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Institut de physique de Rennes

PhD in Physics of Embolism Propagation in Leaves and Biomimetic Microfluidics Institut de physique de Nice in France

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Environmental Science

Funding

PhD position funded through the EU Research Framework Programme (Horizon Europe - ERC) within the ERC Starting Grant EMBIOMO. Temporary full-time contract; stipend amount not stated.

Deadline

Expired

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Country

France

University

Institut de physique de Rennes

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Keywords

Environmental Science
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
Biophysics
Biology
Image Processing
Fluid Mechanics
Microfabrication
Soft Matter Physics
High-speed Imaging
Microfluidic
Physics

About this position

PhD opportunity in Physics, Fluid Mechanics, Biophysics, and Microfluidics at the Institut de physique de Nice (INPHYNI), a joint research unit of CNRS and Université Côte d'Azur in Nice, France.

The project, supported by the ERC Starting Grant EMBIOMO under Horizon Europe, investigates the physics of embolism propagation in leaves. The research combines high-speed imaging, image processing, plant hydraulics, and biomimetic microfluidics to understand how air embolisms form and spread through leaf vascular networks during drought.

The PhD student will work on two complementary directions: (1) experimental characterisation of embolism events in real leaves using an ultra-high-speed camera, synchronized imaging systems, illumination optimisation, and automated acquisition; and (2) design and fabrication of PDMS-based biomimetic microfluidic networks that reproduce leaf-like hydraulic properties under controlled conditions. The work may also involve X-ray tomography and environmental scanning electron microscopy for anatomical characterisation.

The position is embedded in a collaborative environment with plant biologists and biomechanics researchers at INRAE, and within a lab active in fluid mechanics, soft matter physics, biophysics, microfluidics, and interfacial phenomena. The successful candidate will join a team of PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and permanent researchers, with regular scientific meetings and access to advanced facilities including a clean-room microfabrication platform and imaging/characterisation equipment.

Eligibility: background in physics, fluid mechanics, biophysics, engineering science, or a related field; strong experimental interest; independence, rigour, initiative, and ability to work interdisciplinarily. Experience in optics, high-speed imaging, scientific programming, microfluidics, or microfabrication is an advantage. Basic French is mentioned.

Deadline: 19 August 2026, 23:59 UTC. The position is full-time and temporary, with one opening available. Start date: 1 November 2026.

Funding details

PhD position funded through the EU Research Framework Programme (Horizon Europe - ERC) within the ERC Starting Grant EMBIOMO. Temporary full-time contract; stipend amount not stated.

What's required

Candidate with a background in physics, fluid mechanics, biophysics, engineering science, or a related field. Strong interest in experimental research is required, along with independence to design experiments, identify relevant parameters, improve setups, and propose new configurations. Scientific curiosity, rigour, initiative, and ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment are expected. Experience in optics, high-speed imaging, image processing, scientific programming, microfluidics, or microfabrication is an asset; theoretical or numerical knowledge of fluid mechanics is appreciated. French at basic level is mentioned.

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