Current Position Openings

Graduate Research Assistantship in Climatology

Seeking a motivated student interested in advancing our understanding of coupled synoptic-climate interactions focused on the western United States. In particular, this project will investigate the importance of cut-off or closed lows on precipitation patterns, and their relationship to large scale climate variability. This NSF sponsored project provides 12-month salary support (21-24k/yr) plus health insurance, tuition, and fees. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. John Abatzoglou (jabatzoglou@uidaho.edu) for further information.

Two Graduate Research Assistantships in Applied Agricultural Climatology

Two PhD research assistantships are available to join a collaborative research project working on aspects of agricultural mitigation/adaptation and climate change in the Inland Pacific Northwest. We are seeking highly motivated and qualified students to pursue the study of characterizing projected climate change and its impact on agriculture across the inland Pacific Northwest. Research will include 1) analyzing the suitability of global climate models within the Inland Pacific Northwest, 2) utilizing existing statistical methods to downscale regional and global climate model across the steep climatic gradient covering inland dryland/rainfed cropping zones of eastern Washington and northern Idaho, and 3) evaluating projected changes in agroclimatic zones and irrigation demands under future climate scenarios. Students will interact with other students and scientists working on diverse aspects of this broadly collaborative project on climate change and agriculture.

The overall goal of this USDA-NIFA funded project is to enhance the sustainability of IPNW cereal production systems under ongoing and projected climate change while contributing to climate change mitigation ( Regional Approaches to Climate Change in Pacific Northwest Agriculture [REACCH]). The broader interdisciplinary team of faculty organized to achieve this goal includes climate change scientists, economists, agronomists, soil scientists, entomologists, plant pathologists, and weed scientists at three land-grant universities (University of Idaho, Washington State University and Oregon State University). Participating students, therefore, will have the opportunity to interact and collaborate with diverse faculty and students from three different institutions as part of their PhD experience.

Prospective students should have a background in quantitative geography or ecology, atmospheric science, or a related earth sciences field. Priority will be given to candidates that have experience with computer programming. The position provides 12-month salary support ($22-24k/yr) plus health insurance, tuition, and fees. For more information contact Dr. John Abatzoglou (jabatzoglou@uidaho.edu) and Dr. Von Walden (vonw@uidaho.edu).