Offre de thèse : Advanced (photo)polymers for the design of medical devices with 4D properties (4DM)

Advanced (photo)polymers for the design of medical devices with 4D properties (4DM)

financed by INSTITUT CARNOT CHIMIE BALARD CIRIMAT

Context:
Implantable medical devices (IMDs) are a cornerstone of modern healthcare, with applications ranging from cardiovascular stents to drug delivery systems. This growth is fueled by innovations in surgical techniques, manufacturing processes (e.g., 3D printing), and especially biomaterials. Among the most promising materials are shape-memory polymers (SMPs), which can change shape in response to stimuli such as temperature or hydration—enabling minimally invasive procedures and improved patient outcomes.

Despite significant research, few degradable SMP-based IMDs have reached clinical use. This is largely due to the complex interplay between polymer chemistry, processing methods, and functional performance. The emergence of 4D printing—where printed structures evolve over time in response to stimuli—offers a transformative approach to designing next-generation IMDs. However, current SMPs suffer from limitations such as poor printability, lack of biocompatibility, high activation temperatures, and limited actuation modes.

 

PhD Objectives:

This 4DM project is financed by Institut Carnot Chimie Balard Cirimat, and aims to develop a new class of biocompatible, biodegradable SMPs tailored for 4D printing of medical devices. The candidate will explore -but won’t be limited to- a patented family of star-shaped polyether-polyester copolymers with tunable properties. These materials offer a unique combination of high molecular weight, low viscosity, and multifunctional chain ends, enabling: 3D printing using both DLP and FDM techniques, tailored mechanical and degradation profiles through control of copolymer architecture, dual-shape memory effects, enabling complex actuation and biocompatibility.

 

The PhD position is opened in the in the Department of Polymers for Health and Biomaterials (PHBM) of the Institute of Biomolecules Max Mousseron (IBMM) in Montpellier-France, under the supervision of Pr. Benjamin Nottelet and Pr. Xavier Garric. PHBM has extensive experience in the domain of degradable polymers for medical devices and controlled release systems.

The PhD will be conducted in close interaction with surgeons from CHU NÎmes and CHU Grenoble to ensure the development of clinically relevant designs.

 

The PhD will involve polymer synthesis, resin formulation, advanced characterization (thermal, mechanical, rheological), and additive manufacturing. The ultimate goal is to design functional prototypes of IMDs (e.g., stents, occluders, sutures) that demonstrate controlled deployment and performance in physiological conditions. You’ll be in charge of the reporting and coordination of your project in relation with the various partners.

 

Due to the nature of the project, you will demonstrate a strong ability to interact within an interdisciplinary environment, an innovation driven mind, and a an appetite for translational research.

 

The position will start in October 2025.

 

Keywords: Implantable medical device, polymer chemistry, advanced 4D properties, shape memory

 

Skills: polymer chemistry, macromolecular engineering and process, materials science, english, communication

 

Duration and location: 3 years, IBMM-Polymers for Health and Biomaterials, Montpellier, FR

 

Supervisor and contact: Pr. Benjamin Nottelet  ; Pr. Xavier Garric

Please send your detailed CV, marks from the last two years of studies and at least two emails of reference persons.