General information

Reference

2025-3886  

Position description

Category

F13 Hydrogeology - Engineer / Researcher

Job title

Postdoc position as a hydrological/hydrogeological modeller

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.

The Water Division (DE) is tasked with providing solutions to societal needs regarding water resource management and the environmental impacts of human activities on these resources, particularly in connection with major national plans (Water Plan, PNACC) or programs (PEPR One Water).

You will join the Aquifer Numerical Modeling Unit (MNA) to contribute to modeling activities and to the development and/or validation of the performance of various hydrology and hydrogeology computational codes used, bringing innovative approaches aimed at optimizing and anticipating their quantitative and qualitative management at different scales (local, regional, national).

Job description

The proposed postdoctoral position aims to work on the development of a semi-distributed model at the scale of France using the Rameau computational code developed at BRGM in connection with the MétéEAU Nappes platform.

The idea is to develop a semi-automatic method to generate a mesh by sub-basin at the scale of France using a digital terrain model and based on the available hydrometric stations, then to calibrate the model according to the flow records at these stations.

A joint calibration will be carried out on the selected piezometric level records by sub-basin.

The goal is to have a tool at the scale of France that is as flexible as possible, adaptable — with variable geometry and the possibility of easily adding calibration data.

The ultimate aim is to obtain a model at the scale of France for both seasonal forecasting and global changes in order to identify trends in water resource evolution at the national level.

Simultaneously, innovative AI methods will be tested for the reproducibility of the developed models and automatic calibration on a large number of observation points.

Techniques for automatically training models based on climatological time series will be implemented.

Training methods such as cluster deep learning, PINNs, etc., will be explored.

Profile

Starting date: 01/011/2025
Type of contract: Post-doctoral
Qualification : PhD
Experience : 1-5 years

You hold a PhD degree for less than 3 years.

- Knowledge and experience in hydrogeological and/or hydrological modelling;
- Experience in hydrometeorological time series manipulation;
- Experience in programming and code development (Fortran 90, C++, Python, R) ;
- Knowledge and experience in artificial intelligence concepts (machine learning, deep learning, PINNS) and/or in creating digital twins;
- Interpersonal skills, team work abilities, strong motivation, organisation and rigour in the production and the delivery of tasks and the compliance with contractual clauses;
- Spirit of initiative and creativity;
- Good written and verbal communication skills to present scientific and technical project results (publications, articles, conference communications);
- Written and oral English proficiency.

Working conditions

You hold a PhD degree for less than 3 years.

This is a full time position with necessary business travel across France and possibly 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 16/11/2025.

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