General information

Reference

2025-3798  

Position description

Category

F09 Geology - Engineer / Researcher

Job title

PhD Assessing Reef Island Dynamics in Response to Climate Risks

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.

This PhD project will be conducted jointly between the CRIOBE research center in Moorea/Bora Bora (www.criobe.pf) and BRGM in mainland France, as part of the PEPR IRIMA program (www.brgm.fr). The doctoral supervisors are Dr. Yann Balouin (HDR, BRGM), a specialist in coastal erosion, and Dr. David Lecchini (HDR, CRIOBE), an expert in the coastal dynamics of Polynesian islands.

Within the framework of the PEPR IRIMA initiative, the thesis aims to characterize, understand, and develop future scenarios of shoreline evolution in coral reef environments under the influence of climate-related hazards. The study will focus on two key sites: Bora-Bora and Tupai, both located in the Society Islands, French Polynesia.

Job description

The doctoral project is structured around three main research axes:

Axis 1 – Characterizing Shoreline Changes in Bora-Bora and Tupai due to Climate Hazards since the 1950s
1a. Quantify coastal erosion and accretion in Bora-Bora and Tupai in response to cyclones and various storm events since the 1950s.
1b. Assess local residents' perception of climate hazards, particularly regarding their local impacts and effects on the shoreline of Bora-Bora.
1c. Study the role of reef and sedimentary production in mitigating natural risks.

Axis 2 – Investigating Coral Responses to Climate Hazards
2a. Identify coral diversity on the reef systems of Bora-Bora and Tupai.
2b. Conduct experimental studies on coral growth under two parameters: sea-level rise and wave intensity.

Axis 3 – Developing Future Coastal Scenarios for Bora-Bora and Tupai by 2050
3a. Identify plausible shoreline evolution scenarios for Bora-Bora and Tupai by 2050, based on IPCC projections and findings from the project.
3b. Assess the vulnerability of ecosystem services to both natural and anthropogenic hazards.
3c. Propose nature-based solutions tailored to the local context of Bora-Bora and Tupai.
3d. Estimate the financial cost of climate-related hazards on the shoreline from the 1950s to 2050.

The PhD candidate will be based at the BRGM (French Geological Survey) in Montpellier, France, within the Occitanie Regional Directorate. The candidate will also carry out regular missions at the CRIOBE (Research Center for the Study of Coral Reefs) in Moorea, as well as at the study sites in Bora-Bora and Tupai. The candidate will benefit from the collaborative environment at the BRGM.

Close interactions with research teams from BRGM, the University of La Rochelle, and EPHE Dinard will be required.

Profile

Requested start date : 01/09/2025
Contract type : PhD Thesis (36 months)
Education : Master's degree (MSc or equivalent)
Experience : Beginner

We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate holding a Master's degree (MSc) in Geosciences, or an engineering degree in Earth Sciences, Oceanography, or Physical Geography.

Strong skills in at least two of the following fields are essential, and the candidate will be expected to develop additional competencies during the PhD:
- Geomorphology
- Geomatics (proficiency in ArcGIS or QGIS)
- Hydrodynamic modeling
- Programming (e.g., Python, Matlab).

Knowledge of coastal processes, natural hazards, and, if possible, meteorological data, will be considered an asset. The candidate should demonstrate strong organizational skills, initiative, and autonomy, and be comfortable working in a multidisciplinary environment across multiple research teams.

The ideal candidate will exhibit scientific curiosity, a naturalist mindset, and a strong interest in research, as evidenced by a Master's thesis or final-year internship focused on a research topic.

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, days off compensating for unpaid overtime, restaurant voucher …

At BRGM, you are guaranteed a transparent recruitment process. To apply, please send us your application (up-to-date CV and cover letter) by 2025-06-08.

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