated silicone/water composite materials.
• Develop micro-/millifluidic experimental setups to connect external fluid circuits with material porosity.
• Measure liquid flow and characterize the material's poroelasticity.
• Characterize using optical/electron microscopy, light scattering, rheology and dynamic mechanical analysis.
• Coordinate results and communicate with project partners.

Formazione

Ph.D. in chemistry/physical chemistry/polymers/materials science

Strumenti

Microscopy

Descrizione del lavoro

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal Research Field Chemistry Physics » Chemical physics Physics » Biophysics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 30 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 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

-The 3DPhantom project is an interdisciplinary initiative bringing together several academic, industrial, and hospital partners with the goal of developing new training techniques for micro-robot-assisted microsurgery. The project aims to create models of the kidney-tumor system to enable surgeons to train in highly sophisticated assisted surgical techniques applied to partial nephrectomy (removal of cancerous tumors). These models are ultimately intended to replace the animals and cadavers currently used for these training purposes. Furthermore, the combined use of imaging techniques, image analysis, formulation, and liquid-based 3D extrusion printing enables the creation of customizable organ models—that is, models specific to a given patient. The models are created by shaping and then polymerizing initially liquid inks, which consist of water droplets dispersed in a polymerizable silicone phase. This project is coordinated overall by Professor Jean-Christophe Bernhard (head of the urology department at Bordeaux University Hospital). The project began in 2022 and has already yielded results that have been recognized, notably through a CNRS patent.
The goal now is to refine these materials, which function like silicone sponges composed of a network of microcapillaries that mimic the network of blood capillaries found in a human kidney. The goal now is to establish connections between the millimeter-scale external fluid circuit—whose flow is simply controlled by a pump—and the micrometer-scale network of capillaries artificially reproduced inside the models. Once this objective is achieved, the 3D-printed organ will be equivalent to a perfused organ. This project will be led by a team consisting of Jacques Leng (CNRS Research Director, 3D printing specialist) and Olivier Mondain-Monval (Full Professor at the University of Bordeaux, formulation/characterization specialist), both members of the Paul Pascal Research Center, a joint CNRS-University of Bordeaux research unit (UMR).

Study and analysis of the structure of formulated silicone/water composite materials; Development of micro-/millifluidic experimental setups to establish a connection between an external fluid circuit and the material's microporosity; Measurement of liquid flow within these networks and characterization of the material's poroelasticity; Characterization: Use of optical and electron microscopy techniques, light scattering, and mechanical measurements (rheology and dynamic mechanical analysis). Formulation: Use of conventional formulation techniques. Project management: Presentation of results and coordination with project partners

The candidate will join the Paul Pascal Research Center (UMR 5031) (Bordeaux, Talence campus), a leading laboratory in the field of soft matter and materials in general. The laboratory's 180 employees are dedicated to creating innovative materials to address current and future challenges (climate, energy, etc.). The successful candidate will enjoy a friendly, supportive, safe, and stimulating work environment. Quality of life and working conditions are a major priority for the laboratory. The successful candidate will undergo training in laboratory safety and will also have privileged access to and training on the CRPP's various pieces of equipment. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to join the dynamic RHU Urology 3D consortium. the opportunity to join the dynamic RHU Urology 3D consortium.

Education: Ph.D. in chemistry, physical chemistry, polymers, or materials science. Technical skills: Knowledge of the formulation and characterization of dispersed media, such as emulsions. Broad knowledge of microfluidics and millifluidics techniques. Adaptability and a collaborative spirit to work effectively with a multidisciplinary consortium. Writing skills (reports, presentations) and proficiency in scientific English. Strong communication skills are desirable to promote the consortium's work through print and digital media. The successful candidate must have a strong interest in the industrial application of research.