General information
Position description
Category
F08 Geochemistry - Engineer / Researcher
Job title
Hydrogeologist Engineer
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 1,000 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 (CCS), 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 barriers (modelling, experimentation, and monitoring) ;
Determining the impacts of subsurface exploitation and uses (induced seismicity, pollutant migration, CO₂ leakage and associated impurities, etc.) ;
Evaluating interactions between subsurface uses and potential use conflicts ;
Job description
Monitoring subsurface infrastructures (sensors, passive seismic methods, etc.) and surface impacts (satellite interferometry, etc.) ;
Predictive modelling of coupled processes (reactive transport, water–rock interactions, etc.) ;
Uncertainty quantification (Monte Carlo methods, surrogate modelling) ;
Risk assessment.
Currently, limited research is dedicated to improving the in-situ recovery of critical raw materials (CRMs). Indeed, most existing processes (whether chemical and/or biogeochemical) primarily focus on the treatment of mining residues at the surface.
To achieve the project objectives, this PhD will be based on a methodology combining:
Experimental approach : Through laboratory experiments (batch and column tests), the PhD candidate will seek to develop new chemical and/or biological agents capable of enhancing the release of CRMs into brines. Their application within the reservoir will require that these compounds and microorganisms withstand the temperature and pressure conditions typical of geothermal reservoirs.
Numerical approach : Hydrogeochemical modelling will complement the laboratory experiments. The objective of this combined approach is to develop, by the end of the PhD, a predictive tool capable of estimating CRM release rates as a function of the chemical and/or biological agents used. This tool will be calibrated using laboratory experimental results as well as data from the literature. In addition to the nature and concentration of the injected agents, it will incorporate constraints such as pressure and temperature conditions, as well as kinetic laws governing CRM release.
Profile
Requested start date: 2026-09-01
Education: Master's degree
The ideal candidate should demonstrate the following:
Strong theoretical knowledge and practical experience (through internships or academic projects) in chemical thermodynamics and/or numerical modelling of water–gas–rock interactions ;
Interest in both experimental work and modelling ;
Knowledge of experimental chemistry and/or geochemical modelling (e.g., PHREEQC code) ;
Programming skills in languages such as Python would be an asset ;
Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team (experimentalists, modellers, numerical specialists, etc.) ;
Proactive mindset and initiative ;
Ability to work autonomously in organizing daily tasks while effectively integrating into a multidisciplinary team ;
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, adaptable to different audiences (internal teams or external partners/clients) ;
Proficiency in English (reading, writing, and speaking).
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 departments as well as a cross-functional department.
Position location
Job location
France, Centre-Val de Loire, Loiret (45)
Location
ORLEANS