University of Alaska Fairbanks

The Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate Lab at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) invites applications for a funded, full-time PhD student to join our research team.

Position Overview

This position offers an exciting opportunity to investigate aerosol chemistry in both the unique urban winter environment of Fairbanks and the boreal forest ecosystem of interior Alaska. Two primary research directions are envisioned:

Urban Aerosol Chemistry Deployment and operation of newly acquired Aerodyne TOF-ACSM-X and Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) instruments in downtown Fairbanks to investigate changes in aerosol chemistry following recent reductions in sulfur emissions.

Boreal Forest Aerosol Chemistry Field studies at the ASCENT Delta Junction site, conducted in close collaboration with researchers from Europe and Canada, comparing aerosol formation and growth processes in North American and European boreal forests.

The project will involve participation in major field campaigns in interior Alaska and collaboration with international partners studying aerosol formation and growth in boreal environments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and support field measurements, including instrument operation, maintenance, and calibration.
• Analyze and interpret atmospheric aerosol data, with emphasis on aerosol composition, particle growth, and source attribution.
• Collaborate with an international team of researchers working on boreal forest atmospheric chemistry.

Qualifications

We seek candidates with a strong background in atmospheric aerosol measurements, atmospheric chemistry, or mass spectrometry. Experience with aerosol instrumentation or field measurements is highly desirable.

Interested applicants should email the following to Dr. Jingqiu Mao (jmao2 at alaska.edu):

• Curriculum vitae
• A brief paragraph describing research interests

The position is available starting Summer 2026, with some flexibility in the start date.