Engineer - Optimization of parameters for interactive numerical simulation (F/M)

Engineer - Optimization of parameters for interactive numerical simulation (F/M)

Level of qualifications required : Graduate degree or equivalent

Other valued qualifications : PhD

Fonction : Temporary scientific engineer

Level of experience : From 3 to 5 years

About the research centre or Inria department

The Inria University of Lille centre, created in 2008, employs 360 people including 305 scientists in 15 research teams. Recognised for its strong involvement in the socio-economic development of the Hauts-De-France region, theInria University of Lille centre pursues a close relationship with large companies and SMEs. By promoting synergies between researchers and industrialists, Inria participates in the transfer of skills and expertise in digital technologies and provides access to the best European and international research for the benefit of innovation and companies, particularly in the region.

For more than 10 years, theInria University of Lille centre has been located at the heart of Lille's university and scientific ecosystem, as well as at the heart of Frenchtech, with a technology showroom based on Avenue de Bretagne in Lille, on the EuraTechnologies site of economic excellence dedicated to information and communication technologies (ICT).

Context

As part of the European IRE (Intelligent Robotic Endoscope ) project, the Defrost team aims to build a robotic replica of a human colon and develop its digital twin in order to simulate and control the robot's various actuators.

The objective of this position is to develop a biomechanical model of the colon and identify the model parameters based on image data obtained from experimental measurements carried out by a project partner.

Two trips per year are planned to Copenhagen for the project's plenary meetings. Travel expenses will be covered within the limits of the current scale.

Assignment

With the help of three researchers, a doctoral student, and an engineer, the successful candidate will be required to

• develop a (bio)mechanical model of the colon,
• propose a generic model for parameter optimization (parameters, boundary conditions
• use this optimization algorithm to identify these parameters from experimental data
• participate in software development for the SOFA simulation platform and propose development initiatives for SOFA
• present their results at project progress meetings

The successful candidate will liaise with members of the Defrost team involved in the project, particularly those responsible for manufacturing the deformable colon robot. The candidate may also collaborate occasionally with project partners.

Main activities

Main activities:

• Analyze monitoring of optimization methods and surface biomechanical models.
• Develop a mechanical model of a colony.
• Develop an optimization algorithm to identify mechanical parameters and boundary conditions.
• Implement these models in SOFA, write tests and documentation.
• Participate in team activities and assist doctoral students with software aspects

Additional activities:

• Present work progress to European partners
• Participate in the coordination of the SOFA community

Skills

• Advanced proficiency in C++ (templates, object-oriented programming, memory management)
• Use of Python to create and configure simulation scenes via the API
• Understanding of the principles of deformable solid mechanics, soft tissue modeling (e.g., hyperelasticity, viscoelasticity), multiphysics (fluids, contacts), and numerical methods such as finite elements (FEM) or differential equation solvers.
• Writing tests to validate new components or bug fixes. Familiarity with GitHub Actions to verify compilation, testing, and examples on each pull request (PR).
• Ability to optimize for real-time performance (e.g., parallelization via data dependencies) and debug complex simulations.

Benefits package

• Partial reimbursement of public transport costs
• Leave: 7 weeks of annual leave + 10 extra days off due to RTT (statutory reduction in working hours) + possibility of exceptional leave (sick children, moving home, etc.)
• Possibility of teleworking and flexible organization of working hours
• Professional equipment available (videoconferencing, loan of computer equipment, etc.)
• Social, cultural and sports events and activities
• Theme/Domain : Robotics and Smart environmentsSoftware engineering(BAP E)

Defence Security : This position is likely to be situated in a restricted area (ZRR), as defined in Decree No. relating to the protection of national scientific and technical potential (PPST).Authorisation to enter an area is granted by the director of the unit, following a favourable Ministerial decision, as defined in the decree of 3 July 2012 relating to the PPST. An unfavourable Ministerial decision in respect of a position situated in a ZRR would result in the cancellation of the appointment.

Recruitment Policy : As part of its diversity policy, all Inria positions are accessible to people with disabilities.

• Interest in research and innovation: Keen to explore new digital approaches, monitor technological developments, and understand societal impact.
• Collaborative and international mindset: Keen to work in multicultural teams, on pan-European projects, and engage with diverse partners.
• Scientific and analytical curiosity: Enjoyment of investigating interdisciplinary problems (physics, computer science, environment), with an affinity for applied mathematics and computer science.
• Report writing, team/network leadership (local, European), oral/written communication in technical English.

About Inria

Inria is the French national research institute dedicated to digital science and technology. It employs 2,600 people. Its 200 agile project teams, generally run jointly with academic partners, include more than 3,500 scientists and engineers working to meet the challenges of digital technology, often at the interface with other disciplines. The Institute also employs numerous talents in over forty different professions. 900 research support staff contribute to the preparation and development of scientific and entrepreneurial projects that have a worldwide impact.