Graduate Research Assistant, PhD

Company: Desert Research Institute
Location: Reno
Posted on: April 3, 2026

Job Description:

Thank you for your interest in employment with the Desert Research Institute. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application: Once you start the application process you cannot save your work. Please ensure you have all required attachment(s) available to complete your application before you begin the process. Required attachments are listed below on the posting. Your application will not be considered without the required attachments. Please see the application instructions under each posting for information on submittal deadlines. If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, contact Human Resources Hotline at (775) 673-7431 or recruit@dri.edu . Job Description The Desert Research Institute (DRI; www.dri.edu) in Reno, Nevada, in partnership with the Graduate Program at the University of Nevada Reno (UNR), are actively recruiting a highly motivated PhD. student to work on a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded research project in the areas of light scattering, aerosol optical property characterization, and advanced instrumentation development. The selected candidate will join a dynamic interdisciplinary team based at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) in Reno, Nevada, and will be formally enrolled in the Department of Physics, an Engineering Department, or any other Department at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). Research Focus The project will involve experimental (mostly) and theoretical and computational work with a focus on: Aerosol optical characterization using advanced angularly resolved light scattering measurements using static, dynamic, and holography-based systems. Development and enhancement of aerosol optical instrumentation, including multi-wavelength nephelometers, PM monitoring sensors, and lidar-based remote sensing tools. Laboratory generation and optical characterization of bioaerosols (e.g., pollen, spores), mineral dust aerosols, and other particles relevant to defense system and atmospheric optics. Data acquisition, signal processing, and integration with real-time particle sizing instruments. Requirements A bachelor’s degree in physics, computer engineering, or a closely related discipline is required. To be eligible for an assistantship, students must be admitted to the Department of Physics, an Engineering Department, or any other Department at the University of Nevada, Reno. The student must have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 and must be continuously enrolled in at least 6 graduate level credits throughout the duration of the assistantship. Demonstrate experience is desired in: Hands-on experience with laser-based experiments, optical instrumentation, and aerosol sampling systems is considered a plus. Electronic systems, signal acquisition, microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi), circuit design, and optical sensor integration. Programming (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB). Preferred Qualifications A master’s degree in related field. Start Date Flexible; the student may begin research activities at DRI and receive funding as soon as UNR admission is confirmed. Both current and prospective students are encouraged to apply. Compensation/Benefits DRI offers a competitive support package, which includes a half-time (50% FTE) minimum monthly salary of $2250 for PhD students during the academic semester with the opportunity to work up to full-time during the summer. Graduate student health insurance is fully covered by DRI. The grant-in-aid tuition waiver covers 100% of tuition/per credit costs for up to 12 credits and waives non-resident tuition rates. Grant-in-aid does not cover other fees or books. This assistantship entails 20 hours a week during the academic year and has the potential for full time during the summer. For more detailed information about DRI and DRI faculty, research projects, and publications, please visit us at www.dri.edu. For questions regarding this position contact Dr. Prakash Gautam at Prakash.Gautam@dri.edu, and for assistance with your application, please call the recruiting office at 775-673-7332. Yes Full-Time Equivalent 50.0% Required Attachment(s) Prospective students will need to upload the following documents in the specified section: Brief statement of interest A current curriculum vitae Unofficial transcript Posting Close Date 05/31/2026 Note to Applicant Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials. References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant notification and permission. Newly hired faculty and postdoctoral fellows must assure that their official transcript is submitted to the Human Resources Office within 30 calendar days from the effective date of employment. Academic degrees must have been awarded by regionally accredited institutions. This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire. As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks. DRI employs only U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to work in the U.S. DRI only sponsors aliens applying for research faculty or postdoctoral fellow positions (J-1 or H-1B Visas). All applicants hired by the Desert Research Institute are subject to E-Verify.

Keywords: Desert Research Institute, Reno , Graduate Research Assistant, PhD, Education / Teaching , Reno, Nevada