Postdoctoral Research Associate

Washington State University; Prosser (WA); Presencial; USD 62.000 - 66.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Paid sick leave

Paid vacation leave

Paid holidays

Medical insurance for employees and DE

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Retirement plan

Deferred compensation

Supplemental retirement accounts

Descripción de la vacante

Washington State University – Prosser, WA is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct independent research on pathogens of the Ascochyta blight complex affecting winter pea. The role involves field and greenhouse screening of pea lines for genetic resistance and genome-wide association studies to identify candidate genes tied to tolerance or resistance.

The candidate should have a PhD in Plant Pathology, Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, or a related field, with strong

Formación

• PhD in Plant Pathology, Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, or a related field.
• 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.
• Proven record of expertise in molecular characterization of pathogens, screening plant germplasm for resistance to plant pathogens, and experience conducting genome-wide association studies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and communicate respectfully in a multicultural team setting

Responsabilidades

• Identify pathogens associated with the Ascochyta blight complex on winter pea and manage these pathogens through genetic resistance.
• Conduct field and greenhouse studies screening genotyped pea lines for genetic resistance to the pathogens.
• Utilize genome-wide association mapping to determine candidate genes for tolerance or resistance.
• Travel to research sites as needed; collaborate with USDA-ARS scientists.

Educación

PhD in Plant Pathology, Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, or related field

Descripción del empleo

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:

November 11, 2026

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s):

306-YY_FACULTY - Postdoctoral Research Associate

Business Title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Employee Type:

Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)

Position Term:

12 Month

Position Details:

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 identifying pathogens associated with the Ascochyta blight complex on winter pea and management of these pathogens through genetic resistance. The successful candidate will conduct field and greenhouse studies screening genotyped pea lines for genetic resistance to the different pathogens of this complex and utilize genome-wide association mapping to determine potential candidate genes associated with the tolerance or resistance. This position requires demonstrated expertise in molecular genetics, experience isolating and identifying fungi from plant tissues, and scoring plants for disease resistance. It also requires experience in conducting genome-wide association studies and analyzing mapping results. 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 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.

Additional Information:

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.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven record of expertise in any of the following areas is desired: molecular characterization of pathogens, screening plant germplasm for resistance to plant pathogens, and experience conducting genome-wide association studies.
• 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

Contact: For questions regarding this position or the application process, please contact [e-mail]

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 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 [e-mail].

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