General information

Reference

2025-2701  

Position description

Category

F13 Hydrogeology - Engineer / Researcher

Job title

Thesis Surface interactions

Contract

Thesis

Contractual hours

Full-time

Contract duration

36 months

Context and contributions of the position

Title: Evolution of surface water/groundwater interactions in a context of climate change: coupled study of regional variability and hydrological processes at the hydrosystem scale.

This full-time position is based at BRGM in Montpellier and involves national and international travel, the frequency and duration of which will depend on the missions (hosting at INRAE Riverly in Lyon, seminars, colloquia, etc.) to be carried out as part of the thesis.

The doctoral student will be enrolled in the GAIA doctoral school of the University of Montpellier: https://gaia.umontpellier.fr/

The host laboratory is BRGM Montpellier. The thesis will be supervised by a partnership between 3 units: UMR G-Eau (BRGM DE/AKS Montpellier), BRGM DE/AS Orléans, and INRAE Riverly de Lyon. In addition to regular missions to Orléans and Lyon, the doctoral student based in Montpellier will be able to exchange information by videoconference.

The doctoral student's remuneration and assignments will be covered by BRGM, through the Water4All program.

Job description

To join the Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières (BRGM) is to become part of the leading public establishment in the earth sciences, bringing together 1,000 experts and enthusiasts in 29 entities located in mainland France and overseas.

BRGM's activities are focused on geological knowledge and the understanding of phenomena related to the soil and subsoil, with the aim of responding to the challenges of environmental change through innovative projects with societal implications.

Abstract: Interactions between surface water (SW) and groundwater (GW) are complex and little studied, although they significantly influence groundwater recharge and river resilience. Hydroclimatic conditions are key drivers of these water flows, but anthropogenic pressure also has an increasing impact on their evolution.

To correctly model the processes controlling these interactions, high-resolution field observations over long periods are essential.

The aim of this thesis is to deepen our understanding of SW/GW relationships, by examining their spatio-temporal variations, at both regional and hydrosystem scales.

The first line of research will focus on identifying the factors that explain spatial and temporal variations (through trend analysis) in river-groundwater interactions, on a regional scale.

The second axis will consist of a detailed analysis of processes on the scale of several hydrosystems (observatories), in order to test and validate modeling approaches. The results of this work will provide a description of the controlling factors of SW/GW interactions and their impact on the groundwater resource, taking into account anthropogenic pressures.

The thesis will draw on the observation networks of national public hydroclimatic databases at regional scale and on the OZCAR & Zones Ateliers observatory network at hydrosystem scale.
Keywords: Water resources, trends, hydrology, multi-scale approach, observatories

Full thesis available here : https://www.g-eau.fr/images/NOUS_REJOINDRE/offres_theses/2025-offres-theses/Sujet_thse_Water4All_2025_BRGM_Montpellier_vf.pdf

Profile

Contract type : Thésis
Duration : 36 months
Training : BAC + 5
Experience : 1 - 5 years

Hydrogeological or hydrological engineer or Master 2 student with an affinity for statistical analysis of time series, multivariate statistical analysis and programming, with scientific and naturalistic curiosity and an interest in research demonstrated by a research-oriented Master's or end-of-study internship.

A good command of R / Python environments will be appreciated.

To apply, please refer to the terms and conditions specified in the complete job description : https://www.g-eau.fr/images/NOUS_REJOINDRE/offres_theses/2025-offres-theses/Sujet_thse_Water4All_2025_BRGM_Montpellier_vf.pdf

Candidates must submit the following documents:
- A letter of motivation
- An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV), including the following information: training, list of internships (subject, name of supervisor, grade, etc.), publications (if any), professional experience (if any), scientific interests, additional activities, etc. Professional experience (if any), scientific interests, additional qualifications, achievements and other relevant information.
- A copy of the Master 2 diploma(s) (or a letter from the university indicating the expected date of graduation) and grades (with an explanation of the grading system).
- Optional: one or two signed letters of recommendation, with contact details of referees.

Candidates will be selected for an audition in early June, with an interview scheduled for late June - early July 2025.

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 a 13th month salary, days off compensating for unpaid overtime, meal vouchers, holiday and leisure options.

At BRGM, you are guaranteed a transparent recruitment process. To apply, please send us your application (up-to-date CV and cover letter) by 30/05/2025.

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, Occitania: Pyrenees-Mediterranean, Herault (34)

Location