(M/F) Postdoctoral PEPR position Micro‑ and Millifluidic Chip Design and fabrication for Controlled Optic Nerve models

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Neuro-SU Research Field Pharmacological sciences Engineering Technology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 3 Sep 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

: ON-CHIP aims to develop an innovative platform of human optic nerve organoids on a chip to accelerate the development of new therapies for glaucoma and deepen our understanding of pathological mechanisms. The project is a winner of the Organes et organoïdes sur puces (PEPR MED-OOC) exploratory research program, which aims to deploy a new generation of biological models in France through the development of organs and organoids on chips.This project proposes the development of a “Human Optic Nerve-on-a-Chip” platform—an innovative, multi-organ microfluidic device designed to address the urgent need for physiologically relevant systems in glaucoma research. The platform will mimic human optic nerve head, a structure critically stresses during POAG, biology by unidirectionally connecting retinal organoids to brain assembloids, enabling inter-organ neural circuit integration through a sizeable 3D channel representing an unprecedented advancement over current static or 2D models. Pushing the boundaries of neural modeling, the ON-Chip system will, for the first time, incorporate cells from the monocyte-phagocyte lineage, introducing microglial components into a complex glia-neuron interface. Leveraging genetically encoded biosensors for real-time monitoring of RGC homeostasis, the platform will enable dynamic assessment of optic nerve functionality. By integrating disease relevant conditions such neuroinflammation and elevated intraocular pressure and patient-specific genetic risk factors, ON-Chip will offer a powerful, personalized model of glaucoma pathophysiology. This system will be ideally suited for drug screening, gene therapy validation, and regenerative medicine applications.

• Prototyping of micro and millifluidic design for cell culture.
• Microfabrication of micro and millifluidic devices in clean room facility.
• Biophysical characterization
• Brain organoid Cell culture
• Live cell Imaging

This ambitious project brings together three leading French neuroscience institutes—Institut de la Vision, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NeuroSU), and the Institut du Cerveau (ICM)—each contributing complementary expertise in microfluidics, organoid biology, and neurodegeneration. Their geographic proximity and established collaborations will ensure fluid communication and effective coordination throughout the project. In summary, the ON-Chip platform represents a transformative step in glaucoma research, combining technological innovation with biological relevance to deepen our understanding of disease mechanisms and accelerate the development of targeted therapies.

• Expertise in microfabrication processes (soft lithography, hot embossing..)
• Numerical simulation
• Strong appetence for Biology and Cell Culture.
• Analytical rigor – meticulous data handling and reproducible experimentation.
• Curiosity & “Out‑of‑the‑box” thinking – we value innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Team Spirit