The RMT Lab invites applications for a fully funded Ph.D. position in Biomedical Sciences for conducting research in the project entitled “A high-throughput microphysiological platform to analyze the role of the aging human vasculature in melanoma metastases”.

The 4 years project will deal with the identification of biological mechanisms driving the formation and progression of metastases in presence of aging blood vessels with the final goal of identifying translational opportunities to block this process.

The project involves the biofabrication of 3D microvascular networks (main focus on the blood brain barrier), their integration with high-throughput culture systems and the analysis of blood vessel-cancer cell interaction through multiple next-gen sequencing techniques and high-content screening.

The Polymers, Biopolymers Surfaces (PBS) Laboratory (UMR CNRS 6270) is seeking a postdoc with a strong background in immunoengineering, biomaterials and/or polymer chemistry. 

The successful candidate will contribute developing advanced biomaterials for cancer immunotherapy. This project aims to harness the potential of biomaterials to improve the delivery and efficacy of T cells in solid tumors, significantly impacting human health and expediting clinical translation.

The postdoctoral researcher will be employed by CNRS, Europe's largest fundamental science agency, and conduct research under Dr. Sidi A. Bencherif at the Polymers, Biopolymers Surfaces (PBS) Laboratory (UMR CNRS 6270), located at University Rouen Normandy. PBS, a joint research unit of CNRS and the National Institute of Applied Sciences (INSA) Rouen Normandy, is associated with the Doctoral School of Chemistry and an interregional research center. PBS aims to develop innovative high-performance polymers through macromolecular chemistry, employing physical, physico-chemical, and biological approaches, and evaluating their functions in diverse environments, including biological systems. The PBS Laboratory comprises 46 permanent staff members, including 11 professors, 17 assistant professors, 2 CNRS researchers, 7 ITAs, and 9 BIATSSs. Researchers at PBS possess diverse expertise spanning chemistry, biology, and materials science, focusing on areas such as antimicrobial biomaterials, brain tissue reconstruction, and 3D bioprinted constructs for skin tissue engineering. Collaboration with Rouen University Hospital and international partners (e.g., USA, Europe) will further advance our research and facilitate translating research into clinical trials.

Find more information and apply here.