Postdoc Position in Tectonics and Geochemistry for Natural H₂ Exploration in Aquitaine (M/F)

Updated: about 1 month ago
Location: Toulouse, MIDI PYRENEES
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 03 Apr 2026

14 Mar 2026
Job Information
Organisation/Company

CNRS
Department

Géosciences Environnement Toulouse
Research Field

Mathematics
History » History of science
Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)
Application Deadline

3 Apr 2026 - 23:59 (UTC)
Country

France
Type of Contract

Temporary
Job Status

Full-time
Hours Per Week

35
Offer Starting Date

1 Sep 2026
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

-While the mechanisms of H₂ generation are now relatively well established, its migration, storage, and preservation within the crust remain poorly understood. Nevertheless, natural H₂ seepages and accumulations demonstrate that exploitable concentrations can be reached. However, residence times, fluxes, and trapping mechanisms remain major scientific challenges that must be addressed to improve our understanding and to define appropriate exploration methodologies.
The frequent association of natural hydrogen with noble gases, particularly helium, represents a major scientific and industrial opportunity. Indeed, noble gases, which are chemically inert, are robust tracers of fluid origin, production mechanisms, and migration pathways. Helium, transported notably by CO₂ and hydrothermal fluids, is a key tracer of mantle contributions and deep sources of H₂. Continental regions characterized by high heat flow generally show helium isotopic signatures indicating a mantle contribution, often linked to volcanism or crustal extension.

Present-day degassing will be investigated through noble gas analyses in thermal springs, while past processes will be constrained through the analysis of fluid inclusions in carbonates dated using U–Pb geochronology. Finally, mantle helium fluxes will be used to estimate heat fluxes using coupled isotopic and thermal models.
The postdoctoral researcher's main tasks will include participation in field sampling campaigns, as well as the analysis and interpretation of petrological data, fluid inclusions, noble gas data, and U–Pb geochronological data on calcite. These results will then be integrated within the framework of the geodynamic evolution of the lithosphere of the Aquitaine Basin.

-The postdoctoral researcher will be recruited within the framework of the IDYLLE project (Impact of Lithosphere Dynamics and Basin Evolution on the Exploration of Energy Resources and Geological Potential) of the PEPR “Subsurface, bien commun”, funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR). This project involves the CNRS, BRGM, IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPen), the universities of Toulouse, Montpellier, Lorraine, and the University of Pau and Pays de l'Adour. The IDYLLE project aims to understand the impact of lithospheric processes controlling heat, fluid, and gas transfers on the formation of resources such as natural hydrogen. This issue will be re-evaluated in the Aquitaine Basin and the northern Pyrenees.


Where to apply
Website
https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/UMR5563-FREMOU-004/Default.aspx

Requirements
Research Field
Mathematics
Education Level
PhD or equivalent

Research Field
History
Education Level
PhD or equivalent

Languages
FRENCH
Level
Basic

Research Field
Mathematics
Years of Research Experience
None

Research Field
History » History of science
Years of Research Experience
None

Additional Information
Eligibility criteria

The candidate must have a training in general geology, tectonics of sedimentary basins and geochemistry and/or fluid-rock interactions


Additional comments

None


Website for additional job details

https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/UMR5563-FREMOU-004/Default.aspx

Work Location(s)
Number of offers available
1
Company/Institute
Géosciences Environnement Toulouse
Country
France
City
TOULOUSE
Geofield


Contact
City

TOULOUSE
Website

http://www.lmtg.obs-mip.fr/

STATUS: EXPIRED

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