General information

Reference

2026-3979  

Position description

Category

F12 Management of polluted soils and waste - Management

Job title

Contaminated Sites and Soils Risk Management (F/M)

Contract

Permanent contract

Contractual hours

Full-time

Contract duration

Permanent position

Context and contributions of the position

Within the Risk Directorate (DRIS), the Contaminated Sites and Soils Risk Management Unit (RSSP) addresses major challenges related to environmental preservation. Our mission is to support the transformation of degraded sites and soils into sustainable systems, combining scientific expertise, technological innovation, and societal engagement to tackle key issues related to the ecological transition and climate change.

Our activities focus on several core areas:

- Characterization of contamination (metals, organic and inorganic compounds) resulting from industrial or mining activities.
Understanding of contaminant transfer mechanisms within environmental compartments.
- Development of remediation solutions across multiple spatial and temporal scales.
Soil reconstruction and functional restoration for new land uses, in accordance with societal and regulatory expectations.
- Development of decision-support tools (multi-criteria analyses, databases, methodological guidelines) for stakeholders, including site managers, policymakers, consulting firms, public authorities, and the general public.

Our unit plays a key role in R&D programs related to these topics and ensures continuity between research outputs and public policy implementation, in close collaboration with the French Ministry for Ecological Transition. This support is essential for the revision of environmental standards, the management of emerging contaminants (e.g., PFAS, pyrotechnic compounds)....

Job description

As Head of Unit, your responsibilities are structured around three main pillars:

Supportive and Inspirational Leadership :
- Lead a multidisciplinary team (research scientists, engineers, PhD candidates), fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and trust-based working environment.
- Support individual professional development by promoting skills enhancement and encouraging initiative.
- Promote cross-disciplinary collaboration within BRGM and with external partners to ensure an integrated approach to environmental risk management.

Strategic Vision Driving Innovation :
- Define and implement the unit's scientific roadmap, aligned with BRGM's strategic priorities and stakeholders' expectations (government bodies, local authorities, industry, consulting firms, and the public).
- Oversee large-scale projects, including site remediation, soil functional restoration, development of digital tools, and responses to regulatory challenges (e.g., European Soil Monitoring Directive, waste management frameworks).
- Anticipate emerging challenges such as novel contaminants (PFAS, fuel additives), climate change adaptation, and circular economy approaches.

Active Representation of BRGM :
- Embody BRGM's core values: scientific excellence, integrity, and commitment to the public good.
- Promote the unit's scientific output through publications, conferences, professional networks, and partnerships with institutional, academic, and industrial stakeholders.
- Contribute to the development of methodological guidelines, standards, and site management tools, particularly through data management systems (e.g., InfoSols, Terrass, BDSolU).

Profile

Start date: As soon as possible
Contract type: Permanent
Education: Master's degree or higher (MSc/PhD preferred) in environmental sciences, geosciences, chemistry, or a related discipline, with significant experience in team management.
Experience: 10–15 years

- Demonstrated expertise in contaminated land management, remediation technologies, and environmental regulation at national and/or international levels.
- Proven ability to coordinate and lead complex, multi-partner projects.
Strong capacity for innovation and development of interdisciplinary methodologies.

Key interpersonal skills:

- Empathy and active listening to foster a positive and productive work environment.
- Pedagogical ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
- Resilience and adaptability in the face of scientific and organizational challenges.
- Excellent communication skills and strong interpersonal abilities to represent BRGM across a wide range of stakeholders.
- Fluent in English (some PhD candidates are English-speaking only).

Working conditions

The Head of Unit dedicates approximately 80% of their annual workload to managerial responsibilities, while maintaining and further developing their scientific and technical expertise during the remaining 20%.

BRGM offers a supportive work environment promoting work-life balance, including flexible working arrangements and remote work options. The organization is recognized for its collaborative and inclusive culture.

Awarded the HRS4R label in 2021, BRGM is committed to supporting your career development throughout your professional journey. Numerous training opportunities, career advancement pathways, and geographic mobility options are available.

Additional benefits include a 13-month salary scheme, additional leave (RTT), company catering facilities, sports infrastructure, and leisure and holiday benefits.

BRGM ensures a transparent recruitment process.
Applications (updated CV and cover letter) must be submitted by MAY 24 , 2026.

All positions are open to all candidates; BRGM is committed to diversity and inclusion.

Applications will be reviewed after the closing date. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews with the hiring department, HR, and a cross-functional management team.

Position location

Job location

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

Location