Preeclampsia (PE) is a specific pregnancy complication characterized by maternal hypertension and placental inflammation, leading to short and long-term health consequences for both mother and fetus. Although clinical symptoms generally disappear after delivery, mothers remain at high risk of stroke, chronic hypertension, and cognitive disorders, later in life. Recent animal model studies show that this condition damages the cerebrovascular system during pregnancy, with persistent long-term lesions, particularly affecting the integrity and function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

The central hypothesis is that gestational hypertension, linked to placental inflammation, alters the mechanical and functional properties of BBB vessels, depending both on their size (large, medium, small vessels) and location within the brain. To explore these mechanisms, the project uses experimental measurements combining:

-          Systemic hemodynamic data acquired in animal models (measured at the tail in animals);

-          Brain MRI data (measuring blood flow, blood volume, and mean transit time, influenced by intracranial pressure).

-          Numerical simulations of cerebrovascular biomechanics, using the CATHARE system fluid dynamics software (see https://cathare.cea.fr/).

Project description: As a postdoctoral researcher within an interdisciplinary VECTAMOD-PE project, your mission will be to develop and apply a computational model using CATHARE in order to:

-          Simulate the impact of hypertension on BBB vascular walls and their long-term aging;

-          Model the interactions between placental, cardiac and cerebral vascular compartments to understand how pressure fluctuation overloads propagate through the system and affect the cerebrovascular system;

-          Model the stiffness of cerebral vessels and the transport of vasoconstrictive factors (secreted by the placenta) to the brain, depending on vessel diameter.  

-          Integrate experimental hemodynamic and MRI data into multiscale simulations to improve the understanding of cerebrovascular dysfunction associated with preeclampsia;

-          Contribute to the development of predictive models linking pregnancy-related vascular stress to long-term cerebrovascular aging and disease risk.

👤 Your profile

Candidate should hold a PhD in computational fluid dynamics, numerical analysis, or applied mathematics, with a strong interest in biomedical applications is expected. Prior knowledge of vascular physiology, cerebral circulation or biological system would be a major asset.

You are eager to contribute to an ambitious interdisciplinary research project at the interface between computational science and biology. You are motivated by the opportunity to develop advanced numerical models that address clinically relevant questions and improve our understanding of the long-term cerebrovascular consequences of preeclampsia.

You enjoy working in collaborative environments that bring together experts from multiple disciplines, including biologists, clinicians, and computational scientists. You are interested in tackling complex physiological problems through innovative modeling approaches and contributing to research with potential impact on women’s health and cardiovascular medicine.

🧠 Technical and behavioural skills

-          Proficiency in numerical methods for flow simulation (mono/multiphase models, etc.).

-          Scientific programming and mastery of programming languages (Python, C++, Fortran, etc.).

-          Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team and communicate scientific results to experts from various fields.

-          Ability to design, implement, and validate computational models based on experimental and physiological data;

-          Strong analytical, problem-solving, and scientific writing skills;

-          Experience in biomechanical modeling or fluid-structure interactions should be an advantage.

-          Curiosity, autonomy, and motivation to contribute to innovative research at the intersection of engineering and health sciences.

-          Willingness and ability to travel regularly between partners’ laboratories (Grenoble and Saclay).

🤝 Why join us ? ….

By joining the xxx Institute, you will become part of a dynamic and innovative research environment where you will have the opportunity to learn, grow and play a key role within an entity/unit of excellence.

…AND THAT’S NOT ALL !

You may also be interested in other things in addition to your main role:

A cutting-edge research ecosystem, dedicated to issues of major societal importance.
Training to enhance your skills and boost your career.
A recognised work-life balance, facilitated by teleworking opportunities.
A works council offering a wide range of social, cultural and sporting benefits.
Practical benefits: company restaurant/tickets, 85% of transport costs covered, dedicated shuttles from Paris, and much more.
An exceptional living environment in Grenoble, in the heart of the mountains, offering a unique balance between urban life and nature.
A privileged working environment in Cadarache, at the heart of a major scientific site, between Mediterranean nature and technological dynamism.