General information

Reference

2026-3990  

Position description

Category

F11 Geotechnics - Engineer / Researcher

Job title

Postdoctoral researcher in geotechnics

Contract

Post-doctoral contrat

Contractual hours

Full-time

Contract duration

12 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 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.

In hydrogeology, an underground physical barrier (UPB) refers to a low-permeability screen constructed across the flow of groundwater with the aim of modifying underground flows and piezometry and, where applicable, mitigating saline intrusion.

This term covers a wide variety of types of structures, desired effects, hydrogeological configurations, and implementation difficulties.
UPB are also constructed in other contexts with other objectives, such as construction, contaminated sites and soils, mining, etc.

Job description

For decades, UPB, sometimes called “underground dams,” have been widely used in countries facing sharp seasonal contrasts in precipitation that lead to long periods of drought (Japan, China, Brazil, etc.).

These structures are mainly used to store water that would otherwise have simply passed through the territory or to protect groundwater resources from saline intrusion in coastal areas.

A country such as Turkey has built more than a hundred modern UPB over the past decade, and scientific and technical publications on the subject are growing rapidly worldwide.

The water stored in this way is used for agricultural purposes and to supply drinking water.

BRGM is currently conducting transdisciplinary scientific research project aimed at studying UPB from various topics (hydrogeological, technological, environmental, regulatory, economic, and societal) in order to define their scope and potential applications in France, particularly in the context of climate change and pressure on water resources. A collaboration with a civil works contractor is planned.


You will be primarily responsible for:
- State of the art, bibliography ;
- Analysis of the application fields for each process;
- Discussions with civil works contractors ;
- Design methods for the various processes and corresponding geological, geotechnical, and hydrogeological investigation requirements; Identification of functional, technical, performance, economic criteria, goals and indicators for classifying/comparing UPB methods.

Development of a comparison multicriteria method.

For the solutions emerging from this analysis, development of preliminary design at one to three documented real sites:
- definition, monitoring, and interpretation of the geotechnical reconnaissance program;
- selection of technical scenarios;
- preliminary design of the technical solution(s);
- evaluation of costs/phasing/execution rates.

Drafting and submission of at least one publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Profile

Technical skills in geotechnics, soil mechanics, civil engineering, geology, hydrogeology;
Independence, initiative, ability to work in a multidisciplinary team;
Good interpersonal skills;
Rigorous; Ability to meet deadlines;
Strong writing and speaking skills;
Good level of English.

Working conditions

Full-time position.
Occasional short-term travel.

12-month postdoctoral contract subject to eligibility requirements = PhD defense within the last three years.

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 26/03/2026.

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