Postdoctoral Research Associate

wsu; Prosser (WA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State University’s Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Prosser seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct research on bacterial diseases of tree fruits, including fire blight in apples. The project uses genomics, genome sequencing, and functional genomics to study pathogen virulence and plant responses.

Responsibilities include collaborating with growers and industry stakeholders, training students, recording data, presenting results, and preparing

Qualifications

• PhD in Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline.
• Strong background in Bacteriology.
• Experience with bioinformatics, sequencing and data analysis is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on bacterial diseases of tree fruits, including fire blight in apples.
• Collaborate with growers and industry stakeholders; train students.
• Synthesize data, present results at conferences and prepare manuscripts.

Skills

Bacteriology

Research collaboration

Education

PhD in Microbiology or Plant Pathology

Tools

Bioinformatics

Next generation sequencing

Data analysis

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

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

$62,232.00

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

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 buildi