General information
Position description
Category
F09 Geology - Engineer / Researcher
Job title
PhD student in geosciences: Deformation of the French Atlantic coast: onshore and offshore (F/M)
Contract
Thesis
Contractual hours
Full-time
Contract duration
36 months
Context and contributions of the position
Joining the French Geological Survey (BRGM) means becoming part of France's leading public institution for Earth Science applications bringing together 1,000 wholeheartedly committed experts across 25 bases in Mainland and Overseas France. BRGM focuses on enhancing geological knowledge and understanding of surface and sub-surface-related phenomena, with a view to: meeting the challenges of environmental changes through innovative projects with societal implications.
The project is part of a joint PhD supervision between BRGM-DCGS and the University of Orléans (ISTO). The PhD candidate will be based at BRGM (Orléans site), with regular exchanges with ISTO, and will have field assignments (land and sea).
Job description
As part of this PhD, your responsibilities will primarily be the following:
-Interpret offshore and onshore geophysical data (reflection seismic, bathymetry, Litho3D, magnetic anomaly, EM);
-Map and closely analyze structures on the coastal margin (field missions, DEM, Litto3D, aerial photographs) ;
-Produce 2D and 3D mapping and a description of tectonic deformations (faults, folds, major vertical movements) associated with a relative timing, and propose a land-sea continuum;
-Conduct microscopic analyses, imaging, and U-Pb dating;
-Participate in a research cruise at sea as well as field missions;
-Bibliography and writing, creation of a GIS;
-Disseminate the results through articles in peer-reviewed journals and by presentations at national and international conferences.
Profile
You will use the following skills and qualities:
-Mastery of the geology of structured sedimentary basins and of field analysis of tectonic structures ;
-First experience in reflection seismic interpretation ;
-Knowledge of structural inheritance mechanisms and tectonic inversion;
-Knowledge of geophysical methods for their interpretation (reflection seismic, DLF, EM) ;
-Strong interest in 2D and 3D geological mapping ;
-Ability to analyze time series, handle large volumes of data, and compare observations with conceptual models;
-Excellent scientific reasoning: formulation of research questions, development of methods to address them, analysis of results, objective synthesis;
-Good written and oral communication skills ;
-Good command of scientific English;
-Autonomy and organizational skills ;
-Appreciation of individual and team work；
-Ability to thrive in an international collaborative environment.
Working conditions
Desired start date: 11/02/2026
Contract type: PhD student
Education: Master's degree
Within an environment that promotes a healthy work/life balance, particularly thanks to remote working, BRGM prides itself on providing a friendly and caring place to work.
Awarded HRS4R certification in 2021, we are committed to supporting you throughout your career at BRGM. We provide you with a range of tools for developing your skills and expertise, with scope for career progression and geographic mobility.
At BRGM, you will gain from such benefits as days off compensating for unpaid overtime, a company canteen, sports facilities as well as holiday and leisure options.
At BRGM, you are guaranteed a transparent recruitment process. To apply, please send us your application (up-to-date CV and cover letter) by 2026, September 10th.
Because diversity matters to us at BRGM, all of our job vacancies are open to everyone!
We will examine your application as soon as the closing date has passed. If your application is short-listed, we will contact you for recruitment interviews during which you will have the opportunity to talk with the recruitment and HR departments as well as a cross-functional department.
Position location
Job location
France, Centre-Val de Loire, Loiret (45)
Location
ORLEANS
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