Post doc in Mineral Ressources in historic Pb-Zn mines from the French Massif Central

Universite de Montpellier; France; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research institution in France is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to study critical metals in geosciences. The successful candidate will conduct field missions, perform analytical studies, and contribute to national and international research projects. Candidates must possess a PhD in Earth Sciences and demonstrate expertise in structural geology and analytical techniques. The position offers a net monthly salary ranging from €2,200 to €2,380 and lasts for 12 months, with applications accepted via email.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in Earth Sciences required.
• Expertise in structural geology, ductile tectonics, and metamorphic petrology expected.
• Solid experience in analytical work such as EPMA and LA-ICPMS.

Responsabilités

• Conduct bibliographic research on study area.
• Perform field missions and sampling of mineralisations.
• Undertake thermodynamic modelling and geochronological analyses.

Connaissances

Structural geology

Ductile tectonics

Metamorphic petrology

Mineral resources

Analytical work (EPMA, LA-ICPMS)

Communication skills in English

Formation

PhD in Earth Sciences

Description du poste

Organisation/Company Universite de Montpellier Department Human Resources Research Field Geosciences » Geology Geosciences » Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country France Application Deadline 19 Dec 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe Reference Number 2026-R0080 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

work environment: Géosciences Montpellier (GM) is a joint research unit under the supervision of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the University of Montpellier (UM). The Laboratory's mission is to develop new knowledge on Earth dynamics and its surface manifestations, resources and the environment, taking into account the interactions between different envelopes (atmosphere, hydrosphere, crust, mantle). The objectives are to improve understanding of geodynamic processes at different timescales and spatial scales, and to contribute to research on the characterisation and management of natural hazards and resource management. Several aspects of Earth dynamics are studied in the laboratory, such as the structure and deformation of the mantle, lithosphere and basins, using the tools of tectonics, geochemistry, geochronology, geophysics and sedimentology. This postdoctoral position is part of the Massif Central project of the national PEPR Sous-Sol programme (https://www.soussol-bien-commun.fr/fr). The successful candidate will be fully integrated into this programme and will be able to benefit from this national and international network. It is also part of a collaboration with the ANR CMiO (Critical Metals in Orogens 2024-2028).

main mission: The objective of this postdoctoral research is to better understand the fate of critical metals (such as Ge, Ga, In and REE) that have a chemical affinity with Pb-Zn-(Ag-Ba-F) systems in hydrothermal and sedimentary deposits located in orogenic environments. Both at the site level and at the district level around historic mines, the final results of this work will be the characterisation of the structural, petrological and geochemical signatures of germanium, gallium, indium and rare earth elements, as well as their geological environments (in conjunction with other aspects of the Massif Central project), which will refine the modelling of base metals and their accessory metals and provide guidance for exploration on an orogenic scale.

activities: The researcher will carry out bibliographic research on the study area, one or two field missions (structural measurements, sampling of metamorphic host rocks and mineralisations), thermodynamic modelling and geochronological analyses of metasedimentary host rocks and mineralisation where possible, as well as in situ microscopic and geochemical analyses (EPMA, LIBS, LA-ICPMS) to characterise the concentration of major, minor and trace elements in mineralised minerals and their paragenesis. A preliminary field work took place in 2023 and a series of samples are already available. This postdoctoral work will deliver a series of quantitative structural data (foliation and lineation trajectory maps) indicating the relationships between host rocks and mineralisation, pressure-temperature-time trajectories for host and mineralised rocks, and mineralogical and geochemical composition results for major, minor and trace elements in mineralised zones. An A-level article is expected at the end of the postdoctoral year, as well as at least one presentation at a national or international scientific conference.

The net monthly salary is between €2,200 and €2,380

The contract duration is 12 months

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Geosciences Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

A PhD in Earth Sciences is necessary to apply to this postdoctoral position. For this position, expertise in structural geology, ductile tectonics, metamorphic petrology and mineral resources is expected, in addition to solid experience in analytical work (EPMA, LA-ICPMS). The researcher must demonstrate a willingness to work in an interdisciplinary manner with a national network and have good oral and written communication skills in English.