Postdoctoral Researcher in Validation of the potential of innovative biomaterials for bone regeneration in preclinical animal models (RMeS)

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

In 2026, the RMeS laboratory comprises 135 members representing 90 full-time equivalents (FTEs), including researchers, faculty members, clinician-scientists, technical and administrative staff, as well as postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, and trainees (see organizational chart). The laboratory is organized into two research teams, REJOINT and REGOS, supported by three open technological platforms: ATLAN, BIO3, and SC4Bio, which provide state-of-the-art expertise in imaging, histology, biomaterials, biomechanics, cell culture, and molecular biology.

The laboratory aims to strengthen its position as an internationally recognized center of excellence in skeletal aging and regenerative medicine. Its research focuses on improving our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the development, growth, and aging of bone and cartilage tissues, while developing innovative "4R" medicine approaches designed to repair, restore, and regenerate damaged skeletal tissues. Building on recent advances in biomaterials, developmental biology, stem cell biology, and skeletal pathophysiology, RMeS develops innovative therapeutic strategies to address the challenges associated with aging and musculoskeletal disorders. The complementarity of its expertise, ranging from materials science and physicochemistry to clinical research, gives the laboratory a unique position in France and makes it a major contributor to research in regenerative medicine and skeletal health.

Within the framework of recently funded collaborative projects at the local, national, and international scale, innovative biomaterials intended to ultimately replace autologous bone grafting or current clinical standards have been developed and have shown significant potential for bone regeneration. To reach first-in-man implantation, a multidisciplinary team from the Universities of Basel (Switzerland), Lund (Sweden), and Nantes (France), together with Dhalion Biotech (a spin-off of Lund University), has begun focusing its efforts on meeting regulatory pathway requirements, reaching pre-industrialization and GMP production, and generating clinically relevant data for the targeted applications.

The proposed junior postdoctoral position (< 3 years after PhD) fits within this dynamic and will contribute significantly to generating preclinical data in various large animal models, in close collaboration between the RMeS Lab and the Oniris veterinary school in Nantes. Mobility to an RMeS facility at the University of Angers (1 hour away by train) for training and sample processing is also planned, if required.

Missions of the selected postdoctoral researcher include (but are not limited to):

• Actively taking part in project management and reporting
• Coordinating with local and foreign partners
• Participating in the preparation of ethical agreements for animal experimentation
• Planning, preparing, and assisting with surgical interventions alongside dedicated veterinary staff
• Monitoring animal recovery and assisting with live imaging modalities alongside dedicated veterinary staff
• Performing explant characterization: μCT, SEM, FTIR mapping, nanoindentation, histology, immunohistochemistry
• Analyzing generated data
• Writing reports and scientific and/or general-public communications
• Presenting research at meetings (local, consortium) and conferences
• Supervising or mentoring graduate/undergraduate students

The junior postdoctoral researcher will be integrated into RMeS under the supervision of Dr. Baptiste Charbonnier and will benefit from the full technical and scientific expertise of the laboratory's platforms. They will work in close collaboration with veterinary surgeons and staff at Oniris, and will be closely involved with the Lund and Basel partners.

Duration of contract : 12 months

Salary : € 2.700 gross per month

Where to apply

E-mail: recrutement-polesante-DENOVOSS@emploi.beetween.com

Requirements

• Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology
• Education Level: PhD or equivalent
• Skills/Qualifications: The candidate must have a Ph.D in biology, biomaterials or alike, and demonstrate prior expertise in the characterization of biological samples (training in specific technologies and in-house protocols will be provided), along with a strong interest in clinical translation. Fluent English communication is required. Strong organizational skills are essential to meet deadlines and reporting milestones.
• Languages: ENGLISH
• Level: Excellent
• Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology
• Years of Research Experience: 1 - 4

Additional Information

Benefits

• An unprecedented model in France combining a university, a university hospital (CHU de Nantes), a technological research institute (IRT Jules Verne), a national research organization (Inserm) and the Grandes Écoles (Centrale Nantes, École des Beaux-arts Nantes Saint-Nazaire, Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Nantes)
• Commitment to professional equality, diversity and inclusion and addressing gender-based and sexual violence
• Membership in the EUniWell European Alliance committed to wellness
• Certified HR Excellence in Research since 2022 as part of the HRS4R strategy
• Transport subscription up to 75 % supported
• Sustainable mobility package, in line with the institution's commitment to sustainable development
• Access to university restaurants with a preferential rate
• Access to sports, university libraries and other activities on campus

Eligibility criteria

The candidate must send a CV, a cover letter and recommandation letters

Selection process

Deadline for receipt of applications : November 2, 2026

• Terms of application and communication with the candidate:
  • Application link: recrutement-polesante-DENOVOSS@emploi.beetween.com
  • Link to the Nantes Université job offers page: https://www.univ-nantes.fr/universite/recrutement/recrutement-personnels-enseignants-et-recherche

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 1
• Company/Institute: RMeS laboratory
• Country: France
• City: Nantes
• Postal Code: 44000
• Street: 1 place Alexis Ricordeau