ENGINEER/POST-DOC POSITION OFFER: in Stretchable Electronics & Optics for Artificial Skin – 12 months at Mines Saint-Étienne in France

Summary

Mines Saint-Étienne in France is offering a 12-month Postdoctoral Researcher or Research Engineer position in Stretchable Electronics & Optics for Artificial Skin. The position is located within the Center of Microelectronics and the Flexible Electronics Department (FEL) and is funded through a European project involving international partners such as ETH Zurich and the University of Oxford. Responsibilities include the fabrication, characterization, and integration of elastomer optical waveguides and optically sensitive materials for pressure and temperature sensing applications, alongside Python-based test bench development. Candidates should hold a Master degree (Bac + 5) or a PhD in engineering sciences, electronics, or a related field. The position offers a annual salary range between €35,553 and €37,092, plus bonuses and benefits. Applications close on December 15, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Flexible Electronics Department (FEL), Center of Microelectronics
Position Type	Postdoc
Discipline	Engineering Sciences / Electronics
Research Area	Stretchable Electronics & Optics for Artificial Skin
Degree Required	Master degree or PhD
Salary	€35,553 to €37,092 per year plus annual bonus and 3% geographic location allowance
Funding	European project
Contract Duration	12 months
Deadline	2026-12-15
Employer Contact	Marc Ramuz ([email protected]), Servane Arres ([email protected], +33 (0)4 42 61 66 12), Amandine Hirondeau ([email protected], + 33 (0)4 77 42 01 03)

About the Project

The research focuses on soft electronics and optical sensing for artificial skin applications. As part of a European collaborative project, the goal is to develop stretchable optical waveguides, integrate pressure and temperature-sensitive materials and optical components (such as LEDs and photodiodes) into elastomer structures, and test complete artificial skin sensing demonstrators.

Key Responsibilities

• Fabricate and characterize elastomer waveguides for pressure and temperature sensing applications.
• Integrate optically pressure- or temperature-sensitive materials into the elastomer waveguides.
• Characterize and validate complete sensing devices.
• Operate and further develop experimental test benches using Python.
• Perform hands-on laboratory work, partly inside clean room facilities.

Required Skills

• Autonomy, rigor, curiosity, and a strong interest in practical work and experimentation.
• Good programming skills in Python.
• Knowledge of optics, photonics, soft electronics, or materials science (asset).
• Knowledge of clean room environments (asset).
• Good knowledge of electronic design and circuitry (asset).
• Experience with Arduino and/or Raspberry Pi (advantage).

Who Should Apply

Candidates holding a Master degree (Bac + 5 or equivalent) or a PhD in engineering sciences, electronics and embedded systems, or a related field. Applicants should possess solid programming skills in Python, an interest in hands-on experimental work, and ideally knowledge in optics, photonics, soft electronics, materials science, or clean room environments.

Benefits

• 49 days of paid leave.
• Partial remote working options.
• 75% reimbursement for public transport.
• Financial support for carpooling and cycling.
• Annual bonus and 3% geographic location allowance.

About the Employer

Mines Saint-Étienne is a French engineering school and member of the Institut Mines-Télécom. It educates students and conducts research focused on industrial, digital, and environmental challenges, hosting a staff of 500 members and 2,500 students.

Frequently Asked Questions

What degree is required for this position?

Applicants must hold a Bac + 5 diploma (Master degree equivalent) or a PhD in engineering sciences, electronics and embedded systems, or a related field.

How long is the contract duration?

The contract is a 12-month fixed-term contract under public law.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is December 15, 2026.

What is the salary range offered?

The proposed salary range is €35,553 to €37,092 per year, plus an annual bonus and a 3% geographic location allowance.

Where will the laboratory work take place?

Work takes place within the Flexible Electronics Department (FEL) at the Center of Microelectronics, utilizing a clean room facility.