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THE OPPORTUNITY

The Washington State University (WSU) Department of Crop and Soil Sciences (CSS) in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) invites applicants to lead the Cereal Variety Testing Program (VTP).

This is a full-time, 12-month, career-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Cereal Variety Testing Program Lead will manage the field, laboratory, and data operations necessary to evaluate commercially relevant small-grain varieties, including winter and spring wheat and barley, across diverse agroecological conditions in central and eastern Washington. The position plays a central role in supporting growers, industry partners, seed stakeholders, and breeding programs through scientifically robust variety performance data and Extension outreach.

Primary responsibilities include planning, planting, managing, and harvesting multi-location field variety trials; supervising technical staff and seasonal field crews; and ensuring accurate and timely collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of agronomic and quality performance data. The position coordinates equipment, facilities, and logistical operations associated with field research activities and works closely with WSU breeding programs, USDA-ARS colleagues, other public- and private-sector partners, experiment stations, growers, and commodity organizations. The faculty member is responsible for maintaining program budgets, grant and contract reporting, and compliance with applicable safety and research standards.

As part of the Dryland Extension Team, the faculty member will disseminate research results through written publications, online platforms, field days, grower meetings, Extension events, and stakeholder consultations. Additional responsibilities include developing and maintaining strong relationships with producer groups and agricultural industry organizations, participating in advisory committees, and contributing to Extension and outreach materials that support decision-making in Washington grain production systems.

The position includes 25% Research and Scholarship, with an expectation to develop and participate in applied research projects that complement and enhance the Cereal Variety Testing Program. The position does not include a formal teaching requirement but may provide opportunities for guest lectures and mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students and interns.

The successful candidate will be expected to pursue and maintain extramural funding from the Washington Grain Commission and other sources to support program activities.

Annual Salary: $75,000.00 - $90,000 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Successful candidates typically begin up to mid-point of the salary range.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Faculty and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications:

• Earned M.S. in Crop Science, Agronomy, or a closely related field at time of application
• Ability to perform field and laboratory work associated with production agriculture research, including repeatedly lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds; frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and standing; and sitting or operating vehicles and agricultural equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods under variable weather and field conditions and on uneven terrain.
• Ability to travel frequently to research sites throughout central and eastern Washington, including overnight travel as needed during the field season.
• Ability to work flexible hours throughout the year as needed to meet field research and production schedules.
• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards. 
• Ability to obtain the Washington State pesticide applicator license within six months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. by time of hire in Crop Science, Agronomy, or a related discipline.
• Experience working within annual dryland cropping systems, particularly cereals.
• Demonstrated experience planning and coordinating complex, multi-location field research or variety testing programs.
• Experience training, supervising, and managing permanent and temporary employees.
• Experience operating and maintaining plot-scale and field-scale agricultural research equipment, including seeders, sprayers, threshers, tractors, and related equipment.
• Knowledge and experience with experimental design, statistical analysis, data management, and presentation of field research results.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a successful and collaborative program.
• Track record of collaboration with industry, growers, or other stakeholders to develop solutions to practical challenges and knowledge gaps.
• Strong communication skills, with experience engaging both technical and nontechnical audiences through oral, written, and electronic formats.
• Demonstrated record of acquiring extramural competitive funding.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups of varied cultures and backgrounds.
• Knowledge of the Extension model and ability to document Extension outcomes and impacts.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

About Department/College/Area/ Campus - css.wsu.edu

Area/College: College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)
Department Name: Crop and Soil Sciences
Location: Pullman, WA

Application Instructions:

Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required and preferred qualifications.

• Cover Letter
• Current Curriculum Vitae
• Research and Extension Statement
  

The cover letter should address, in distinct sections, all required and preferred qualifications for the position.

For questions about the position, contact Mike Pumphrey, Search Committee Chair, at 509-335-0509 or m.pumphrey@wsu.edu.

External candidates: Upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.

Current WSU employees (internal candidates): Before starting your Workday application, please use the provided instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates should upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of the application.

Documents may be submitted as one file or as separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload documents as PDFs, if possible.

Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.

Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both.

More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/