General information

Reference

2025-2727  

Position description

Category

F13 Hydrogeology - Engineer / Researcher

Job title

PhD in Hydrogeology

Contract

Thesis

Contractual hours

Full-time

Contract duration

36 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 position will be based at BRGM in Pessac, and the PhD student will be affiliated with Doctoral School ED 304 "Sciences and Environments" at the University of Bordeaux. The PhD candidate's salary and research activities will be funded by BRGM through the DUNES research program.

Applications must be submitted via the ADUM platform – ED 304:
https://adum.fr/as/ed/propositionFR.pl

Deadline: May 28, 2025.

Shortlisted candidates will be selected for an interview in early June 2025

Job description

Title: Modeling a Coastal Dune Hydrosystem in a Context of Global Change

Coastal hydrosystems, particularly those linked to dune environments, remain poorly understood, despite their crucial ecological role in maintaining natural habitats and supporting specific biotopes.

Due to their hydrogeological properties, dune aquifers can help limit saltwater intrusion, but they can also contribute to dune erosion through localized or diffuse groundwater discharge.


In the context of global change, several key questions arise regarding the future evolution of these systems, considering
(i) climate change, including sea level rise, increasing temperatures, and modifications in dune aquifer recharge patterns;
(ii) anthropogenic pressures, such as urban and peri-urban development affecting coastal aquifers.

Research Objectives
The DUNES research project (Work package 3: "Coastal Hydrosystems") aims to address these issues, with this PhD research specifically contributing to these objectives.
The study will focus on a case study site in Biscarrosse, characterized by a continuous Ocean-Dune-Lake system.
The PhD research will involve:
• Characterizing and modeling the hydrosystem, analyzing its past evolution and future scenarios.
• Generating scientific knowledge to support territorial adaptation strategies.

The PhD student will be expected to:
• Conduct a comprehensive literature review on coastal dune hydrosystems.
• Plan and carry out field data acquisition campaigns.
• Develop numerical models of the hydrosystem.
• Publish research findings in scientific journals and present at conferences.

Profile

Requested start date : 01/10/2025
Type de contrat : Thesis
During : 36 month
Education : BAC + 5

The candidate should have a strong background in hydrogeology, geology, and GIS.

Experience in numerical modeling of hydrogeological systems would be a valuable asset, as well as proficiency in programming languages such as Matlab or Python and field data acquisition techniques.

The candidate should be able to work independently, demonstrate initiative, and thrive in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Excellent analytical and writing skills are expected, along with a good command of English, both written and spoken.

Prior research experience, particularly through a research-oriented master's thesis or internship, will be highly appreciated.

Working conditions

The PhD candidate will join a dynamic and multidisciplinary research team specializing in hydrogeology, numerical modeling, and coastal dynamics, while also collaborating closely with the CNRS UMR EPOC in Bordeaux. They will benefit from a stimulating work environment, fostering rich scientific exchanges to successfully carry out their research activities.

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 days off compensating for unpaid overtime, meal tickets, 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 28/05/2025.

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, New Aquitaine, Gironde (33)

Location