[ES_JOBS_NET] PhD student funding wildfire bioaerosol (U of Idaho)

[Benedict, Katherine Beem]

A doctoral research position is available for one PhD student in the Department of Forest, Rangeland and Fire Sciences<https://www.uidaho.edu/cnr/departments/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.

***For any applicant who received an Honorable Mention for a NSF GRFP proposal, please contact lkobziar at uidaho.edu<mailto: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<mailto: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<mailto:lkobziar at uidaho.edu>).


_________________________________
Katherine B. Benedict
Acting Deputy Group Leader
EES-14
Pronouns: she/her
Mobile: 505-927-4935
Los Alamos National Laboratory
lanl.gov

My work day may not be your work day. Please do not feel obligated to reply outside your normal working hours.

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