Research Assistant – Prescribed Fire & Smoke Exposure Modeling

Research Assistant Position

The Department of Mechanical Engineering seeks a part-time hourly Research Assistant (student or non-student) to support the SOGES-funded ECO-FIRE project, which develops an integrated modeling framework to quantify the air quality, public health, and environmental equity trade-offs between wildfires and prescribed fires.

Full Consideration Date: 6/30/2026

https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

• Develop and evaluate optimized prescribed-fire ignition methods, techniques, and pattern designs in collaboration with project partners.
• Conduct smoke exposure analysis and investigate how ignition pattern design affects downwind smoke exposure outcomes.
• Develop and maintain Python-based data processing and analysis workflows, using high-performance computing resources where applicable, and document methods to ensure reproducibility.
• Prepare and draft a manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.

• Pre-employment Background Check.
• Authorized to legally work in the US by the planned start date.

None.

• Bachelor's degree in forestry, environmental science, engineering, economics, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Python for data analysis (e.g., Pandas, Num Py).
• Experience with quantitative, optimization, or econometric methods.
• Strong written communication skills and the ability to contribute to scientific manuscript preparation.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience with geospatial tools such as ArcGIS or QGIS.

$16.00 per hour

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Resume/CV

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