Offre de thèse M/F

Job Description

Thesis Subject

PhD Project Title: Energy Transition and Uranium Resource Sovereignty: A Comparative Study of Uranium Systems in the Permian Basins of the Southern Variscan Domain through an Integrated Tectono-Sedimentary and Metallogenic Approach

This PhD project builds upon the outcomes of the UraLod research program, which established a metallogenic model for the Permian Lodève Basin and its northern extensions (Saint-Affrique and Rodez). The main objective is to assess the regional applicability of this model by extending it to other Permian basins of the southern Variscan domain, in order to determine whether the processes controlling uranium mineralization are specific to the Lodève Basin or reflect a broader regional metallogenic framework.

The study will focus on the Gabian–Néffies Basin (Hérault, France), the Dôme de Barrot–Estérel Basin (Var, France), and the Berga–Cadí Basin (Spain), which will be investigated and compared with the Lodève Basin using an integrated tectonic, sedimentological, and metallogenic approach. This comparative study aims to reconstruct the evolution of uranium systems, identify the key controls on uranium mineralization, and distinguish regional commonalities from basin-specific characteristics.

The project also seeks to constrain the timing and conditions of uranium mineralization by characterizing mineralizing events, determining the origin and age of ore-forming fluids, and establishing their relationships with the major geodynamic stages of basin evolution, from post-Variscan extension to Alpine compression. This work will rely on a multidisciplinary methodology combining isotope geochemistry, multi-element geochemistry, and U–Pb geochronology. The results will refine regional metallogenic models and improve the assessment of the residual and exploration potential of uranium resources within these basins. More broadly, the project will contribute to a better understanding of domestic uranium resources, an increasingly strategic issue in the context of the energy transition and the strengthening of critical raw material sovereignty.

Your Work Environment

The PhD project will be carried out within the framework of the CNRS NEEDS program as part of the UraLod project, coordinated by GEOPS (Université Paris-Saclay), in partnership with Géosciences Rennes (Université de Rennes), Géosciences Montpellier (Université de Montpellier), and EPOC (Université de Bordeaux), and in collaboration with the French Geological Survey (BRGM).

Constraints and risks

Candidate Profile

Applicants should have demonstrated experience in field geology, including structural and sedimentological analysis as well as geological mapping. A solid background in uranium metallogeny, mineralogy, and analytical petrography is expected.

Previous research experience and/or strong knowledge of metallogenic systems, particularly uranium metallogenic systems, will be considered a significant advantage.

Requirements

Valid authorization to work in France.
Valid Category B driving licence.

A curriculum vitae and at least one letter of recommendation are mandatory.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions