General information

Reference

2026-3993  

Position description

Category

F08 Geochemistry - Engineer / Researcher

Job title

PhD thesis in biogeochemistry of geothermal systems

Contract

Thesis

Contractual hours

Full-time

Contract duration

Permanent

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 1000 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.
The Energy and Decarbonization Division (DED) conducts scientific activities aimed at promoting the sustainable and secure development of low-carbon subsurface energy production and use, while contributing to increased energy autonomy. Its work notably focuses on geothermal energy and heat storage, carbon capture and storage , natural hydrogen, underground storage of energy carriers, and radioactive waste disposal.
This position will contribute to the R&D missions, public policy support activities, and commercial projects in France and internationally within the DED/I2S unit. The unit's main research areas include:
• Assessing the integrity of natural and engineered ;
• Determining the impacts of subsurface exploitation and uses;
• Evaluating interactions between subsurface uses and potential use conflicts ;
• Monitoring subsurface infrastructures and surface;
• Predictive modelling of coupled processes (reactive transport, water–rock interactions) ;
• Uncertainty quantification;
• Risk assessment

Job description

The work program is mainly structured around the following activities:

Conducting a literature review on methanogenesis and CO₂ biomineralization processes in laboratory settings and in subsurface environments. Particular attention will be paid to the impact of fluid geochemistry and environmental conditions.

Carrying out field sampling through a secondment with partners at HGI/AATG (Croatia).

Training and further development in hydrogeochemical modeling using the calculation codes available at BRGM.

Performing batch system experiments to identify the most promising methanogenic microorganisms capable of living and developing under the conditions of the study site.

Studying the metabolic requirements of microorganisms for CH₄ production and analyzing the influence of experimental conditions on production rates.

During a research stay in Germany with the partner GFZ, pressurized batch experiments will be conducted to characterize the effect of CO₂ reinjection on microorganisms and to identify potential metabolic pathways leading to CO₂ mineralization.

Developing numerical models to describe, in a simplified way, the biogeochemical processes involved in methanogenesis and CO₂ biomineralization.

Integrating the results with the aim of adapting them to geothermal exploitation conditions during a secondment at AATG.

Writing scientific publications, participating in conferences, and preparing the PhD thesis manuscript.

Profile

Requested start date: 2026-09-01
Education: Master's degree

You will demonstrate the following skills and qualities:

Ability to design and carry out laboratory experimental tests and conduct fieldwork ;

Strong knowledge in microbiology and geochemistry ;

Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams ;

Strong communication skills to present and promote research results ;

Initiative and proactive mindset ;

Ability to work independently in organizing daily tasks while also integrating into a multidisciplinary team ;

Good communication and interpersonal skills, regardless of group size (internally or with clients) ;

Proficiency in English (reading, writing, and speaking) ;

Although not mandatory, the following skills would be considered an asset:

Experience conducting experiments under anoxic conditions and/or controlled pressure and temperature conditions ;

Microorganism characterization techniques, particularly DNA-based methods (PCR, sequencing) ;

Bioinformatics and statistical analysis of community DNA data and field-related datasets ;

Knowledge of water and gas analysis techniques.

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 benefit from several advantages such as additional days off compensating for overtime (JRTT), canteen company, and holiday and leisure benefits, among others.

At BRGM, you are guaranteed a transparent recruitment process. To apply, please send us your application (updated CV and cover letter) by 30/04/2026.

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 departme

Position location

Job location

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

Location