Offer Description
– work environment: The hired researcher will join the HYTAKE team of HydroSciences Montpellier (HSM), located in the Hydropolis building, which brings together HSM’s hydrogeologists. The team is part of the “Critical Zone” transversal research theme, which, in collaboration with the HEC team, addresses the full range of processes involved in the water cycle.
The researcher will primarily work under the supervision of Dr. P. Lachassagne, a senior researcher specializing in the hydrogeology of volcanic and basement aquifers.
– main mission: The recruited researcher will contribute to the development and implementation of numerical flow and transport models to improve the understanding of the hydrogeological functioning of tropical volcanic aquifers.
The main objective is to characterize recharge, flow, and interaction processes among aquifers, rivers, and submarine freshwater discharges in complex, highly heterogeneous geological settings.
The work will be carried out within the framework of ongoing research projects (e.g., in Indonesia, Mayotte, etc.) at HydroSciences Montpellier (HSM) – HYTAKE team. It will involve collaboration with academic and institutional partners in France and abroad.
The researcher will actively contribute to the scientific dissemination of results (reports, conference presentations, publications).
– activities:
- Collect, analyze, and integrate available hydrogeological, hydrometeorological, and geophysical data (field measurements, piezometric records, pumping tests, isotopic data, etc.).
- Build, calibrate, and validate numerical hydrogeological models (e.g., MODFLOW, FEFLOW, or equivalent) adapted to volcanic aquifer systems.
- Perform hydrological scenario simulations to assess recharge dynamics and evaluate the impacts of climate change and anthropogenic activities on water resources.
- Participate in team meetings and scientific exchanges with project partners.
- Contribute to the writing of scientific deliverables, technical reports, and dissemination of results at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.
Where to apply
E-mail: catherine.marchand@umontpellier.fr
Skills/Qualifications
The position is intended for a researcher with 3 to 5 years of postdoctoral experience, including at least one experience abroad in an English-speaking country, and holding a PhD in Hydrogeology, Geosciences, or Water Sciences.
The candidate should have significant experience in hydrogeological modeling applied to volcanic or heterogeneous environments.
He/she must be proficient in numerical modeling tools (MODFLOW, FEFLOW, or equivalent) and have good skills in scientific programming (Python, MATLAB, R).
Knowledge in geophysics, hydrodynamics, environmental isotopes, and tropical hydrology will be considered an asset.
The successful candidate will be able to analyze and interpret multi-source datasets, design robust conceptual models, and propose innovative approaches for the understanding and management of volcanic aquifers.
Autonomous, rigorous, and team-oriented, he/she will enjoy working in a multidisciplinary and international environment.
A proven ability in scientific writing (articles, reports) and in communicating research results is essential.
The candidate must demonstrate excellent command of scientific English.
