Postdoctoral Research Associate

Washington State University; Prosser (WA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick and vacation leave

Paid holidays

Medical, dental, life and disability保险

Retirement

Deferred compensation

Job summary

Washington State University in Prosser, WA, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Plant Pathology. The role focuses on independent research of root microbiomes in dry peas and lentils, identifying pathogens and beneficial organisms to improve crop health and disease management.

Collaboration with Dr. Lyndon Porter and other researchers is expected, with opportunities for publication and travel.

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Pathology, Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Genetics or related field.
• Must possess or obtain a valid driver’s license by date of hire.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research on root microbiomes in peas and lentils.
• Characterize pathogens and beneficial organisms for disease management.
• Collaborate with USDA-ARS and other researchers in Prosser, WA.
• Publish findings and communicate results effectively.

Skills

Molecular genetics

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Travel willingness

Education

PhD in Plant Pathology or related field

Tools

Laboratory techniques

Job description

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 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

• 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.

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.
• 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

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 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 [e-mail].

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/