Job Information
- Organisation/Company: Universite de Montpellier
- Department: Human Resources
- Research Field: Geosciences » Geology
- Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2)
- Positions: Postdoc Positions
- Application Deadline: 8 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris)
- Country: France
- Type of Contract: Temporary
- Job Status: Full-time
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme
Offer Description
Work environment : The successful candidate will be based at the Géosciences Montpellier laboratory, University of Montpellier. Géosciences Montpellier is a multidisciplinary research unit bringing together a broad range of expertise to advance knowledge in geodynamics, the environment, and georesources. The postdoctoral researcher will join the Flow and Transport in Porous Media research team, which is actively involved in the acquisition and analysis of petrophysical and geophysical data from cores and boreholes. Part of the team's research focuses on coastal aquifers and their offshore extensions.
The successful candidate will benefit from an excellent research environment and all the resources required to carry out the project under the supervision of Johanna Lofi (Géosciences Montpellier) and Didier Granjeon (IFP Energies nouvelles), coordinators of Work Package 2 (WP2) of the ANR AQUIMER project. As part of the project, the candidate will work within an interdisciplinary team of specialists in sedimentary geology, marine geophysics, hydrogeology, and numerical modelling, contributing to an emerging international research topic focused on the characterization and sustainable management of offshore groundwater resources.
Main mission :
This postdoctoral position is part of the ANR AQUIMER project, which investigates Offshore Freshened Groundwater (OFG). These groundwater resources, preserved within continental shelf sediments, represent a major scientific challenge for understanding coastal hydrogeological systems. The Plio-Quaternary Roussillon aquifer system, which is believed to extend beneath the Gulf of Lion, provides an ideal natural laboratory.
The objective of AQUIMER is to develop innovative approaches for characterizing OFG by combining geophysics, sedimentary geology, and numerical modelling in order to better define their extent, spatial distribution, dynamics, and long-term sustainability. This position is part of Work Package 2 (WP2), dedicated to reservoir characterization and the improvement of electromagnetic data interpretation.
AQUIMER aims to integrate geophysical datasets (electrical resistivity and electromagnetic surveys) with existing geological and geophysical observations (boreholes, outcrops, and seismic reflection data) through process-based stratigraphic modelling.
The postdoctoral researcher will use DionisosFlow™ to reconstruct the sedimentary evolution of the Plio-Quaternary Roussillon system and predict the spatial distribution of sedimentary facies, lithologies, and petrophysical properties.
The expected outcomes include:
- Reconstructing the three-dimensional architecture and spatio-temporal evolution of sedimentary bodies;
- Predicting the distribution of sedimentary facies and reservoir properties;
- Distinguishing the respective influences of lithology and pore-water salinity on observed electrical resistivity signatures;
- Improving the inversion of acquired electromagnetic datasets.
Activities :
Task 1 – Compilation and Integration of Existing Data
- Compile and harmonize existing geological, geophysical, and stratigraphic datasets from both onshore and offshore domains;
- Integrate regional stratigraphic and tectonic information.
Task 2 – Process-Based Stratigraphic Modelling
- Perform and calibrate 3D simulations of the sedimentary evolution of the Plio-Quaternary Roussillon system to generate stratigraphic grids describing facies, lithologies, and rock properties;
- Generate synthetic seismic sections and compare them with existing seismic reflection profiles;
- Develop a 2D resistivity model to better constrain the inversion of electrical resistivity and electromagnetic datasets.
Task 3 – Dissemination
- Prepare and submit at least one article to a leading international peer-reviewed journal.
The net monthly salary is between €2,200 and €2,380
The contract duration is 18 months
Where to apply
E-mail: johanna.lofi@umontpellier.fr
Requirements
Research Field: Geosciences » Geology
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
The successful candidate should have a strong background in geology and demonstrate a keen interest in numerical approaches and 3D geological modelling. Experience with, or a strong willingness to develop expertise in, software such as Gocad/Skua™, DionisosFlow™, or Petrel™ is expected.
Education
PhD in Geosciences, Geology, Marine Geology, Sedimentary Geology, Geomodelling, or a closely related discipline.
Scientific Skills
- Strong background in sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy;
- Experience in seismic reflection interpretation;
- Good understanding of sedimentary basin evolution and dynamics;
- Good knowledge of siliciclastic erosion, transport, and depositional processes;
- Interest in hydrogeology and land–sea interactions.
Technical Skills
- Experience with, or strong motivation to learn, software such as DionisosFlow™, Gocad/Skua™, Petrel™, Move™, or equivalent geological modelling platforms;
- Experience in numerical or quantitative geological modelling;
- Good working knowledge of GIS environments;
- Programming skills (Python, MATLAB, or R) would be considered an asset.
Personal Qualities
- Strong interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface between geology, geophysics, and hydrogeology;
- Ability to handle and analyse large datasets;
- Scientific rigor, autonomy, and initiative;
- Ability to work effectively within a collaborative national research project;
- Excellent scientific writing and communication skills in English.
Additional Information
Selection process
Please submit your application to johanna.lofi@umontpellier.fr
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Géosciences Montpellier (GM)
Country: France
Contact
City: Montpellier
Website: http://www.umontpellier.fr/
Street: 163 rue Auguste Broussonnet
Postal Code: 34000
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