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The Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Plant Pathology at the Washington State University-Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Prosser, WA will conduct independent research on root microbiomes associated with dry peas and lentils and determine pathogens associated with the root rot complex and beneficial organisms that can be used to manage root rot diseases and promote plant health. The successful candidate will participate in field, laboratory, and greenhouse projects to characterize root rot pathogens and determine promising biocontrol or plant growth promotion agents that could be used to improve commercial production of these crops. This position requires demonstrated expertise in molecular genetics and experience isolating and identifying fungi or bacteria from plant tissues. Publication and excellent communication and interpersonal skills are desired. The candidate must be willing to travel independently to research sites throughout the course of the study. The position is initially for one year and may be renewed annually based on performance and funding availability. The research will also be conducted in collaboration with Dr. Lyndon Porter, Research Plant Pathologist with the USDA-ARS in Prosser, WA.

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. For information or questions about Benefits, please contact HRS Benefits at 509-335-4521.

Annual Salary: $62,232- $66,000 | 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.

This is a full time (100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime eligible.

Appointment Duration: This is a temporary position expected to start on November 16, 2026 and end on November 15, 2027. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Plant Pathology, Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Genetics or a related field.
• Possess, or be able to obtain by date of hire, a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven record of expertise in any of the following areas is desired: molecular characterization of pathogens, microbiome research, biological control of pathogens, and field-based research.
  Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and communicate respectfully in the workplace, including when working in a multicultural team setting 

Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

About Department/College/Area/ Campus - https://iarec.wsu.edu/

Area/College: College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)
Department Name: Plant Pathology
Location: Prosser, 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 qualifications and additional requirements.

1) Resume
2) Cover Letter

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 these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.

All candidates, documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.

Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.

Contact: For questions regarding this position or the application process, please contact [email protected]

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.

Union Representation: This position is represented exclusively by Postdocs United/United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Information regarding the Union and the CBA is available on the WSU Labor Relations website.

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 [email protected].

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/