Engineer - Optimization of parameters for interactive numerical simulation (F/M)

Contract type : Fixed-term contract

Renewable contract : Yes

Level of qualifications required : Graduate degree or equivalent

Other valued qualifications : PhD

Fonction : Temporary scientific engineer

Level of experience : From 3 to 5 years

The  Inria University of Lille centre, created in 2008, employs 360 people  including 305 scientists in 15 research teams. Recognised for its strong  involvement in the socio-economic development of the Hauts-De-France  region, the Inria University of Lille centre pursues a close  relationship with large companies and SMEs. By promoting synergies  between researchers and industrialists, Inria participates in the  transfer of skills and expertise in digital technologies and provides  access to the best European and international research for the benefit  of innovation and companies, particularly in the region.

For more  than 10 years, the Inria University of Lille centre has been located at  the heart of Lille's university and scientific ecosystem, as well as at  the heart of Frenchtech, with a technology showroom based on Avenue de  Bretagne in Lille, on the EuraTechnologies site of economic excellence  dedicated to information and communication technologies (ICT).

As part of the European IRE (Intelligent Robotic Endoscope) project, the Defrost team aims to build a robotic replica of a human colon and develop its digital twin in order to simulate and control the robot's various actuators.
The objective of this position is to develop a biomechanical model of the colon and identify the model parameters based on image data obtained from experimental measurements carried out by a project partner
Two trips per year are planned to Copenhagen for the project's plenary meetings. Travel expenses will be covered within the limits of the current scale.

With the help of three researchers, a doctoral student, and an engineer, the successful candidate will be required to

• develop a (bio)mechanical model of the colon,
• propose a generic model for parameter optimization (parameters, boundary conditions
• use this optimization algorithm to identify these parameters from experimental data
• participate in software development for the SOFA simulation platform and propose development initiatives for SOFA
• present their results at project progress meetings

The successful candidate will liaise with members of the Defrost team involved in the project, particularly those responsible for manufacturing the deformable colon robot. The candidate may also collaborate occasionally with project partners.

Main activities:

• Analyze monitoring of optimization methods and surface biomechanical models.
• Develop a mechanical model of a colony.
• Develop an optimization algorithm to identify mechanical parameters and boundary conditions.
• Implement these models in SOFA, write tests and documentation.
• Participate in team activities and assist doctoral students with software aspects

Additional activities:

• Present work progress to European partners
• Participate in the coordination of the SOFA community

• Advanced proficiency in C++ (templates, object-oriented programming, memory management)
• Use of Python to create and configure simulation scenes via the API
• Understanding of the principles of deformable solid mechanics, soft tissue modeling (e.g., hyperelasticity, viscoelasticity), multiphysics (fluids, contacts), and numerical methods such as finite elements (FEM) or differential equation solvers.
• Writing tests to validate new components or bug fixes. Familiarity with GitHub Actions to verify compilation, testing, and examples on each pull request (PR).
• Ability to optimize for real-time performance (e.g., parallelization via data dependencies) and debug complex simulations.

• Subsidized meals
• Partial reimbursement of public transport costs
• Leave: 7 weeks of annual leave + 10 extra days off due to RTT (statutory reduction in working hours) + possibility of exceptional leave (sick children, moving home, etc.)
• Possibility of teleworking and flexible organization of working hours
• Professional equipment available (videoconferencing, loan of computer equipment, etc.)
• Social, cultural and sports events and activities
• Access to vocational training
• Social security coverage

According to civil service pay scales

General Information

• Theme/Domain : Robotics and Smart environments
  Software engineering (BAP E)
• Town/city : Villeneuve d'Ascq
• Inria Center : Centre Inria de l'Université de Lille
• Starting date : 2026-11-01
• Duration of contract : 12 months
• Deadline to apply : 2026-09-30

Instruction to apply

Defence Security :
This position is likely to be situated in a restricted area (ZRR), as defined in Decree No. 2011-1425 relating to the protection of national scientific and technical potential (PPST).Authorisation to enter an area is granted by the director of the unit, following a favourable Ministerial decision, as defined in the decree of 3 July 2012 relating to the PPST. An unfavourable Ministerial decision in respect of a position situated in a ZRR would result in the cancellation of the appointment.

Recruitment Policy :
As part of its diversity policy, all Inria positions are accessible to people with disabilities.

Contacts

• Inria Team : DEFROST
• Recruiter :
  Dequidt Jérémie / [email protected]

The keys to success

About Inria

Inria, the French national institute for research in digital science and technology, supports the French government in national research and innovation strategies in the digital field, acting as Digital Programs Agency. Inria leads over 300 research and innovation projects with its 3,500 scientists, engineers, and support staff, in partnership with universities and the digital ecosystem (businesses, entrepreneurs, and public stakeholders). Together, we explore strategic fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum computing, cloud technologies, digital transformation in healthcare, digital twins, and digital technologies for defence. We develop practical solutions such as software, tech startups, partnerships with national companies, and cutting-edge training programmes. Our goal is to drive scientific, technological, and industrial excellence to ensure France’s digital sovereignty.