General information

Reference

2026-3984  

Position description

Category

F13 Hydrogeology - Engineer / Researcher

Job title

Postdoc "Karst groundwater and aquatic ecosystems"

Contract

Post-doctoral contrat

Contractual hours

Full-time

Contract duration

18 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.

Springs are natural discharge zones of groundwater that emerge in many different forms. They are associated with unique dependent ecosystems and act as sensitive indicators of global climate change, land use practices, and variations in groundwater quantity and quality.

Job description

The SentinelSprings project (https://sentinelsprings.eu/) proposes an integrated approach to groundwater and dependent aquatic ecosystems. It brings together an international (Malta, Portugal, Italy, Denmark, Poland, and France) and multidisciplinary partnership (hydrologists, hydrogeologists, ecologists, biologists, hydrochemists).

The scientific objectives are:
1) to develop terminology, a classification, and a monitoring methodology for springs;
2) to identify and characterize spring dependent ecosystems;
3) to identify the main threats to the sustainability of springs and of associated aquatic ecosystems;
4) to develop management frameworks in the context of different climate change scenarios.

The main research question of the postdoctoral project is to assess the role and impact (in particular the spatial and temporal persistence) of groundwater inputs on the physico chemical characteristics of surface waters and on dependent aquatic ecosystems in a karst context. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with the other hydrogeologists in the project on karst springs in France, whose physico chemical monitoring (temperature, electrical conductivity, nitrates, etc.) is an integral part of BRGM observatories (Loue in the Jura, Lez, Cent Fonts and Vise in Occitanie).

The main tasks are:
- Literature review of studies on the contribution of groundwater to groundwater dependent aquatic ecosystems, with a particular focus on karst context.
- Field campaigns to monitor physico chemical parameters at springs and in the dependent ecosystems.
- Statistical analysis and interpretation of the measured hydrological and water quality data.
- Development of a modelling strategy (analytical or numerical) based on the state of the art and on process complexity, designed to address the project objectives.
- Proposals for recommendations to improve the management of groundwater dependent aquatic ecosystems in the context of global change.

The results will be published in international hydrology journals.

Profile

Requested start date: Asap
Contract type : Post-Doctoral contract
Education: PhD
Experience: Junior

You will demonstrate the following skills and abilites:

-Ability to assimilate the state of the art on groundwater‑dependent aquatic ecosystems, particularly in karst environments.
-In‑depth knowledge of the ecological functioning of aquatic ecosystems.
-Excellent ability to read, speak, and write in French and English.
-Ability to conceptualize complex problems. Interest in working in an interdisciplinary team.

A plus would be experience in the field of surface water–groundwater interactions.

Eligibility for the postdoctoral contract is subject to obtaining a PhD less than 3 years prior.

Full‑time position based in Montpellier within the DE/AKS unit (Water Division/Karst Aquifers and Socio‑economics), in interaction with the European partnership of the SentinelSprings project. International travels within the project framework and to communicate the postdoc results. Integration into the G‑EAU Joint Research Unit (UMR G‑EAU).

Working conditions

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, lunch vouchers, holiday, sports 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 04/03/2026.

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, Occitania: Pyrenees-Mediterranean, Herault (34)

Location