PhD Student in Cellular Mechanobiology and Microfluidics

This PhD position at the Institut de Recherche sur les Phénomènes Hors Équilibre in Marseille, France, focuses on investigating how mechanical forces in microcirculation—particularly interactions with red blood cells—affect the behavior of nucleated cells like cancer or immune cells. The project combines cell culture, microfluidics, fluorescence microscopy, immunolabeling, and quantitative image analysis to link mechanical stimuli to cellular responses. The interdisciplinary environment integrates biophysics, fluid mechanics, and cell biology, supported by advanced experimental platforms and close collaboration between physicists and biologists. The research is part of the ANR HECTOR project, offering a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of multiple scientific disciplines.

• Conduct experimental research on how mechanical forces in microcirculation influence cell behavior, particularly in cancer and immune cells.
• Develop and utilize microfluidic devices to simulate mechanical environments and study cell responses.
• Perform cell culture, immunofluorescence labeling, and quantitative image analysis to correlate mechanical stimuli with cellular outcomes.
• Collaborate with physicists and biologists to integrate biophysical and biological approaches in the research.
• Present research findings at conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Maintain rigorous experimental standards and ensure reproducibility of results.