PhD in Biomaterials and 4D Bioprinting – Smart Polysaccharide Hydrogels CERMAV-CNRS in France

This PhD opportunity at CERMAV-CNRS in Grenoble, France, focuses on the development of smart polysaccharide hydrogels for 4D bioprinting, a cutting-edge area in tissue engineering and biomaterials. The project aims to engineer hydrogels that not only serve as scaffolds for living cells but also dynamically change shape in response to external stimuli, enabling advanced applications in regenerative medicine and synthetic vascular tissue engineering.

The research will involve the design and synthesis of hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels crosslinked via dynamic covalent bonds, compatible with extrusion printing. The goal is to encode stimuli-triggered, shape-morphing behavior in printable hydrogels, transforming them into multi-responsive materials for 4D bioprinting. The project will use strategies such as grafting thermoresponsive polymers and incorporating biocompatible microfibers to control swelling and mechanical properties post-printing. Applications include the fabrication of synthetic vascular tissues and endothelial cell-laden hydrogels for in situ integration.

Candidates should have a strong background in polymer chemistry and physical chemistry, be proactive, and have an interest in smart materials. The project will provide hands-on experience in chemical modification of polymers, synthesis and characterization of hydrogels, 3D printing, and cell manipulation. The work will be conducted in the CERMAV Laboratory, a leading research center in natural polymers, within the team "Structure and Modification of Polysaccharides."

Applicants are expected to send their CV, transcript, and cover letter to the supervisors and prepare for the Université Grenoble Alpes doctoral school competition. No explicit funding or stipend details are provided, and candidates should inquire about financial support during the application process. For more information, visit the project web page or contact the supervisors directly.