We're recruiting - Design engineer

Design engineer position offer

“Development of Biobased Scaffolds for In Vitro Tissue Engineering”

Scientific context : The increase in chronic illnesses, cancers and traumas is considerably increasing the need for therapeutic solutions for tissue reconstruction (over 6% growth in the last 10 years in the European market for bone filling materials alone). However, the devices produced, whether for research or for market launch, have to undergo numerous tests to be validated, including in vivo tests on animals. There is therefore a real need to reduce the number of tests by using alternative methods, notably ex vivo.

Research project description : The overall aim of the MICROPLAITE project is to design a microfluidic platform for the development and evaluation of medical devices for tissue reconstruction, but also to develop certain properties such as an antimicrobial effect, as well as to ensure their biosafety. Our approach is to miniaturize a high-performance growth and analysis device, enabling significant gains in throughput and precision for therapeutic cell regeneration solutions, by incorporating biocomposite support structures (scaffolds) promoting cell growth in an environment close to physiological conditions. These scaffolds will incorporate lignin, a highly abundant renewable plant resource, composed of complex phenolic structures within a branched polymer. Indeed, lignin naturally possesses radical-scavenging and antimicrobial properties that are part of plants' chemical defenses. Their use will thus help the development of the device, not only reducing the use of animals for in vivo validation, but also making this type of therapeutic approach much more widely accessible.

Candidate profile : A master’s degree in materials science or in microbiology is required to apply. The candidate should have a good capacity to work in the experimental field of physical/chemical characterization of polymers/composites and antibacterial properties. Excellent level in project management and communication skills in both French and English languages is also required.

Laboratory : FARE (Fractionation of Agro-Resources & Environment), URCA/INRAE
Location : Reims, FR
Contract duration : 28 months
Salary : ~2100 €/month (gross)
Starting date : February / March, 2025

How to apply. Potential candidates are invited to submit their curriculum vitæ, cover letter and references to Trystan Domenech by email: trystan.domenech@univ-reims.fr