Structural Engineer H/f Permanent Position job from BRGM in Orléans (45), France

The risks and Prevention department deals with disaster risk reduction, for natural and man made risks. It contributes to identify hazards and risks, observe natural phenomena, and assess vulnerability for people and infrastructures. In particular, DRP develops complex numerical models and contributes to foster risk prevention by simulating or assessing the consequence of natural hazards, and developing tools that forster risk awareness and risk reduction. It produces various methodological and operational tools to describe hazards and risk on territories, for research, public policy support of consultancy purposes.

The seismic and volcanic risks (RSV) unit gathers 14 permanent staff and developped a strong expertise in seismic risk prevention and management. It also supports reseach work of PhD students and internships in collaboration with different universities and research institutes.

As a Structural Engineer you will contribute to strengthening the capacity of RSV to carry out studies integrating the impacts of earthquakes on buildings, infrastructures and society, in collaboration with experts in site effects, hazard assessment and crisis management.

You may also occasionally work on other natural hazards depending on the opportunities (earthquake, tsunami, volcanic hazards)..You will take part in our research projects and public policy support actions, and you will be a driving force in expanding the RSV's service offering, developing new partnerships and broadening the sources of funding for our activities.

You will mainly be in charge of :

• Producing knowledge and tools to assess the impacts of earthquakes on the built environment, in conformity with the client's terms of references,
• Contributing to policy making support (at national or regional scale), international studies, and research programs, in the field of risk prevention and crisis management,
• Participating in project proposals in answer to call for tenders and technical offers,
• Maintaining a high level of scientific expertise and making suggestions to develop the activities of RSV,
• Realize studies and write corresponding reports.

With regards to our field of expertises, you may also :

• Participate to internal or external working group concerning structures' response to natural hazards,
• Elaborate new research programs,
• Contribute to scientific articles.

You are graduate from a Master degree or a PhD Thesis in structural engineering, civil engineering or earthquake engineering, with a deep knowledge of structural modelling of natural risks, and gained 1 to 5 years' experience performing seismic risk assessments, vulnerability analysis or structural design studies.

An experience abroad would be appreciated.

You will need the following capacities :

• Advanced knowledge in structural mechanics, material mechanics earthquake design, assessment of existing structures, fragility curves, seismic retroffiting, with the insight to assess the outcomes of numerical simulations (with finite elements, or discrete elements).
• Familiar with the seismic regulation in France, the evolution of international standards (Eurocodes) and security standards for special infrastructures or for heritage buildings,
• Advanced knowledge of numerical simulation tools for structural modelling, preferably open source software (e.g., Code_Aster, LMGC90, OpenSees).
• High capacity to work in a team, and willingness to transfer knowledge,
• Ability to collaborate with people from different background (Human sciences, IT, risks) and to work in partnership with external actors,
• Good writing and communication skills in French and English (reports, presentations).

The following skills would be appreciated :

• Client oriented mind, innovation, and transfer from research to operational,
• Knowledge of risk assessment tools (e.g., OpenQuake, Hazus);
• Programming skills (Python, Matlab);
• Knowledge in instrumental monitoring;
• Use of GIS mapping tools.

Orléans