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):

Business Title:

Employee Type:

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
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) Resume
2) Cover Letter
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 Christine Cromar, [email protected].

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/