General information

Reference

2025-3862  

Position description

Category

F13 Hydrogeology - Engineer / Researcher

Job title

Hydrogeologist specialising in superficial environments

Contract

Permanent contract

Contractual hours

Full-time

Contract duration

indeterminate

Context and contributions of the position

Within the Water Division (DE), the Shallows Aquifers (AS) unit's main missions are i) to improve knowledge of superficial hydrogeological systems and their interactions within the atmosphere-surface water-unsaturated zone continuum, ii) to understand how they function for optimised management of water resources in France and internationally in a context of global change, iii) to improve knowledge of the pressures exerted and their impact on the resource, and iv) to pass on this knowledge to managers and decision-makers.

These drivers are translated into action in various strategic texts, notably the Water Framework Directive, the Flood Directive, the Drinking Water Directive, the Ecological Planning (‘France Nation Verte' action plan to accelerate the ecological transition) with, in particular, the ‘Water Plan' (action plan for resilient and concerted water management), the European Strategy for Biodiversity 2030, and the National Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change (PNACC).

The unit's work focuses on understanding the functioning of shallow aquifers and their relationships at interfaces (wetlands and surface water, unsaturated zone, recharge, etc.), as well as issues relating to sustainable management and adaptation strategies for these resources.

Job description

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 29 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.

This unit will also contribute to the Orléans site strategy by playing an active role in the synergy created by the ISTO joint research unit (BRGM, CNRS and University of Orléans), particularly with its ‘O-ZNS' platform (Observatory of transfers in the unsaturated zone)., CNRS et Université d'Orléans), et notamment avec sa plateforme "O-ZNS".

As part of your duties, you will primarily be responsible for :

- Contributing to studies on the quantitative and qualitative management and protection of groundwater resources in relation to surface water and/or terrestrial ecosystems in the context of global change.
- Developing and implementing scientific and technical expertise with a view to characterising hydrosystems and particularly the role of groundwater in relation to surface environments (surface water, wetlands, etc.).
- Studying the processes that control the interaction between surface water and groundwater within the unsaturated zone and the impact this has on the various components of the hydrosystem (groundwater recharge, support for low-water flow, etc.), using approaches that may combine several disciplines (in-situ observations, experimentation on different scales, modelling, etc.).
- Contributing to and, where appropriate, coordinating the setting up of public or private research projects, public policy support and international cooperation projects and organising their implementation.
- Leading and managing projects, ensuring close interaction with BRGM's various departments and being attentive to contacts and funding bodies.
- Developing partnerships as part of innovative projects in support of resource managers.
- Promoting the results in the form of technical reports, scientific publications, participation in conferences and communication to various water stakeholders.

Profile

Requested start date : 01/01/2026
Contract type : CDI
Education : BAC+5 / PHD
Experience : 1-5 years

You have an engineering degree and/or PhD in hydrogeology or hydrology and ideally more than 5 years' experience or a post-doctorate abroad.

You will mobilize the following skills :

- Solid skills in hydrology, hydrogeology and the links with the effects of climate change and surface water and/or wetlands;
- Skills in researching, developing and using methods for studying the functioning of hydrosystems;
- Good interpersonal skills, a taste for teamwork, strong motivation, organization and rigor in the completion and delivery of work, and compliance with contractual clauses
- Initiative and creativity
- Good communication skills, both written and oral, to present the scientific and technical results of the projects (publications, articles, conference papers);
- Fluency in written and spoken English.

Working conditions

Full-time position.

This full-time position involves periodic travel in France and 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 a 13th month salary, 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.

It is easy to apply! Please send us your application (up-to-date CV and cover letter) by 21/09/2025.

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