Postdoctoral Research Associate

Washington State University; Prosser (WA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Paid holidays

Medical, dental, life and disability保险

Retirement

Deferred compensation

Job summary

Washington State University in Prosser seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Plant Pathology to study bacterial diseases of tree fruits, including fire blight. Research will cover genome sequencing, comparative genomics, and functional genomics to understand virulence and host responses, aiming to develop biopesticides and management strategies.

The position involves collaboration with growers and industry partners, training students, data synthesis, conference presentations, and manuscript

Qualifications

• PhD in Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline.
• Strong background in bacteriology.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on bacterial diseases of tree fruits, including fire blight.
• Utilize genome sequencing, comparative genomics, and functional genomics tools.
• Characterize pathogen and plant responses and develop biopesticides.
• Collaborate with growers and industry partners; train students; publish results.

Skills

Bacteriology

Microbiology

Plant Pathology

Molecular Biology

Bioinformatics

Next Generation Sequencing

Data Analysis

Education

PhD in Microbiology

PhD in Plant Pathology

PhD in Molecular Biology

Job description

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: September 27, 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 Opportunity:

The Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Plant Pathology at the Washington State University-Irrigated Agriculture Research and Education Center in Prosser will conduct research on bacterial diseases of tree fruits, including fire blight disease of apple. The research areas include exploring novel technologies for control of bacterial diseases of tree fruits and understanding molecular mechanisms of pathogen virulence and pathogen-plant interactions. The candidate will utilize conventional microbiology methods, genome sequencing, comparative genomics, and bacterial genetics and functional genomics tools to characterize pathogen and plant responses and develop biopesticides and best management practices for bacterial diseases of tree fruits. In addition, the candidate is expected to work closely with growers, key industry stakeholders, and be involved in training students, keeping records, synthesizing data, presenting results at conferences and preparing manuscripts for publications. Furthermore, in-state and regional travel will be expected. The position is initially for one year and can be renewed for up to three years.

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

Annual Salary:

$62,232.00

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 November 01, 2026 and end on October 31, 2027. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline
• Strong background in Bacteriology

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated expertise or prior experience with bioinformatics, next generation sequencing, and data analysis
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to complete research projects and write peer-reviewed manuscripts
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a research team

Position Sponsorship Eligibility:

May be eligible for work visa sponsorship

About Department:

• -https://iarec.wsu.edu/

Area/College: College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)

Department Name: Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center (IAREC)

Location: Prosser, WA 99350

Contact:

For questions regarding this position or the application process, please contact Christine Cromar, [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 the WSU Labor Relations website.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity Statement:

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].

Non-Discrimination Notice:

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/

About WSU:

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.

See here for additional information about WSU's statewide locations.

View the HRS Benefits website for details on competitive benefits available.

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/