PhD in earth sciences (M/F) – Assessment of the impact of different crustal deformation processes on potential fault activity and seismic hazard in mainland France using a numerical modeling approach
24 Mar 2026
Job Information
- Organisation/Company
Nantes Université- Department
LPG UMR-CNRS 6112- Research Field
Geosciences- Researcher Profile
First Stage Researcher (R1)- Positions
PhD Positions- Application Deadline
4 May 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris)- Country
France- Type of Contract
Temporary- Job Status
Full-time- Hours Per Week
35- Offer Starting Date
1 Oct 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
The aim of this PhD project is to investigate the causes of active tectonics and seismicity in stable continental regions, with a particular focus on mainland France. Located in a very low strain rate setting, far from plate boundaries and the classical framework of plate tectonics, mainland France exhibits both seismicity and field evidence of tectonic activity. Several crustal deformation processes have been proposed to explain these observations, but there is no consensus on their relative importance or the existence of a dominant mechanism (e.g., Craig et al., 2016; Mazzotti et al., 2000; Damon et al., 2023; Grosset et al., 2023).
To address this issue, the PhD thesis will comprise two main parts:
• numerical modeling of crustal stresses associated with the various proposed mechanisms;
• statistical analysis of the impact of these stresses on faults, potentially active or not, and the consistency of predicted deformations with earthquake focal mechanisms.
The first part of the project involves using numerical mechanical models to calculate crustal stresses arising from four main mechanisms: far-field plate tectonics (e.g., Atlantic ridge push, etc.), gravitational potential energy (topography and lithospheric structure), Quaternary glacial isostatic adjustment (Fennoscandian and Alpine glaciations), and Quaternary erosion/sedimentation. In the second part of the project, the crustal stresses predicted by these models will be applied to national databases of focal mechanisms and faults. Statistical tests will be conducted to determine whether the processes in question, individually or in combination, tend to promote or inhibit earthquakes and fault activity in the study regions (Alps, Pyrenees, Armorican Massif, Northeast France, etc.)
The expected outcomes will advance our understanding of seismotectonics in mainland France and could significantly impact the identification of potential seismic sources, with a view to integrating these findings into deterministic or probabilistic seismic hazard assessments (see Jomard et al., 2017). This PhD project will be carried out in close collaboration with the “Bureau d'Évaluation des Risques Sismiques pour la Sûreté des Installations” (BERSSIN) of the “Agence de Sûreté Nucléaire et Radioprotection” (ANSR). The PhD student will work with BERSSIN colleagues on seismic hazard issues during regular visits to their offices.
Where to apply
- Website
- https://amethis.doctorat.org/amethis-client/prd/consulter/offre/3059
Requirements
- Research Field
- Geosciences
- Education Level
- Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- MSc (or equivalent) in Earth sciences (or physics applied to Earth sciences)
- Interest in geodynamics, active tectonics and seismicity
- Interest and competence in numerical analysis and modeling
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Level
- Good
Additional Information
Selection process
Candidate will have to submit the following documents:
- Detailed and updated CV
- Cover letter
- Transcripts of the grades and rankings of the Master’s degree or engineering degree (for semesters for which grades are available)
- Letter of appreciation from the direct supervisor of the Master’s research internship (mandatory for the 2nd year of the Master's degree, if applicable for the 1st year)
Pre-selected candidates will be contacted directly for an interview with a committee composed of at least the thesis director and a representative of the Graduate School.
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available
- 1
- Company/Institute
- LPG UMR-CNRS 6112
- Country
- France
- City
- NANTES
- Postal Code
- 44100
- Street
- 2 Rue de la Houssinière
- Geofield
Contact
- City
NANTES- Website
http://WWW.UNIV-NANTES.FR- Street
1 QUAI DE TOURVILLE, BP 13522, 44035 NANTES CEDEX 01
stephane.mazzotti@univ-nantes.fr
STATUS: EXPIRED
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