Centre for Biomedical and Healthcare Engineering
Organisation/Company: Mines St Etienne
Department: Centre for Biomedical and Healthcare Engineering
Research Field: Engineering » Mechanical engineering
Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2), Established Researcher (R3)
Positions: Postdoc Positions
Country: France
Application Deadline: 31 Dec 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris)
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 38
Offer Starting Date: 1 Apr 2025
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - EIC
Reference Number: 101186212
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description This two-year post-doctoral fellowship is based at IMT Mines Saint-Etienne (SAINBIOSE) and Université de Montpellier (LMGC). It is part of the PELVITRACK project, funded by the EIC Pathfinder Open.
The project aims to develop a real-time solution to monitor the perineum to prevent pelvic floor disorders (PFD), a condition that affects up to 32% of women and 16% of men. The postdoc will conduct experimental mechanical testing on porcine perineal tissues, analyzing mechanical behavior and microstructural changes using methods like Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). The fellow will also contribute to the development of constitutive models to predict tissue damage.
Candidates should have a PhD in biomechanics or a related field, experience in experimental mechanics and finite element analysis, and programming proficiency. The position will last for 24 months, split between the two institutions, with a start date in April-May 2025 .
Applications are due by December 31, 2024.
POSITION DESCRIPTION This post-doctoral fellowship is part of the large PELVITRACK project , funded by the EIC Pathfinder Open starting in mid-2025. The project aims to develop an innovative real-time solution to monitor the perineum, aiming to prevent Pelvic Floor Disorders (PFD). PFD affects up to 32% of women and 16% of men, often due to perineal trauma during childbirth in women, leading to chronic pain, incontinence, and prolapses. Currently, there are no clinical tools available for real-time assessment of pelvic tissue damage, often resulting in delayed decision-making and irreversible damage. PELVITRACK brings together an interdisciplinary and international consortium of 12 partners across multiple European countries, focusing on the development of an advanced monitoring technology to improve diagnosis, prognosis, and prevention of pelvic floor disorders.
Research Objectives and Methodology Mechanical testing of porcine perineal tissues: The postdoctoral fellow will conduct controlled mechanical tests on entire porcine perineum and isolated perineal tissues up to failure. These tests will include uniaxial, biaxial, and bulge inflation tests to progressively replicate the physiological conditions observed during childbirth.
Optical tracking and microstructural analysis: During mechanical testing, optical tracking will be used to capture 3D strain data through Digital Image Correlation. Additionally, changes in microstructure under load will be examined using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and histological analysis.
Development of mechanical models: Based on the experimental data, the postdoc will be involved in the development of a constitutive model that includes the anisotropic, hyperelastic response of this complex structure together with tissue softening and damage mechanisms.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Recent PhD in Biomechanics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
Strong background in experimental solid mechanics and biomechanical modeling
Experience in mechanical testing (e.g., uniaxial/biaxial tensile tests, DIC, micro-mechanics or rupture)
Experience in Finite Element Analysis (e.g. Abaqus, Ansys, Fenics)
Proficiency in programming languages (e.g. Python, MATLAB) for data analysis and numerical model development
Fluent communication in an international background and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team
POSITION DETAILS Start Date: Expected start date is April-May 2025
Salary: aligned with French public sector standards
APPLICATION PROCEDURE - Candidates are invited to submit the following documents:
Detailed CV with a list of publications, and a copy of your diplomas
Cover letter highlighting relevant experience and motivation for the research project
Contact information for at least two academic references
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