Engineer Position - Development of a Myoelectric Hand Prosthesis - M/F
Contract type : Fixed-term contract
Renewable contract : Yes
Level of qualifications required : Graduate degree or equivalent
Fonction : Temporary scientific engineer
Level of experience : Recently graduated
About the research centre or Inria department
The Centre Inria de l’Université de Grenoble groups together almost 600 people in 23 research teams and 9 research support departments.
Staff is present on three campuses in Grenoble, in close collaboration with other research and higher education institutions (Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, …), but also with key economic players in the area.
The Centre Inria de l’Université Grenoble Alpes is active in the fields of high-performance computing, verification and embedded systems, modeling of the environment at multiple levels, and data science and artificial intelligence. The center is a top-level scientific institute with an extensive network of international collaborations in Europe and the rest of the world.
Context
The MyoLibre project, funded through the Inria Quadrant Program (PIQ), aims to develop an open-source, lightweight, robust, repairable and affordable myoelectric hand prosthesis. The project builds upon the Bionicohand initiative, internationally recognized through its participation in the Cybathlon 2024 competition.
The first phase of the project focuses on a complete redesign of the prosthesis mechanical transmission and motorization system. It combines advanced challenges in mechatronics, mechanical design, motor control and rapid prototyping within a highly interdisciplinary environment.
This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a project with strong societal impact, in collaboration with researchers, expert users, prosthetists, fablabs and academic partners. The resulting developments will be released as open-source technologies aimed at improving global accessibility to myoelectric prostheses.
Assignment
The recruited engineer will contribute to the mechanical and mechatronic development of the next generation of the MyoLibre prosthesis. The role will focus on the design, integration and prototyping of transmission mechanisms, irreversible locking systems and variable reduction mechanisms.
The mission also includes the fabrication and evaluation of mechanical prototypes, in close collaboration with motor control developments and embedded integration constraints. The engineer will participate in experimental testing campaigns and functional evaluations conducted with expert users.
Main activities
- Design and model mechanical systems for the hand prosthesis.
- Develop and integrate variable reduction and irreversible locking mechanisms.
- Manufacture and assemble mechanical and mechatronic prototypes.
- Perform mechanical characterization tests (force, efficiency, speed, weight).
- Contribute to material selection and mechanical optimization.
- Collaborate with academic and technical partners involved in the project.
- Contribute to technical documentation and open-source dissemination.
- Participate in experimental validation phases with users and clinical partners.
Skills
Technical skills
- Mechanical design and CAD skills (SolidWorks or equivalent).
- Strong background in mechatronics.
- Mechanical prototyping and digital fabrication.
- Knowledge of mechanical transmission systems, motorization or robotics is appreciated.
- Experience with 3D printing, machining or prototype integration.
- Basic knowledge of embedded electronics or motor control is a plus.
Soft skills
- Autonomy and initiative.
- Analytical mindset and experimental rigor.
- Ability to work within multidisciplinary teams.
- Interest in open-source technologies, disability-related innovation or accessible engineering.
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 under conditions
Remuneration
From 2,692 € (depending on experience and qualifications).
General Information
- Town/city : Montbonnot
- Inria Center : Centre Inria de l'Université Grenoble Alpes
- Starting date : 2026-09-01
- Duration of contract : 1 year, 6 months
- Deadline to apply : 2026-08-14
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
Applications must include a CV, covering letter, copy of diploma and valid proof of disabled worker status.
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 : SED-RAL
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Recruiter :
Braillon Christophe / christophe.braillon@inria.fr
The keys to success
The successful candidate should enjoy experimental work and rapid prototyping within an applied research and open innovation environment. Strong autonomy, the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, and an interest in socially impactful projects will be essential.
Success in this role also relies on the ability to balance mechanical constraints, performance, cost and manufacturability within accessible fabrication environments (fablabs, 3D printing, light machining).
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.