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

Engineer - Optimization of parameters for interactive numerical simulation (F/M) Download job offer in PDF format 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 About the research centre or Inria department 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). Context 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. Assignment 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 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 Skills • 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. Benefits package • 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 Remuneration According to civil service pay scales Apply for this position Share • Facebook • Linkedin • Twitter • Email 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 Warning : you must enter your e-mail address in order to save your application to Inria. Applications must be submitted online on the Inria website. Processing of applications sent from other channels is not guaranteed. Instruction to apply Please send your CV and cover letter 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 / Jeremie.Dequidt@inria.fr The keys to success • Interest in research and innovation: Keen to explore new digital approaches, monitor technological developments, and understand societal impact. • Collaborative and international mindset: Keen to work in multicultural teams, on pan-European projects, and engage with diverse partners. • Scientific and analytical curiosity: Enjoyment of investigating interdisciplinary problems (physics, computer science, environment), with an affinity for applied mathematics and computer science. • Report writing, team/network leadership (local, European), oral/written communication in technical English. 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.