Postdoctoral Research Associate

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

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

Available Title(s):

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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.

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
Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.
1) Curriculum Vitae
2) Cover Letter

3) List of three references including names, email addresses, and phone numbers
External candidates, upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.

Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.
All candidates, documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.
Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.

Contact: For questions regarding this position or the application process, please contact Arron Carter at [email protected] 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 [email protected].

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