General information

Reference

2025-3811  

Position description

Category

F10 Geophysics - Engineer / Researcher

Job title

Young Researcher InSAR/SAR applied to hydrogeology

Contract

Permanent Project Contract

Contractual hours

Full-time

Contract duration

18 months

Context and contributions of the position

Joining the Bureau de Recherche Géologique et Minière (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 is to provide geological knowledge and an understanding of phenomena linked to the ground and underground, with one overriding aim: to meet the challenges of environmental change through innovative projects that have a major impact on society.

The candidate will work in the Subsurface Modeling Department (DCGS), in the Geophysics and Remote Sensing unit (GTS). This team's goal is to deploy and develop innovative geophysical and remote sending methods for imaging ‘large-scale' geological phenomena and mineral resources underground. Also, the candidate will work closely with the Hydrogeology Department of BRGM.

Job description

As part of his/her tasks, the candidate will be responsible for developing innovative methodologies for mapping and spatio-temporal evolution of groundwater levels using SAR-type satellite data (Synthetic Aperture Radar, multi-sensor, multi-band, multi-mission). The candidate will interact with space agencies (CNES, ESA). Using SAR Sentinel-1 satellite images from the Copernicus programme, he/she will develop methodologies to map flooded areas, particularly those caused by rising water tables in shallow aquifer systems.

In principle, satellite remote sensing observations can help to detect surface water, without having to provide specific information on the phenomena involved or the flooding mechanism. Nevertheless, an indirect separation can be attempted on the basis of the hypothesis that groundwater-induced floods may have a different temporal behaviour to fluvial floods, showing a prolonged temporal signature. The use of satellite images could improve the analysis of feedback and the monitoring of areas where floods of different origins are spreading. This involves adapting satellite image signal processing methods to more accurately detect areas of flooding due to spatiotemporal water table evolution. In recent years, BRGM has invested in the development of remote sensing approaches for mapping surface water and different types of flooding based on satellite imagery. These methodologies are now well suited for processing the large archives of the Copernicus Sentinel missions, notably the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) Sentinel-1.

Profile

Starding date : 15/09/2025
Type of contrat : CDI de projet (18 month)
Candidate degree : PhD or équivalent
Expérience : 1-5 ans

You will demonstrate the following skills and abilities:

- SAR signal processing, SAR signal physics, SAR data processing (InSAR and SAR amplitude).
- SAR Doppler.
- Radar sensor design.
- Notions of Hydrology/Hydrogeology would be a plus.

Working conditions

The candidate will interact closely with BRGM researchers in the field of satellite data processing and hydrogeology.

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'll enjoy a number of benefits, including a 13-month salary, time off work, a company restaurant, sports facilities, holiday and leisure benefits.

BRGM guarantees a transparent recruitment procedure. To apply, send us your application (updated CV and covering letter) by 22/06/2025.

Please note that all our posts are open to everyone. At BRGM, we're committed to diversity!

We will examine your recruitment file as soon as the scheduled publication date has passed. If your application is successful, we will contact you for recruitment interviews, during which you will talk to the hiring manager, the HR department and a cross-functional department.

Position location

Job location

France, Centre-Val de Loire, Loiret (45)

Location