Postdoctoral research position on the ‘Nolidyn’ project

Centrale Nantes is a prestigious engineering school which awards degrees to engineers, Master’s students and PhD candidates upon completion of academic programmes based on the very latest developments in science and technology and on best management practices.

As a member of the Groupe des Écoles Centrales (Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes and Paris), our school provides high-quality education for highly selective students.

A public institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Centrale Nantes has over 2,250 students, 500 staff members and 600 part-time lecturers.

Job description:

As part of the Connect Talent funding scheme – the ‘Nolidyn’ project – we are seeking a postdoctoral researcher.

The project focuses on the study of vibrations transmitted to the hand-arm system (VMB), particularly when using vibrating power tools. The aim is to gain a better understanding of the effects of these repeated vibrations on workers’ health, particularly their neurological, vascular and musculoskeletal impacts, in order to contribute to the prevention of occupational risks.

Objective:

Understanding the coupled dynamics of the hand-arm system holding a vibrating tool can be based on well-calibrated simplified models. However, inter-individual variability and non-linear mechanisms make it difficult to precisely identify all parameters. The aim of the project is therefore to develop strategies based on data and machine learning to study the non-linear dynamics of the system.

Your main activities will be as follows:

• Develop a research and/or innovation project

• Gain experience through and in research

• Disseminate and transfer knowledge, and promote the results of the research

• Participate in the scientific community at local, regional, national and international levels

• Carry out any additional activities over a period of 2 or 3 years

Knowledge:

• Written and oral presentation skills in French and/or English

• Professional environment and networks

• Analytical and synthesis skills

• Project management methodology

Operational skills:

• Making decisions

• Ensuring the validation of results

• Problem-solving

• Public speaking

• Applying techniques specific to the field

• Reporting on work

• Implementing procedures and rules

• Communicating with experts in one’s field

• Managing one’s workload within a schedule

• Monitoring data quality

• Using presentation techniques

• Working as part of a team

Behavioural skills:

• Sense of initiative

• Sense of confidentiality

• Interpersonal skills / Adaptability

• Ability to develop a strategic vision

• Critical thinking

• Ability to conceptualise

• Rigour / Reliability / Creativity

• Sense of innovation / Intellectual curiosity

• Analytical reasoning skills

Technical skills

• Numerical simulation

• Modelling of complex systems

• Experimental methods

• Programming (Python)

Required qualification: You must hold a PhD.

What we offer:

• 24-month fixed-term contract

• Position open to contract staff and civil servants

• Category A – Postdoctoral

• Full-time position – based in Nantes

• Flexible working hours

• Flexible working patterns (option to work a 4.5-day week)

• RTT + additional leave

• Remote working possible

• Remote working allowance

• Free parking

• 75% travel allowance

• Sustainable mobility bonus (if cycling or car-sharing)

• Compulsory health insurance & optional personal protection insurance

Remuneration: in accordance with the State civil service pay scales

Start date: October 2026

HR contact: Eloïse LEHOUX

Manager contact: Mathias LEGRAND

This advert refers to terms such as ‘candidate’, ‘engineer’, ‘manager’, etc. These terms are to be understood as gender-neutral and apply equally to both men and women.

Centrale de Nantes is committed to equality and diversity. In line with our institution’s CSR commitments, this vacancy is open to all.