Postdoctoral Position in Continuum Mechanics and Hexapod-Based Testing of Joint Mechanics – Univ. Montpellier, France

[Cristina Cavinato]

Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Robotics/Biomechanics at LMGC, University of Montpellier, France

TITLE: Multiscale characterization of mechanobiological responses in articular cartilage under biomimetic robotic stimulation

DURATION: 18 months (potential extension)
LOCATION: University of Montpellier – LMGC, in collaboration with LIRMM, IRMB, and the industrial partner Symetrie
START DATE: Mid 2026
DEADLINE APPLICATION : May 31, 2026

POSITION OVERVIEW
The funded project aims to investigate the mechanobiological response of murine articular cartilage and intervertebral discs by replicating physiological loading conditions using a novel robotic platform compatible with advanced microscopy techniques. At the core of this platform is a Miniaturized hexapod robot, developed by the industrial partner Symetrie, which enables submicron-resolution, multi-axial motion finely controlled in terms of displacement, force, and velocity. The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for the robotic development and integration required to adapt this system for high-precision, dynamic biomechanical testing. This includes:

• improving actuation control (speed and smoothness of motion),
• ensuring synchronization with imaging systems (e.g., micro-CT, OCT, multiphoton microscopy, SEM),
• developing customized loading protocols that mimic physiological conditions.

This interdisciplinary project bridges biomechanics, robotics, imaging, and biology, with the goal of uncovering micro- and nanoscale deformation mechanisms of cells within their native tissue environments, under both healthy and pathological conditions (e.g., osteoarthritis, inflammation). Experimental data obtained from ex vivo robotic tests will inform multiscale numerical models of tissue mechanotransduction, calibrated using in vivo murine gait analysis and behavioral tracking provided by IRMB.

ENVIRONMENT
LMGC – Laboratoire de Mecanique et Genie Civil lmgc.umontpellier.fr/
Joint research unit of the University of Montpellier and CNRS (~120 members). The BIOTIC team specializes in biomechanics of soft tissues, tissue imaging (multiphoton, SEM, micro-CT), and mechano-biological modeling.
LIRMM – Laboratoire d’Informatique, de Robotique et de Microelectronique Montpellier www.lirmm.fr/
Joint research unit of University of Montpellier and CNRS (~400 members). The DEXTER team (robotics department) focuses on surgical robotics and parallel kinematics, designing high-performance robots capable of fast, fine, precise movements.
IRMB / Cartigen – OsteoStart www.chu-montpellier.fr/fr/cartigen , irmb-montpellier.fr/single-service/osteostart-platform/
The Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapy (IRMB) brings together University Hospital Center of Montpellier, INSERM, and University of Montpellier. CARTIGEN platform specializes in motion modeling, 3D printing, and regenerative medicine approaches. The OsteoStart platform develops non-invasive in vivo murine movement analysis for osteo-articular disorders, testing cell and gene therapies in pre-clinical trials.
SYMETRIE - https://symetrie.fr/
French company specialized in precision hexapods for 25 years

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Recent (≤2 years) PhD in Biomechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Bioengineering or related field
• Strong background in experimental biomechanics and/or robotics
• Experience with microscopy and image analysis (a plus)
• Strong programming skills
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment
• Interest in translational research at the interface of mechanics, biology, and medical devices

FUNDING

• Fully funded by University of Montpellier and ANR
• Duration: 18 months (possible extension)

APPLICATION PROCEDURE Applicants must submit:

• Detailed CV with publications and diplomas
• Cover letter highlighting relevant experience and motivation
• Contact information for at least two academic references

Send applications to:
Cristina Cavinato — cristina.cavinato@umontpellier.fr
Sebastian Krut — sebastien.krut@lirmm.fr

RELEVANT REFERENCES
Cavinato et al, 2021. Mech. Ageing Dev. 196, 111471
Kirnaz et al, 2021. Int. J. Spine Surg. 15, 10–25
Kloefkorn et al, 2015. Arthritis Res Ther. 17, 287
Mausset-Bonnefont et al, 2025. Arthritis Res. Ther. 27, 42
Orozco et al, 2022. PLOS Comput. Biol. 18, e1009398
Petitjean et al, 2021. Mater. Sci. Eng. C 121, 111800