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:
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 Gautam Laboratory for Aerosol Optics and Microphysics at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) invites applications for a graduate-level research internship focused on the development of next generation optical instrumentation for particulate matter (PM) characterization. This internship is designed for highly motivated MS/PhD students interested in experimental optics, environmental sensing, and aerosol physics, with an emphasis on designing and building advanced light-scattering instruments for real-world applications in air quality, climate science, and remote sensing.
Research Scope
Interns will work on the development and testing of a wide-angle, polarization-resolved aerosol scattering
instrument, including:
1. Design and implementation of multi-angle light scattering systems (forward, side, back scattering)
2. Optical system design (lenses, mirrors, beam shaping, detectors)
3. Integration of multi-channel detection systems
4. Real-time data acquisition and signal processing
5. Calibration and validation using laboratory-generated aerosols (Dust, Soot, PSL)
1. Contribute to instrument design, alignment, and optimization
2. Develop and test optical measurement setups
3. Work with lasers, detectors, and precision optical components
4. Perform laboratory experiments and data acquisition
5. Analyze scattering data and interpret results in terms of aerosol properties
Current MS or PhD student in: Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or Environmental Engineering
Strong background in: Optics / Electromagnetics / Light scattering
Strong background in experimental methods
Hands-on experience with optical instrumentation or lab systems
Familiarity with lasers, photodetectors, and optical alignment
Familiarity with data acquisition systems (DAQ, electronics)
Familiarity with programming (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, etc.)
Experience in Sub-to-Super Micron Particle Characterization
Experience in signal processing
Ability to work independently on complex experimental systems
Master’s Students: $23.60/hr
PhD Students: $25.90/hr
Summer (10-12 weeks), flexible hours
Exempt
NoFull-Time Equivalent
45.0%Required Attachment(s)
Please contact jobs@dri.edu if assistance is needed with DRI’s Workday application system.
1. Cover letter detailing how your experience and qualifications prepare you for this job.
2. Current resume/CV
Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. Recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received, or a hiring decision has been made. For questions regarding this position, please call the recruiting office at 775-673-7431.
Posting Close Date
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.