Postdoctoral Position in Soft-Tissue Biomechanics at LMGC, University of Montpellier University of Montpellier in France

This postdoctoral position at the Laboratory of Mechanics and Civil Engineering (LMGC), University of Montpellier, is part of an ANR-funded project (2023–2027) focused on the hydro-chemo-mechanical characterization of mucoid matrices, specifically Wharton's jelly (WJ), for medical applications. The research aims to advance understanding of the biomechanical properties and couplings in soft biological tissues, leveraging the consortium's expertise in WJ derivatives, which have shown promising biomechanical repeatability and tunable properties such as cross-linking and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team to develop digital twins that simulate the hydro-chemo-mechanical behavior of WJ derivatives, initially ex-vivo and subsequently integrating in-vivo assessments. The project hypothesizes that the interactions between solid and fluid phases, as well as their chemical components (notably electrically charged GAGs and collagen), are key to understanding tissue behavior. Modeling will be performed using poro-mechanics and chemical potential equilibrium through osmosis, with the goal of discriminating between hydromechanical and chemomechanical couplings. The research will utilize multimodal imaging techniques, including MRI, to monitor bio-integration and collect data for predictive modeling. Experimental work will assess the viscous behavior and damage properties of WJ derivatives, with applications in surgical contexts and bone regeneration. The position offers the opportunity to collaborate with LMGC, ICube, and LEM3 labs, and to contribute to cutting-edge research in biomaterial engineering, simulation, and medical innovation. Funding is provided for the duration of the project, and the work environment is international and multidisciplinary. Applicants should have a strong background in simulation engineering, finite element analysis, and ideally experience with medical imaging and digital twin development. Good English skills are required, and basic French is advantageous. The application deadline is February 1, 2026, with the position starting on the same date. For further details and to apply, candidates should contact Dr. Simon Le Floc'h at [email protected].