Cereal Variety Assistant Professor

Washington State University; United States; On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Paid vacation leave

Medical, dental, life and disability保险

Retirement

Deferred compensation

Job summary

Washington State University seeks a Cereal Variety Testing Program Lead for a full-time, 12-month faculty role in the Crop and Soil Sciences department. The position focuses on coordinating field trials, data collection, and Extension outreach across central and eastern Washington.

The successful candidate will oversee staff, manage budgets, and collaborate with breeders, researchers, and growers while pursuing extramural funding to advance cereal genetics and production knowledge.

Qualifications

• MS in Crop Science, Agronomy, or related field by time of application.
• Ability to perform field and laboratory work including lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to travel frequently to research sites within Washington.
• Must have, or be able to obtain by hire, a valid driver’s license; pesticide applicator license within six months.
• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather and terrain.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Cereal Variety Testing Program, managing field, laboratory, and data operations.
• Plan, plant, manage, and harvest multi-location field trials and report data.
• Supervise technical staff and seasonal crews; ensure timely data collection and analysis.
• Coordinate equipment, facilities, and logistics for field research; partner with breeders and stakeholders.
• Maintain program budgets, grant reporting, and compliance with safety standards.
• Disseminate results through publications, online platforms, field days, and Extension events.
• Develop Extension materials and build relationships with producer groups and industry.
• Pursue extramural funding to support program activities.

Skills

Field Work

Supervising Staff

Outdoor Work

Travel Flexibility

Education

MS in Crop Science/Agronomy

PhD preferred

Job description

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: November 16, 2026 If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s): 180-NN_FACULTY - Extension Assistant Professor - Career, 180-YN_FACULTY - Extension Assistant Professor - Career

Business Title: Cereal Variety Assistant Professor

Employee Type: Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)

Position Term: 12 Month

Position Details:

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.

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

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

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.

Time Type: Full time 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 [e-mail].

Annual Salary

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

• 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.

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.

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.

WSU is Washington's land-grant university with campuses located in Everett, Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver. Additionally, research centers are located throughout the state, extension offices are located in every county in Washington, and online degree programs are offered worldwide.

WSU is Washington's land-grant university with campuses located in Everett, Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver. Additionally, research centers are located throughout the state, extension offices are located in every county in Washington, and online degree programs are offered worldwide.

WSU employees promote academic excellence and innovative research that serves the state, nation, and world. With a focus on innovation, excellence, and accountability, continual enhancement of research and educational endeavors are at the core of WSU's strategic priorities.

WSU employees promote academic excellence and innovative research that serves the state, nation, and world. With a focus on innovation, excellence, and accountability, continual enhancement of research and educational endeavors are at the core of WSU's strategic priorities.