Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Program

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Job Description The Desert Research Institute and the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) invite applications for a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) position in Atmospheric Sciences to work with Dr. John Mejia and Dr. Eden Furtak-Cole. This is a fully funded four-year opportunity leading to a PhD graduate degree at UNR, with research conducted at DRI. The successful candidate will contribute to the ForgedFire Model, a next-generation, urban-resolving wildfire–atmosphere modeling framework developed as part of the NSF funded FireScape NV project. The GRA will focus on developing and advancing the model’s multiscale coupling (WRF-SFIRE ↔ Fire Dynamics Simulator) to better understand wildfire behavior, smoke dispersion, and fire–atmosphere–urban interactions across the wildland–urban interface (WUI). Responsibilities: Develop and apply WRF-SFIRE simulations for fire–atmosphere interactions. Implement and evaluate multiscale coupling between WRF-SFIRE (a mesoscale atmospheric model) and Fire Dynamics Simulator (a parcel-scale computation fluid dynamic model). Integrate urban morphology, fuel datasets, and atmospheric observations into model workflows. Analyze model performance using case studies (e.g., the 2024 Davis Fire) and observational datasets. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and contribute to publications, digital twin tools, and scenario-based wildfire adaptation frameworks. Qualifications: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Atmospheric Sciences, Meteorology, Climate Science, Physics, Engineering or a closely related field. Background in numerical atmospheric modeling, with experience using WRF, FDS, or similar models. Familiarity with wildfire modeling, smoke dispersion, or computational fluid dynamics is highly desirable. Proficiency in programming (e.g., Python, Fortran, C/C , Julia or similar) and data analysis. Ability to work independently and in collaborative, interdisciplinary teams. Opportunity Highlights: Four-year fully funded GRA position with stipend, tuition, and health benefits. Cutting-edge research at the intersection of fire science, atmospheric modeling, and urban climate. Hands-on experience with advanced modeling frameworks, high-performance computing, and stakeholder-informed applications. Professional development through publications, conferences, and collaborations with agencies and research partners. Application Process: Interested candidates should contact Dr. John Mejia (john.mejia@dri.edu) with a CV and a brief statement of research interests. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. ExemptYes Full-Time Equivalent 50.0% Required Attachment(s) Posting Close Date10/20/2025 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. Welcome to the Desert Research Institute (DRI), we are excited to see your interest in our research, administrative, and staff positions. This unique entrepreneurial setting enables innovative, and results driven individuals to accomplish world renowned achievements. Since 1959, DRI has stood at the forefront of understanding Earth's complex environmental systems, promoting preservation of diverse ecosystems, advancing responsible natural resource management, and improving human health and welfare throughout Nevada and around the world. Research at DRI calls on the expertise and methods of multiple scientific disciplines. More than 400 highly-skilled scientists, engineers, technicians, students and staff on two main campuses in Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada, are collaboratively focused on understanding and answering critical questions about water quality and availability, air quality, sustainability of desert lands, life in extreme environments, and more. DRI ranks high in research and development expenditures in environmental sciences. DRI is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment free of discrimination without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. DRI employs only U.S. citizens and persons lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Additionally, we comply with all applicable state laws and DRI takes measures consistent with Title IX to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its students, faculty and staff. EEO/Title IX website Jennifer Schultz Title IX Coordinator/Director of Human Resources 2215 Raggio Parkway Reno, NV 89512 (775) 673-7317 jennifer.schultz@dri.edu The Desert Research Institute does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that it operates. Non-discrimination on the basis of sex is mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq.) and the corresponding implementation regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106). The Institute’s commitment to nondiscrimination in its education programs and activities extends to applicants for employment. Inquiries concerning the application of these provisions may be referred to: Jennifer Schultz, Title IX Coordinator, Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Northern Nevada Science Building, Room 112, Reno, NV 89512, Telephone: (775) 673-7317; Email: jennifer.schultz@dri.edu; to The Assistant Secretary of the United States Department of Education, U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-1100; Telephone: 1-800-421-3481 FAX: 202-453-6012; TDD: 1-800-877-8339; Email: OCR@ed.gov; or to both. Information pertaining to the Institute's grievance procedures and grievance process, including how to report or file a complaint of sex discrimination, how to report or file a formal complaint of sexual harassment, and how the Institute will respond can be found here. If you need any accommodations to complete an application, please contact Human Resources at jobs@dri.edu or (775) 673-7431. Information regarding security, personal safety, fire safety, and crime statistics can be found at DRI's Public and Personal Safety page. NSHE Employees are required to participate in a mandatory retirement plan in lieu of Social Security. As a result, employment at NSHE may impact your Social Security benefits. Additional information is available at SSA 1945. Job postings are specific to the Nevada System of Higher Education.