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AS2M : Closed-loop trajectory control using dielectrophoresis and impedance measurements

Context 

The FEMTO-ST research institute (CNRS) innovates in cutting-edge technological solutions for the manufacture of biomedicines (drugs whose active ingredient is of biological origin), calling on a multidisciplinary team with skills in robotics, automation, computing, microfluidics, microsystems and clean-room manufacturing. We’re looking for curious people with a good scientific background wanting to thrive in the world of research and innovation.

 Job description

The production of biopharmaceuticals requires the ability to move biological cells in a controlled manner. Among the various manipulation methods, non-contact manipulation methods using force fields [5] allow interaction with biological objects without direct contact. This avoids all issues of biological contamination, ensuring the sterility of the cells and the liquid environment in which they are cultivated. The goal of this position is to develop a device enabling three-dimensional trajectory control of biological cells using electric fields, employing electric fields as both the actuation and measurement method. For actuation, electric fields have already been used through the phenomenon of dielectrophoresis [4] to manipulate cells within microfluidic chips. Previous work within the AS2M department [2] has demonstrated the possibility of precisely controlling the trajectory of objects in two dimensions using dielectrophoresis with closed-loop control based on visual feedback. However, vision-based measurement has limitations in terms of field of view, data acquisition speed, and information pro- 1 cessing.We are therefore interested in replacing vision with impedance spectroscopy [3]. Preliminary work [1] has validated this principle as a measurement method. The development of a device for controlling the trajectory of biological cells using electric fields as both the actuation and measurement method represents both a technical and scientific challenge. It would enable the study of cellular interactions, improve the productivity of innovative therapeutic drugs, and enhance their accessibility.

Tasks

In the context of this position, you will be required to conduct both theoretical studies (for modeling various physical phenomena and performing simulation studies) as well as experimental studies requiring the design and development of electrical and mechanical systems, the implementation of control algorithms, and data analysis. You will also need to handle biological objects and work in a cleanroom environment. You will be part of a team of engineers, post-docs, PhD students, researchers, and faculty members with complementary expertise on which you can rely. In more detail, the tasks you will be required to perform are : 

• Study existing methods in the literature for actuation and measurement using electric fields

 • Characterize the couplings and the influence of actuation on measurement to propose a method enabling both to be performed simultaneously

 • Propose an efficient control law enabling the trajectory control of multiple objects simultaneously 

• Design an experimental setup (mechanical, electronic, and programming components) and microfluidic chips 

Skills

We’re looking for someone with a master’s degree, engineering diploma or PhD in robotics, automation, physics or microfluidics. The following skills are not mandatory but would be an asset for the candidate :

 • Knowledge of biology

 • Knowledge of electrostatics and a good understanding of Maxwell’s equations

 • Modeling and control of non-linear systems

 • Experience in microfluidics 

https://www.femto-st.fr/en/job-training-thesis/engineers-technicians-administrator-staff#job-5689

AS2M : Microfluidic chip manufacturing and integration

Context

The FEMTO-ST research institute (CNRS) innovates in cutting-edge technological solutions for
the manufacture of biomedicines (drugs whose active ingredient is of biological origin), calling on a
multidisciplinary team with skills in robotics, automation, computing, microfluidics, microsystems
and clean-room manufacturing. We’re looking for curious people with a good scientific background
wanting to thrive in the world of research and innovation.

Job description

The mission of this engineering position is to manufacture microfluidic chips in the MIMENTO
cleanroom. This includes developing and implementing processes for depositing and patterning
thin metal layers on glass wafers, depositing and patterning resin, aligning and assembling multiple
wafers, and fabricating microchannels in the glass thickness. A contribution to mask and chip design
is also expected, in collaboration with other project members. Once these processes have reached a
sufficient degree of maturity and robustness, they will need to be clearly documented in order to be
reproducible. The engineer recruited will also be involved in developing the interfacing of microfluidic
chips with experimental platforms, in order to propose a simple and systematic integration standard
guaranteeing in particular the absence of leakage, the absence of particle aggregates, and precise
flow control.

Tasks

• Deposition and structuring of thin metallic layers on glass.
• Resin deposition and patterning.
• Alignment and assembly of multiple wafers/microfluidic chips.
• Design of chips/masks.
• Etching microchannels within the glass.
• Interfacing/integration of microfluidic chips with experimental devices.
• Clearly documented processes to ensure reproducibility.
• Report writing and communication on research work : participation in the preparation of
technical reports and public communications on the project’s activities.

Skills

The successful candidate will have a Master’s or PhD degree in mechanical or electrical engineering,
applied physics, micro-nanotechnology, or a closely related discipline. He or she should have
excellent skills and practical experience in one or more of the following areas : robotics, mechatronics,
mechanical design, nanofabrication and microfabrication technologies. Experience at the
intersection of one or more of these fields is desirable. An interview will be part of the selection
procedure.

Contact: 

bioimp.recrutement@femto-st.fr

+ d'infos :
PDF icon 4-62e073ae3e0090.86598146offreemploi_microfabrication-1.pdf
https://www.femto-st.fr/en/job-training-thesis/engineers-technicians-administrator-staff#job-5683

AS2M : Non-contact detection of magnetic nanoparticles

Context

The FEMTO-ST research institute (CNRS) innovates in cutting-edge technological solutions for the manufacture of biomedicines (drugs whose active ingredient is of biological origin), calling on a multidisciplinary team with skills in robotics, automation, computing, microfluidics, microsystems and clean-room manufacturing. We’re looking for curious people with a good scientific background wanting to thrive in the world of research and innovation. 

Job description

The aim of this engineering position is to detect magnetic nanoparticles within certain biological samples isolated by magnetic sorting. Given the large number of cells contained in a few milliliters of drug, the use of a microscope with a high-magnification objective to monitor the entire sample has its limitations, particularly in terms of time. In addition, detection capability in opaque media is very limited. Our mission will therefore be to study and develop a suitable method for detecting magnetic nanoparticles in a biomedical sample. The ultimate aim will be to identify the presence or absence of residual contamination potentially harmful to the patient, to locate it within the sample and to isolate it for sample decontamination. FEMTO-ST has already demonstrated electrical impedance detection processes on microfluidic chips. Research along these lines could be pursued to assess their applicability to the detection of contamination of a biological sample by magnetic nanoparticles. A magnetic detection approach could also be explored as part of the BioImp project. The laboratory’s past experience in micromanipulation and sample sorting could support this project.

Tasks

 Comparative study of magnetic element detection systems used in various fields according to several criteria : detection speed, accuracy, potential impact on cell viability, etc. • Development and implementation of an experimental platform for testing different detection methods. • Evaluation and characterization of the applicability of methods inspired by electrical impedance spectroscopy to the detection of magnetic nanoparticles in biological samples. • Experimental comparison with a magnetic approach. • Report writing and communication on the research work : participation in the preparation of technical reports and public communications on the project’s activities.

 Skills

The successful candidate will have a Master’s or PhD degree in mechanical or electrical engineering, applied physics, nanotechnology, or a closely related discipline. He or she should have excellent skills and practical experience in one or more of the following areas : control of dynamic systems, robotics, mechatronics, mechanical design, signal processing or instrumentation. In particular, this includes demonstrated skills in programming, simulation, experimental implementation of mechatronic systems, data acquisition and analysis. 

Contact: 

bioimp.recrutement@femto-st.fr

+ d'infos :
PDF icon 3-62e073ae3dc7ec.31589745detectionmagneticnanoparticles-1.pdf
https://www.femto-st.fr/en/job-training-thesis/engineers-technicians-administrator-staff#job-5681