General information

Reference

2026-4033  

Position description

Category

F14 Information Systems - Engineer / Researcher

Job title

PhD Position in Applied Mathematics (M/F)

Contract

Thesis

Contractual hours

Full-time

Contract duration

36 months

Context and contributions of the position

This PhD project is part of the MathSout programme within the PEPR MathVives initiative and has strong interdisciplinary potential. It brings together expertise from BRGM, IFPEN, and INRIA.

The objective of this thesis is to develop a thermodynamically consistent model for thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) coupling in porous media under multiphase flow conditions.
Here, thermodynamic consistency refers to a modelling framework in which the coupling between processes of different physical nature is derived from fundamental physical principles, ensuring mathematical robustness in the sense of entropy production and dissipation.

The development of such a coupled framework is critical for applications including CO₂ and hydrogen storage, geothermal energy exploitation, and radioactive waste disposal.

Job description

As a PhD candidate within the Geomodelling and Data Sciences unit (GDS) of the Geology, Geophysics and Geomodelling department (DCGS), your main objective will be to model the interaction between mechanical deformation and chemical alteration, in particular irreversible compaction induced by intergranular cement dissolution.
The thermodynamic framework provides a unified formulation of physical processes across multiple scales.
The research work will be structured around three main tasks:
• Mathematical modelling of coupled THMC processes within a consistent thermodynamic framework;
• Algorithm development for the numerical resolution of the resulting systems;
• Numerical simulations and validation of the proposed models.
The model will be formulated in terms of gradient flows associated with convex potentials, ensuring thermodynamic consistency.
The numerical schemes will be implemented within the BRGM computational platform ComPASS.
Progressive benchmark cases will be used for model validation, including a case study based on a CO₂ injection experiment.

Profile

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• A strong interest in physical and mathematical modelling of natural systems;
• Solid knowledge of numerical methods for discretisation and solution of nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs);
• Experience with at least one scientific programming language (Python, C++, or Fortran);
• Ability to work independently while integrating effectively into a multidisciplinary research team;
• Strong communication skills in both spoken and written French and English.

Working conditions

This is a full-time position that may involve occasional travel within France and/or abroad.
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 may 24, 2026.

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