General information

Reference

2025-3818  

Position description

Category

F10 Geophysics - Engineer / Researcher

Job title

PhD Researcher in satellite imagery

Contract

Thesis

Contractual hours

Full-time

Contract duration

36 months

Context and contributions of the position

Joining the Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières (BRGM) means becoming part of the leading public establishment in the Earth sciences, bringing together 1,000 expert and enthusiastic people in 29 entities located in mainland France and overseas. The aim of BRGM's work is to provide geological knowledge and an understanding of phenomena linked to the soil and subsoil, with one overriding objective: to meet the challenges of environmental change through innovative projects that have a major impact on society.

Thesis in satellite imagery:
Characterisation of landslide dynamics from space: application of new satellite missions to the Salazie cirque (La Réunion)

Job description

The candidate will use the InSAR method, with the GAMMA tool, and optical/radar image correlation methods to generate ground displacement maps for the Cirque de Salazie, La Réunion.

Satellite images provide detailed spatio-temporal coverage, making it possible to accurately monitor landslide trends using specific processing techniques, such as the InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) method and the correlation of optical and radar images (De Michele et al. 2023, Raucoules et al.2020, Le Bivic et al. 2017, Delacourt et al. 2009,).

These techniques, coupled with the high-frequency image acquisitions of the EU Copernicus programme and the high spatio-temporal resolution of the new CNES CO3D (Constellation Optique en 3D) mission, as well as the ALOS2 and ALOS4 missions, would make it possible to map the spatio-temporal (kinematic) evolution of the major landslides in the Cirque de Salazie.

The use of LIDAR DSMs produced by SFM will enable the models to be refined in the extraction of topographical fringes, but these data, together with data acquired at very high resolution in the visible range by aerial campaigns, drones and UAVs, will also enable the effects of landslides to be monitored very locally.

The data available on the Salazie cirque will make it possible to test different methods to answer the following questions: what types of movement can be monitored? How accurately? Can these data detect early phases of acceleration, so as to improve prevention for populations threatened by these hazards?

Profile

Starting date : 05/09/2025
Contract : Phd
Background : Master level
Expérience : Entry-level

Skills and qualities expected:

Geosciences,
Programming (Python or Matlab or IDL),
Unix prompting,
Writing skills,
Good level of English,
A taste for teamwork,
A taste for fieldwork,
A taste for popularising science,
B driving licence.

Working conditions

To find out more, discover the entire thesis subject by clicking on the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W4vQsIxAzXE_HdEEzGxvqhkxjAjfPsFl/view?usp=sharing

In an environment that welcomes work/life balance, thanks in particular to remote-working facilities, BRGM stands out for its caring and friendly atmosphere.

HRS4R certified in 2021, our aim is to support you throughout your professional life at BRGM. We offer you a wide range of facilities to develop your skills and expertise, with opportunities for career development and geographical mobility.

At BRGM, you will enjoy a number of benefits, such as a 13-month salary, time off work, a company restaurant, sports facilities, holiday and leisure benefits, etc.

BRGM guarantees a transparent recruitment procedure. To apply, send us your application (updated CV and cover letter) by 7 July 2025.

Please note that all our posts are open to all, as we are committed to diversity at BRGM!

We will consider your application as soon as the vacancy has been advertised. If your application is successful, we will contact you for recruitment interviews during which you will talk to the team of scientist, and HR department.

Position location

Job location

France, Overseas Department and Region, Reunion (974)

Location