The Water Division – Shallow Aquifers Unit of the French Geological Survey (BRGM) invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Research position in hydrogeology, soil modeling, and contaminant transport. The position is based in Orléans, France, and is funded through the Horizon Europe PHISHES Project.
PHISHES Project & Hydrogeological Scope
Shallow aquifers and the vadose zone play a fundamental role in maintaining stream baseflow, wetland hydrology, and freshwater ecosystems. The PHISHES project investigates how varying land-use, climate stress, and contaminants influence groundwater recharge, soil functions, and ecosystem services. The postdoc will develop and validate numerical models simulating water movement, solute transport, and groundwater-surface water interactions. Key research areas include:
- Modeling flow and contaminant dynamics in shallow aquifers and unsaturated soil zones.
- Evaluating how soil-water processes sustain riparian zones, wetland habitats, and local watersheds.
- Developing spatial indicators for ecosystem service assessment under various environmental scenarios.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, calibrate, and execute numerical models for water flow and solute transport in shallow aquifers.
- Integrate hydrological, geographical (GIS), and climate datasets into predictive simulations.
- Collaborate with international partners across the Horizon Europe PHISHES consortium.
- Write scientific papers for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at international hydrology and water resources conferences.
What BRGM Offers
- A full-time postdoctoral contract for 24 months at France’s leading public Earth science institution.
- Excellent research facilities, analytical laboratories, and high-performance computing resources.
- Collaborative, international environment based in the historical city of Orléans.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Hydrogeology, Soil Science, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources, Hydrology, or related quantitative disciplines.
- Strong experience in numerical modeling of groundwater flow or solute transport (e.g., MODFLOW, HYDRUS, FEFLOW).
- Proficiency in GIS tools and programming languages (Python, R, or Fortran) for environmental data analysis.
- Excellent communication skills and fluency in English; French language skills are helpful but not required.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official BRGM online recruitment portal (Reference: PHISHES Project Postdoc). Please upload your CV, a cover letter describing your modeling experience, and contact details for two academic references. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.