General information
Position description
Category
S05 Information systems - Non-executive
Job title
PhD on Interoperability and 3D Modeling
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 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
Scientific Context
Urban subsurface environments contain both natural components (geological formations, aquifers, geotechnical heterogeneities) and anthropogenic structures (tunnels, utility networks, quarries, civil engineering structures). Improving the understanding and 3D representation of this complexity has become a strategic challenge for urban planning, risk management, and infrastructure development.
This PhD project is part of WP2 of the S-PASS project within the PEPR Sous-sol program, which aims to build a 3D digital model of the Paris Basin subsurface, with a particular focus on the Paris underground environment. This model will integrate multi-thematic datasets (geology, geotechnics, underground quarries, transportation infrastructures, and utility networks) and will constitute a first building block of a digital twin of the subsurface, intended for scientists, engineers, urban planners, local authorities, and the general public.
Job description
Research objectives and questions
The objective of the thesis is to bridge the technological and semantic gap between geoscientific models and infrastructure models by developing a complete interoperability and 3D visualization workflow for the urban subsurface, with an application to the Paris Basin.
The work will be structured around three main areas:
1. Semantic and Geometric Fusion
• Design a unified conceptual model linking geological data and infrastructure data.
• Define explicit relationships between geological objects and anthropogenic objects.
2. Interoperability and Open Standards
• Develop a subsurface knowledge graph based on Linked Data technologies and open standards from the Building Information Model (BIM) and City Information Model (CIM) communities.
• Develop alignment mechanisms between representations while minimizing semantic loss.
3. Web Services and Multi-Stakeholder 3D Visualization
• Implement a prototype web platform compliant with open standards, providing query and analysis services for subsurface data.
• Develop a 3D visualization tool based on open-source components, adapted to different user profiles (experts, engineers, urban planners, citizens) and suitable for public communication purposes.
Expected outcomes include a methodology that can be replicated for other territories, a prototype digital twin of the Paris subsurface, and advances in interoperability between geoscience and civil engineering tools.
Scientific environment and supervision
BRGM specializes in subsurface management, 3D geology, geotechnics, and support for public policies. The PhD project will be affiliated with the GEONUM and COGEO scientific programs, dedicated to the development of predictive geosciences and 3D modeling of the national subsurface. The doctoral candidate will benefit from BRGM's expertise in 3D geological modeling, data standardization, and database management, as well as from multidisciplinary scientific supervision.
LIRIS (CNRS UMR 5205, Université Lumière Lyon 2), internationally recognized in 3D geomatics, urban modeling, and the semantic web, will contribute its expertise in the representation and integration of 3D urban data based on open standards.
Profile
Required Skills and Qualities
The candidate will be expected to demonstrate the following skills and qualities:
• Programming skills, particularly in languages used for 3D visualisation.
• Skills in geomatics, geographic data processing, and/or CAD/BIM, especially in 3D.
• Knowledge of interoperability standards and semantic web technologies (ISO, OGC, W3C, BIM/IFC) would be appreciated.
• Motivation and ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment: beyond their initial background, the candidate should be interested in connecting with other disciplines.
• Proficiency in French, both written and spoken, would be a plus.
Expected Academic Background
The candidate should come from one of the following backgrounds:
• Master's degree (MSc) in Geosciences (ISTO, Géodata, ENSG, etc.) with an interest in computer science and modelling;
• Engineering school specialization in civil engineering (ESTP, ENPC, UGE, etc.) with an interest in geosciences and modelling;
• Master's degree (MSc) in Computer Science with an interest in geosciences.
Working conditions
A three-year doctoral contract.
The employer is BRGM, with the main position based in Orléans. Regular stays and travel to Lyon will be required to work with the LIRIS team and ensure effective co-development of the methods and tools produced during 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 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. It is easy to apply! Please send us your application (up-to-date CV and cover letter) by 21/06/2026.
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
Orléans
Candidate criteria
Languages
English (Fluent)