Research engineer extracorporeal bioartificial liver project

The université de technologie de Compiègne is recruiting a research engineer to develop an extracorporeal bioartificial liver, in the Biomechanics and Bioengineering laboratory - Department of Biological Engineering, as part of the HiBAL project.

Mission

The recruited person will participate in research for the preclinical validation of an extracorporeal bioartificial liver. He/she will contribute to the design, control and validation of the secondary circuit of the device on the operational and biological level.

The research engineer will build on proof of concept studies and previously conducted by the laboratories involved.

Activities

• Integrate the components of the extracorporeal circuit (commercial plasmapheresis system, pumps, storage bags, bioreactor, biomass, tubing, sensors, filters).

• Engage with suppliers and select equipment in agreement with the project leader.

• Operate and monitor the system using a dedicated interface.

• Design, validate, and optimize protocols for encapsulating biomass in biomaterials to improve cell viability, activity, and system stability.

• Validate system performance in vitro with a view to its final application as an advanced therapy medicinal product.

• Maintain technological and industrial watch on the field.

• Present, disseminate, and promote results.

• Participate in project meetings

Scientific context

The Biomaterials and Tissue Fabrication (BioFab) axis contributes to the research work of the HiBAL (Hybrid iPS Bioartificial Liver) project, a task of which is carried out by the BMBI laboratory.

The Inserm 1193 laboratory, the project leader, is based at the Hepato-Biliary Center of the Paul Brousse Hospital (Villejuif).

The project receives funding from France 2030 - PEPR - priority research programs and equipment for the HiBAL project.

The work focuses on the preclinical validation of a bioartificial liver, an extracorporeal device composed of a plasmapheresis system (commercial) and a secondary circuit that will have to be designed, piloted and validated operationally (flow rates, pressures, filters, alarms) and biologically.

Additional information

Application dates

From 10/03/2026 to 09/04/2026

Type of contract and projected recruitment dates

Fixed-term contract – expected duration of 24 months - to be filled at the earliest and until 31/08/2029 at the latest

Gross monthly salary

Depending on experience and funding

Working hours

37 hours and 30 minutes/week - 1,607 hours/year

 Work environment and context

The recruited person will join the Biomaterials and Tissue Fabrication (BioFab) axis, one of the 4 axes of the BMBI laboratory in the biological engineering department and will benefit from access to the various platforms of the laboratory.

He/she will work in collaboration with the BioFab axis (teachers-researchers, PhD students, trainees of the team) and the INSERM U1193 partner team in Villejuif. He/she will work closely with a PhD student as well as with all project partners (Inserm 1193, Inserm 1197 and ENVA). He/she shall report to and maintain a regular dialog with the project managers.

Travel is expected as part of the project.

Degree, education, and qualifications

Degree: engineer or equivalent degree

Field of study: Bioengineering, Process Engineering, Fluid Mechanics.

Skills

• Engineering sciences and techniques (processes, control, bioengineering) – advanced knowledge.

• Cell culture techniques (basic skills)

• Biomaterial characterization methods (basic skills)

• Analysis of biological fluids and culture media (basic skills)

• Ability to work independently on new topics.

• Strong analytical and synthesis skills.

• Ability to write reports, publications, and synthesis documents in English.

• English proficiency: B1–B2 (CEFR).

• Teamwork skills, ability to collaborate with clinicians, engineers, and biologists.

• Good interpersonal and communication skills.