Postdoctoral Research Associate | College of Medicine

Washington State University; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Retirement plan

Paid sick leave

Job summary

Washington State University’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine in Spokane invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology.

The role focuses on planning and conducting experiments, producing publishable results, and contributing to grant writing and mentoring graduate researchers. The appointment is 12 months, full-time, with eligible renewal based on performance and funding.

Qualifications

• Earned PhD in a relevant discipline.
• Experience with molecular biology and microbiology.
• Ability to analyze data and disseminate findings.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct experiments aimed at publication.
• Assist in grant writing and seek self-funding.
• Supervise graduate/undergraduate researchers and assist with coursework.

Skills

Molecular biology

Microbiology

Metagenomics

Grant writing

Education

PhD in Nutrition, Food Science, Microbiology

Job description

Position Details

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: October 4, 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, 306-YY_FACULTY - Postdoctoral Research Associate

Business Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate | College of Medicine

Employee Type: Faculty (+) (Fixed Term) Position Term: 12 Month

Position Details: The Opportunity:

The Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine at Washington State University (WSU) invites you to apply for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to serve in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology. As the incumbent, you will hold a 12-month annual, full-time, fixed-term appointment as a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The position is located at the WSU Health Sciences campus in Spokane, WA. You will have an initial one (1) year contract, subject to annual extension. Renewal is subject to satisfactory performance, mutual consent and available funding. The Postdoctoral Research Associate position is within the College of Medicine in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology and reports to Franck Carbonero, Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology. For questions or inquiries please contact Kaytlin Streufert at [e-mail]. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will plan and conduct experiments, perform related research leading to publication, and prepare research articles for publication. You will participate in grant writing efforts, including seeking self-funding. Additionally, you will supervise graduate and/or undergraduate research assistants in conducting research projects and academic development. You will provide some guest lectures in supervisor’s courses as relevant and help with proctoring and grading tests, exams, and assignments. Research projects are supported by three different USDA grants: In vitro fermentation and gut microbiome analyses of different varieties and food preparation of quinoa breeding lines and varieties. In vitro fermentation and gut microbiome/metabolomics/cell assays of different varieties of quinoa, pulses, buckwheat and non-traditional wheat and barley varieties. Human intervention trial with cranberry juice and gut microbiome/metabolome and vaginal tract microbiome analyses.

Duties and Responsibilities

• 90% Research Plan and conduct experiments and related research directed toward ultimate publication, prepare articles for publication. Participate in grant writing efforts, including seeking self-funding. Supervise graduate and/or undergraduate research assistants in conducting research projects and academic development.
• 7% Teaching Provide some guest lectures in supervisor’s (maybe other faculty members) courses as relevant. Help with proctoring and grading tests, exams, and assignments.
• 3% Service-Other Participate in college and university committees; evaluate research proposals and grants. Other duties as assigned.

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.
• 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.

Additional Information

This is a full-time (100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime eligible.

Temporary End Date: This is a temporary position expected to end after a 1-year contract. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Annual Salary: $62,232 - $71,748 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications. This salary scale is in alignment with the Postdoctoral Research Associate NIH salary scale: https://www.niaid.nih.gov/grants-contracts/salary-cap-stipends 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.

Required Qualifications

• An earned PhD in Nutrition, Food Science, Microbiology, or other relevant discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Skills in molecular biology and microbiology, especially in microbiome and/or metagenomics techniques and statistical analyses.
• Experience conducting anaerobic microbiology and/or in vitro microbial fermentation studies.
• Experience with research projects evaluating the impact of food commodities on human nutrition and health through in vitro, animal models or in vivo approaches.
• Evidence of ability to analyze, interpret and disseminate findings through peer-reviewed scientific publications (first or corresponding author) and conference oral and/or poster communications.

Position Sponsorship

May be eligible for visa sponsorship.

Area/College

Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine Office/Department Name: Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology Location: Spokane, WA

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 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].

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/

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/