General information

Reference

2026-4055  

Position description

Category

F13 Hydrogeology - Engineer / Researcher

Job title

PhD position in fluid mechanics and microbiology

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 25 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.

Within the Water Division (DE), the Shallow Aquifers Unit (AS) is primarily dedicated to improving knowledge of shallow hydrogeological systems and their interactions within the atmosphere–surface water–unsaturated zone continuum. Its mission is to better understand the functioning of these systems in order to support optimized water resource management in France and internationally in the context of global change. The unit also aims to improve understanding of anthropogenic pressures and their impacts on water resources, and to disseminate this knowledge to managers and decision-makers. The activities of the unit focus on understanding the functioning of shallow aquifers and their interactions at interfaces (wetlands and surface waters, unsaturated zone, recharge processes, etc.), as well as on issues related to sustainable management and adaptation strategies for these resources. This PhD project is mainly part of WP3 of the ANR/OPTIMIC project (2026–2029), which started in March 2026.

Job description

The main objective of the PhD program is to evaluate and optimize the injection conditions of complex-fluid-based solutions containing nutrients and bacteria, in order to improve fluid distribution within heterogeneous porous media and to control biocalcification (MICP – Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation) under laboratory conditions representative of field environments.
You will be involved in the following tasks:

Task 1: Batch experiments and injectability tests: optimization of the growth of bacteria responsible for biocalcification, quantification of biocalcification kinetics, and investigation of the effect of viscous solutions on their distribution within heterogeneous porous media.

Task 2: 2D decimetric-scale tank experiments in heterogeneous porous media: observation and quantification of the propagation of viscous solutions in fractured and permeability-contrasted media, with monitoring of precipitated calcite.

Task 3: Extraction of hydrodynamic and biokinetic parameters for the calibration of multi-scale numerical models, and evaluation of the efficiency of biocalcification (MICP) depending on viscous-solution distribution, medium structure, and injection conditions.

Profile

The successful candidate should demonstrate the following skills and qualifications:

- Background in fluid mechanics, hydrogeology, or reservoir engineering
- Knowledge of flow and reactive transport in porous media, as well as an understanding of microbiological processes, would be highly appreciated
- Organizational skills, initiative, and autonomy are required Initiative and creativity
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Good command of English, both written and spoken.

Working conditions

Three-year doctoral contract
Position to be filled starting September 1, 2026

Within a work environment that promotes a healthy work–life balance, notably through flexible remote working arrangements, BRGM offers a supportive and collaborative atmosphere.

Awarded the HRS4R label in 2021, BRGM is committed to supporting you throughout your professional career. We provide a wide range of opportunities to develop your skills and expertise, along with prospects for career progression and geographical mobility.

At BRGM, you will benefit from various advantages, including additional leave (RTT), a company canteen, sports facilities as well as holiday and leisure options.

BRGM is committed to a transparent recruitment process. To apply, please submit your application (updated CV and cover letter) by June16, 2026.

Please note that all our positions are open to everyone—BRGM is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion.

Applications will be reviewed after the closing date. If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to interviews with the hiring department, Human Resources, and a cross-functional team.

Position location

Job location

France, Centre-Val de Loire, Loiret (45)

Location

Candidate criteria

Languages

English (Technique / Professionnel)