Research Engineer in Hydrogeochemistry

Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières (BRGM)

Lesquin, France 🇫🇷

Job

F08 Geochemistry – Engineer / Researcher

Job Title

Hydrogeochemist Research Engineer

CONTRACT

Permanent contract

Working hours

Full time

Contract duration

Permanent contract

Context

Joining the French Geological Survey (BRGM) means becoming part of the leading public institution in Earth sciences, bringing together 1,000 expert and passionate individuals across 29 entities located in metropolitan France and its overseas territories.

The BRGM’s mission is to develop geological knowledge and understand the phenomena related to the soil and subsoil, with a key objective: to address the challenges of environmental change through innovative projects with societal implications.

The BRGM’s Hauts-de-France Regional Directorate represents the BRGM and its expertise in the region, supporting decentralized state services and local authorities in the field of geosciences.

It works on a variety of topics, including groundwater, natural hazards (coastal, landslides, cavities), geology applied to territorial transition, energy transition, and contaminated sites and soils.

Mission description

Reporting to the regional director, the shallow aquifer geochemist research engineer contributes to work related to groundwater quality, a major issue for drinking water supply in the Hauts-de-France region.

As pollution can originate from various sources (agricultural, industrial, military, domestic, etc.), the position aims to improve the understanding of the sources and transfer of this pollution in order to meet the needs of local stakeholders.

The position is part of a multidisciplinary team of approximately ten colleagues specializing in groundwater and applied geosciences.

Your main responsibilities will include:
– Designing models of compound/pollutant transfer in shallow aquifers;
– Organizing and conducting field campaigns, analyzing and interpreting the results, and cross-referencing and integrating them with available geological, geophysical, and hydrogeological data;
– Maintaining and developing partnerships with local institutional and academic stakeholders;
– To develop and propose research and support projects or public policies in response to water quality issues in the Hauts-de-France region, leveraging BRGM’s expertise across all geosciences;
– To communicate the results of scientific work to stakeholders, as well as through publications or presentations at professional conferences or seminars;
– To contribute to the core missions of BRGM Hauts-de-France: support for government agencies, responses to external requests, data banking and management.

Profile

Desired start date: July 1, 2026.
Contract type: Permanent.
Education: Master’s degree / PhD.
Experience: 5-10 years.

You hold an engineering degree (or equivalent university degree), or ideally a PhD in (geo)science, with at least 5 years of professional experience.

You will bring the following skills and qualities:
– Expertise in water geochemistry, with solid knowledge of hydrogeology, geology, geophysics, and petrophysics.
– Experience with geoscientific field campaigns, particularly for water sampling.
– The ability to develop scientific projects that meet the needs of public or private stakeholders.
– Skills in programming and geomatics.
– Excellent written and oral communication skills, scientific outreach, and academic presentation skills.
– Excellent interpersonal skills and a good understanding of water stakeholders in the Hauts-de-France region.
– The ability to work in a team and across disciplines.
– Fluency in French and English (reading, speaking, writing).

An asset: knowledge of the geological and hydrogeological context of the Hauts-de-France region.

Job specifics

This full-time position involves frequent travel within the Hauts-de-France region, as well as to other metropolitan areas and neighboring countries.

In an environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance, particularly through remote working, BRGM is distinguished by its supportive and friendly atmosphere.

Awarded the HRS4R label in 2021, we are committed to supporting you throughout your career at BRGM.

We offer numerous resources to develop your skills and expertise, with opportunities for career advancement and geographical mobility.

At BRGM, you will benefit from several advantages, including a 13-month salary, paid time off (RTT), meal vouchers, and vacation and leisure benefits.

BRGM guarantees a transparent recruitment process.

To apply, please send us your application (updated CV and cover letter) by January 18, 2026.

Please note that all our positions are open to everyone; at BRGM, we are committed to diversity!

We will review your application as soon as the scheduled posting deadline has passed. If your application is successful, we will contact you for recruitment interviews during which you will meet with the hiring manager, the HR department, and a cross-functional team member.

Job Location

Job Location

France, Hauts-de-France, Nord (59)

City

LESQUIN

11 days remaining

Apply by 20 January, 2026

POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

LANGUAGE REQUIRED

IHE Delft - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development