General information

Reference

2026-4103  

Position description

Category

F10 Geophysics - Management

Job title

Head of the Seismic and Volcanic Risks Unit M/F

Contract

Permanent contract

Contractual hours

Full-time

Contract duration

permanent contract.

Context and contributions of the position

The Risk Department (DRIS) provides expertise in the management of soil and subsoil risks, whether of natural or anthropogenic origin (excluding subsoil uses related to energy issues). It develops studies aimed at understanding and modelling the processes involved, as well as suitable means of observing and building databases, quantifying and monitoring risks. It also develops strategies for risk assessment, prevention and mitigation, and adaptation, as well as remediation technologies, notably through nature-based solutions.The Seismic and Volcanic Risk Unit's mission is to improve the characterisation, understanding, simulation and mitigation of seismic and volcanic telluric risks. It brings its know-how and expertise by observing and characterising the hazard, developing forecasting and anticipation tools, developing mitigation solutions, and developing crisis management support tools. In particular, it contributes to the study of mechanisms, the vulnerability assessment of exposed elements, risk preparedness and prevention at different scales, and the development of decision-support metamodels.Composed of around fifteen permanent staff, the unit welcomes interns, visiting researchers, PhD candidates and post-docs every year. The unit's projects interact closely with the other units of the Directorate, the BRGM's regional offices, and ministries, and the unit's expertise is regularly sought internationally and by the private sector in France. In addition to the managerial

Job description

Within the scope of the unit's activities, this is a position primarily in charge of:
-Ensuring skills management and career development of unit members in order to maintain the unit's scientific expertise in its areas of excellence (telluric risks) and in developing activities (crisis management support, integration of artificial intelligence tools in the production and processing of risk-related data, modelling, etc.);
- Steering scientific production, guaranteeing its scientific quality and compliance with BRGM commitments, while ensuring that internal processes are followed (QEMS, Offer/Project Process, programming, project reviews);
- Organising and defining the unit's contribution to the objectives set out in the DRIS objectives sheet;
- Developing the unit's activity by responding to regional, national, European and international research calls for proposals, and by prospecting for clients or funders;
- Promoting collaborative work both internally and externally, through research partnerships;
- Representing the BRGM, or arranging for its representation, in partner scientific bodies;
- Anticipating and preparing for the evolution of the unit's skills needs and working methods, in line with advances in knowledge and tools, societal changes and risk prevention policies;
- Preparing commercial offers and contributing to the financial and technical structuring of offers supporting public policies, research, and commercial activities in France and internationally.

Depending on the expertise, the role will also involve:
- Carrying out studies and writing/reviewing technical reports;
- Participating in internal BRGM or external working groups;
- Being proactive in suggesting research topics, innovative partnerships, complementary fields of activity and new sources of funding.

Profile

You will demonstrate the following skills and qualities:
- Leadership and proven practice of collaborative work;
- Strong appetite for management and skills development;
- Ability to convince, support change and put forward a forward-looking vision of the activity that fits into the BRGM's strategy;
- Knowledge of the scientific community in the field of telluric risks;
- Ability to exchange and collaborate with different users and professions (risks, IT, human sciences) and to work in partnership with external stakeholders;
- Ability to work in emergency situations or situations with major societal stakes, and under external pressure (press, ministerial requests, contracts with tight deadlines) by effectively mobilising the unit's skills;
- Client-oriented mindset, attentiveness to needs, taste for innovation, and co-construction of innovative solutions.

The following skills would be an asset:
- Strong writing and communication abilities in both French and English (notes, minutes, public report writing);
- Solid knowledge in the field of Earth Sciences applied to the understanding of telluric risks (earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes), in at least one of the unit's areas of expertise;
- Knowledge of regulations or recognised expertise within the scientific community;
Proficiency in management assessment tools.

Desired start date: no later than 2027/03/01
Contract type: Permanent contract (CDI)
Desired experience: 10-15 years

Working conditions

Full-time position involving regular short-term travel within France, in the French overseas territories (DOM) 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 22/11/2026.

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

Candidate criteria

Languages

English (Fluent)