Postdoctoral Research Associate

Washington State University; Washington; On-site; USD 62,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State University in Pullman, WA invites applications for a 12-month, full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Winter Wheat Breeding Program. The incumbent will help develop a research program focused on herbicide tolerance, screen large genetic populations with herbicides, and investigate genetic control and molecular markers.

This temporary appointment includes outreach to grower groups, proposal development, and scholarly outputs, with a competitive salary and comprehensive

Qualifications

• PhD in plant breeding, plant genetics, or related field.
• Demonstrated excellence in field, laboratory, and greenhouse skills.
• Demonstrated scholarly output.

Responsibilities

• Develop a research program on herbicide tolerance in winter wheat.
• Screen large genetic populations with herbicides to identify tolerant lines.
• Investigate genetic control and molecular markers associated with tolerance.

Skills

Field skills

Lab skills

Written & oral communication

Independent & collaborative work

Plant breeding theory

Education

PhD in plant breeding/plant genetics or related

Tools

Molecular markers

Field equipment

Job description

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

August 24, 2026

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

Available Title(s)

306-NY_FACULTY - Postdoctoral Research Associate

Business Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Employee Type

Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)

Position Term

12 Month

Position Details

The Opportunity: The Winter Wheat Breeding Program at Washington State University is seeking qualified applicant for a 12-month, full-time (1.0 FTE) post-doctoral researcher position based on the WSU campus in Pullman, WA. The incumbent will assist in developing a research program focused on developing novel sources of herbicide tolerance in winter wheat. The researcher will screen large genetic populations with different herbicides to identify tolerance. Upon identification of lines tolerant to herbicides, there will be opportunities to investigate the genetic control of the tolerance, identify molecular markers associated with the tolerance, develop screening protocols, and make crosses to develop improved cultivars for commercialization. The long-term goal is to develop novel sources of herbicide tolerance and release commercial cultivars for production in Washington. The incumbent will also participate in outreach to grower groups, development of research proposals, and scholarly outputs.

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.

Additional Information

Annual Salary: $62,232. - $120,000 | 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.

Appointment Duration: This is a temporary position expected to start on September 1, 2026 and end on August 31, 2027. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Required Qualifications

• A PhD in the area of plant breeding, plant genetics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated excellence in field, laboratory, and greenhouse skills
• Demonstrated ability of scholarly output
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaborate within a team structure
• Knowledge of plant breeding and selection theory

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with herbicide tolerance and selection in breeding programs
• Supervisory experience

Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

About Department/College/Area/ Campus - Crop And Soil Sciences

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

Department Name: Department of Crop and Soil Sciences

Location: Pullman, WA

Contact: For questions regarding this position or the application process, please contact Arron Carter at [e-mail] or 509-335-6198.

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.

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More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/