Development and industrialization of wet-process synthesis of doped calcium phosphates for biomedical applications

Orthopowders and the “Centre Inter-universitaire de Recherche et d’Ingénierie des Matériaux” (CIRIMAT) are recruiting a PhD student under a 36-month CIFRE agreement.

Context and objectives

In a context of an ageing population and a growing need for orthopedic prostheses and bone substitutes, calcium phosphate-based biomaterials (such as hydroxyapatite or β-TCP) play a key role. These materials, whose composition is close to that of bone, are used as prosthesis coatings or as implants. Their properties (composition, ionic doping) determine biocompatibility and osseointegration (biological integration with bone tissue) and, in the case of targeted doping, additional functions:

- Antibacterial (Cu²⁺, Ag⁺ ions for instance) to avoid hospital-acquired infections related to surgical procedures;

- Osteogenic (Sr²⁺ ions for instance) to induce bone regeneration.

Orthopowders, a SME based in the eastern Lyon area and specialized in the manufacture of calcium phosphates for prosthesis coatings and bone substitutes, wishes to address these challenges through a collaboration with the CIRIMAT laboratory, located in Toulouse. The project aims to develop and industrialize a greener and safer wet-process synthesis of calcium phosphates (hydroxyapatite or β-TCP), and then to adapt it in order to incorporate the doping ions. The goal is to achieve reproducibility, regulatory compliance (ISO 13485) and scale-up to industrial level, drawing on the expertise of CIRIMAT’s “Phosphates, Pharmacotechnics, Biomaterials” (PPB) team in the synthesis and fine characterization of calcium phosphates and related biomedical applications.

Research topis and work program

The project is process- and industrialization-oriented. It has three parts:

1. Development of the synthesis process:

• Review of the state of the art and of existing industrial practices: synthesis routes, main doping ions described in the literature and present on the market, critical process parameters and regulatory limits;
• Greener and safer wet-process synthesis of hydroxyapatite or β-TCP in an industrial reactor, in a reproducible manner and in compliance with requested standards (eg. ISO 13779 series and ISO 13175-3);
• Consideration of the process as a whole: sourcing, drying, granulation, effluent management, etc.;
• Integration into the company’s quality system (traceability, ISO 13485).

2. Functionalization of the powders:

• Antibacterial feature: doping with ions (Cu²⁺, Ag⁺, etc.), valida on of the stability of the properties after shaping (thermal spraying) and in vitro tests;
• Osteogenic feature: doping with ions (Sr²⁺, etc.), valida on of biological ac vity.

3. Industrialization and quality control:

• Study of scale-up (laboratory – pilot – industry), identifying differences in behavior and managing variability;
• Development of industrial control methods suited to regulatory and production constraints;
• Verification of repeatability, traceability, and analysis of the data, within a framework compatible with quality requirements (ISO 13485);
• Support for a standardization process led with AFNOR and ISO.

Environment

The PhD is conducted jointly by Orthopowders and CIRIMAT.

At Orthopowders, the development will take place within the R&D team at the Vaulx-Milieu site (35 km from Lyon), under the responsibility of Dr. Marion MERLE.

At CIRIMAT, the work will be carried out within the Phosphates, Pharmacotechnics, Biomaterials (PPB) team, based at the INP-ENSIACET site (Toulouse). This team, composed by physicochemists, galenic pharmacists and a surgeon, has a wide range of synthesis and characterization equipment (XRD, SEM, atomic absorption, TGA, FTIR, etc.). Scientific supervision will be provided by Dr. Christophe DROUET, Prof. David GROSSIN and Dr. Fabien BROUILLET.

The PhD student will be enrolled at the Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse (Toulouse INP) and will complete their doctoral training within the “Sciences de la Matière” Doctoral School (ED SDM) of the University of Toulouse.

Time Distribution

The PhD position is available from February 2027.

The first two years will take place at CIRIMAT (ENSIACET, Toulouse), and the third year at the Orthopowders site (Vaulx-Milieu), with regular round trips for working meetings (covered by the project).

Contract Type

CIFRE doctoral contract

Duration: 3 years

Desired start date: February 2027

Gross salary: €2,300 – €2,600 / month

Application deadline: 23/10/2026

Orthopowders is a SME based in the eastern Lyon area and specialized in the manufacture of calcium phosphates for prosthesis coatings and bone substitutes.

The Inter-University Center for Materials Research and Engineering (CIRIMAT) is a Joint Research Unit. The work will be carried out within the Phosphates, Pharmacotechnics, Biomaterials (PPB) research group, gathering physico-chemists and pharmacists (galenics) around multidisciplinary themes. The research activity is centered on the synthesis, the processing, the characterization and the reactivity of materials for biomedical applications.

The candidate must hold, or be about to hold, a master’s degree or an engineering degree in materials chemistry, process engineering, solid-state chemistry, or materials science.

Experience in inorganic synthesis of ceramics or powders, in physico-chemical characterization (XRD, thermal analysis, particle size analysis), or related to biomaterials will be appreciated. A first experience in an industrial environment (internship, work-study) or knowledge of quality requirements for medical devices is an asset.

The position requires rigor, autonomy and full traceability of experiments. The person recruited must be able to carry out tests both in the laboratory and on an industrial site, to communicate with research and production teams, and to analyze results. Writing and speaking skills will be needed to produce reports and scientific articles and to take part in conferences.

Fluent English or French is required, with a good level (reading, speaking, writing) in the other language.