[ES_JOBS_NET] PhD Student Position in Pyroaerobiology: Advances in wildland fire bioaerosol research, University of Idaho, ID – Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM

[Christine Wiedinmyer]

PhD Student Position in Pyroaerobiology:
Advances in wildland fire bioaerosol research – sampling methodology, emission factors, and modeling improvements

University of Idaho, ID – Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM

Position description: A doctoral research position is available for one PhD student in the Department
of Forest, Rangeland and Fire Sciences at the University of Idaho in Moscow or Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Research will focus on development and validation of cutting-edge lab, field, and analytical methods for
assessing the concentration and transport of microbes through wildland fire smoke. The student will be
co-advised by Dr. Katherine Benedict (atmospheric science; Los Alamos National Laboratory) and Dr.
Leda Kobziar (University of Idaho; pyroaerobiology and fire sciences) and will be supported through a
combination of a research stipend from Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), and teaching
assistantships at the University of Idaho. The student will be encouraged to develop independent
research that contributes to current program themes and will have access to unique resources for fire
experiments including the Center for Aerosol-gas Forensics (CAFE) facilities at LANL, the University of
Idaho’s IFIRE Combustion Laboratory and the UI Experimental Forest (UIEF). The opportunity to
participate in field sampling at active fire sites at UIEF using UAS platforms will be included in the PhD
program, and the student will receive training and remote pilot (UAS) certification (Part 107). The student
will be mentored in the development of professional skills in a highly interdisciplinary environment and will
have opportunities to engage with a broad range of collaborators at LANL and the UI and other
institutions and agencies. A Spring 2026 start date is planned.

The student will be expected to spend approximately 25-35 weeks total over the course of three years
working on-site at LANL in Los Alamos, NM. Approximate dates for LANL in-house work include the fall
semester of 2026 and February-April 2028. These dates will be finalized through discussion with all
members of the team.

***For any applicant who received an Honorable Mention for a NSF GRFP proposal, please contact
lkobziar at uidaho.edu for additional opportunities to join our new NSF-funded PhD cohort in wildland fire
research, which includes generous funding packages similar to the GRFP***

Required qualifications: MS (but see below) in aerosol science, fire ecology, atmospheric science,
microbiology, or related field; biology, chemistry, and physics coursework including laboratory courses;
ability to work independently and collaboratively to initiate and complete research activities; demonstrated
oral and written communication skills for English-language audiences; interest in publishing research
results and communicating results to scientists, public, and fire/smoke management stakeholders; and
enthusiasm for pioneering new directions in science. Preference will be given to candidates with prior
experience conducting research on bioaerosols. Outstanding applicants holding a BSc and prior research
experience will also be considered. Applicant needs to be eligible for employment at Los Alamos
National Laboratory (visit: https://www.lanl.gov/engage/collaboration/student-programs/student-info to
review current student job listings for other potential eligibility requirements. Please pay special attention
to information regarding country of origin.)

How to apply:
Send an email to Dr. Leda Kobziar (lkobziar at uidaho.edu) using “Lastname Firstname PhD UI-LANL” in
the email subject line and attach the following application documents as a single compiled PDF:
 1-page Cover Letter describing: your interest and qualifications for the position and how it fits into
your career goals;
 Detailed academic CV;

 Sample of past research writing (in the format of a scientific report)
 List of three professional references with complete contact information.
The position will remain open until it is filled. Priority consideration will be given to applications received
by October 15th, 2025. Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Leda Kobziar
(lkobziar at uidaho.edu).

About the University of Idaho: The University of Idaho College of Natural Resources is committed to
disciplinary and interdisciplinary programs that integrate ecological, social and natural resource science
and management systems. Our research, education and outreach sustain people and the land through
innovative science, technology and leadership. More information about the University, employee benefits,
and resources for applicants is available at https://uidaho.peopleadmin.com/. The University is located in
Moscow, ID which has a population of 25,336 and is the county seat of Latah County. Moscow is
consistently rated as one of the best places to live in Idaho, offering ease of walking/biking, many
community events, and easy access to a multitude of outdoor recreation opportunities. The student also
has the option of being located at the satellite Coeur d’Alene, ID campus. For more information
about graduate programs in the College of Natural Resources, go to: https://www.uidaho.edu/cnr/grad-
programs
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