[ES_JOBS_NET] PhD Student – Ecosystem Ecology at the University of Idaho

[Kristina Bartowitz]

*Position Title:* PhD Student – Ecosystem Ecology (fire and drought impacts
on forests)
*Location*: Institute for Innovative Climate Solutions, University of
Idaho, Moscow, ID

*Application Deadline:* December 15, 2025

*Position Summary:*
We are seeking a motivated and skilled PhD student to join our
multi-disciplinary research team investigating the impacts of fire and
drought on forest ecosystems. The successful candidate will use methods in
field ecology, environmental sensing, and carbon cycle science to
understand how trees respond to disturbance and climate extremes. This
position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge ecosystem
science with direct relevance to climate change mitigation, forest
management, and carbon sequestration. This student will also have the
opportunity to learn to use biogeochemical and process-based modeling if
desired.

*Research Focus:*
The student will lead field and laboratory research quantifying organismal
(tree) responses to fire and drought, including measuring water and carbon
fluxes, physiological stress responses, and recovery strategies. Research
will integrate field-based measurements, environmental sensor networks, and
statistical analysis to evaluate ecosystem function under changing
disturbance regimes.

*Responsibilities:*
● Design, install, maintain, and troubleshoot field instrumentation and
sensor systems for measuring tree physiology and ecosystem state variables
and processes (e.g., sap flow, soil moisture, temperature, and soil
respiration).
● Conduct fieldwork in varying and sometimes challenging conditions,
including post-fire field plots. Assist with prescribed burning to take
place fall 2026.
● Collect, manage, and analyze large datasets from sensors, field
measurements, and lab analyses.
● Develop research questions and experimental designs in consultation with
advisors.
● Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at
scientific conferences.
● Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of ecologists,
microbiologists, and ecosystem modelers.

*Minimum Qualifications:*
● Hands-on experience with environmental instrumentation and sensors for
measuring plant and/or soil processes.
● Demonstrated ability to work in remote and physically demanding field
settings.
● Strong quantitative and data analysis skills (e.g., R, Python).
● Evidence of independent research, including publications or thesis work.

*Preferred Qualifications:*
● Master of Science (MS) in a STEM field or significant research experience
leading to authorship on a publication
● Experience conducting research in fire-affected or drought-prone
ecosystems.
● Familiarity with ecosystem modeling, micrometeorological techniques, or
remote sensing.
● Experience with data management and statistical analysis of large
environmental datasets.

*Funding and Support:*
The position includes a stipend of $30,000, paid tuition and healthcare,
and research support for a period of 3 years, contingent on satisfactory
progress and funding.

*Application Instructions:*
Applicants should submit the following materials as a single PDF:
1. Cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, and
career goals.
2. Curriculum vitae (CV) including three professional references.
Please send applications to Dr. Tara Hudiburg via the following link:
PhDStudentRecruitment_2026
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkM9WvlYZPBPm0vqmiwpFYv33zeWXpGQS8YnTpVakx1q7Fqg/viewform>
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