General information

Reference

2025-3827  

Position description

Category

F01 Biology - Engineer / Researcher

Job title

PhD Candidate in Microbial Ecotoxicology of Groundwater

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 quality of groundwater primarily depends on the ecosystem services provided by aquifers. Among these, the natural purification of water is a fundamental ecosystem service, particularly mitigating the increase of pollutants originating from anthropogenic activities. Microorganisms represent a significant portion of the biomass in these environments and play a crucial role in these self-purification processes. Their metabolic activities are predominant in many biogeochemical cycles and in the degradation processes of anthropogenic contaminants (both inorganic and organic).

Job description

Despite this key role, little is known about microbial diversity and functions in groundwater in France. However, such knowledge is an essential prerequisite for a better understanding of aquifer functioning and the impact of pollution—an important step towards developing new monitoring tools complementary to those already in use, to improve groundwater management.

This PhD project aims to:
- characterize the diversity and functional status of bacterial communities in various hydrogeochemical contexts;
- assess the impact of anthropogenic pressures on major biogeochemical cycles in groundwater;
- build a toolbox allowing the integration of different sources of information to develop new management indicators.

To achieve these objectives, the research will rely on microbial ecotoxicology approaches (microbiological analyses, molecular biology, experimentation) combined with geochemical methods, through both field and laboratory studies.
Funding is provided for a PhD candidate integrated into the DEEPTHOUGHT project (“Evaluating nitrate transformation in aquifers using microbiological, molecular, and isotopic tools for an enhanced management of key groundwater ecosystem services”).

The role involves the acquisition of field and laboratory data in microbiology/geochemistry, data analysis and interpretation, as well as the dissemination of research results.

Profile

Requested start date: 01/10/2025
Contract type: PhD - 36 months
Education: MSc or equivalent higher education qualification
Experience: Novice

Required skills:
- Expertise in microbial ecology and/or ecotoxicology, particularly proficiency in diversity analysis methods (sequencing)
- Skills in statistical data processing (especially proficiency in R and/or Python programming)
- Knowledge in geochemistry/hydrology is a plus
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team
- Strong communication skills and ability to report results, excellent writing skills
- Proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking).

Working conditions

This position requires both laboratory and fieldwork, with short-term travel within France and abroad (Europe) as needed for the project.

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, a company canteen, sports facilities as well as 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 27/07/2025.

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, Centre-Val de Loire, Loiret (45)

Location