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: This position will be working on research to identify the physiological mechanisms affecting carbon movement within sweet cherry trees that are infected by x-disease phytoplasma. This research is critical for the x-disease task force and for an industry that has faced millions of dollars in losses from this pathogen.

This position will support the research activities in physiology in tree crops in Washington and to conduct research on plant physiology-pathogen interactions for sweet cherry. The person will conduct research, prepare project reports and presentations for conferences, and write manuscripts for journals. Furthermore, the person will perform professional-level work in scientific research, utilizing advanced skills and knowledge to execute the following tasks: plan field and laboratory experiments based on the season and phenology, run established research protocols, and modify and develop new procedures to achieve research goals. Moreover, the incumbent will collect, process, and analyze field and laboratory data and help coordinate data collection and logistics. The incumbent will be responsible for supervising graduate/undergraduate students, research assistants and hourly employees as needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 60% Research and Informal instruction

• 20% Writing and Presenting

• 10% Supervising

• 5% Service

• 5% 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. 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 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:

• Ph.D. in Horticulture, Plant Science, or related field within 5 years of hire and 3 years of experience in horticulture.

• Demonstrate capacity to write papers independently.

• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of computers and software applications.

• Demonstrated effective interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

• Technical skills in the laboratory, including microscopy and spectrophotometry.

• Demonstrated ability to interact with large groups and individuals at all work levels.

• Record showing commitment to the previous research groups.

• Flexibility in response to issues and opposing points of view is required.

• Demonstrated record of, or potential for, ensuring access and opportunity in all aspects of the educational experience in alignment with WSU's land-grant mission

• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with writing papers, laboratory instruments, and field equipment

• Experience working with perennial fruit crops

• Experience with whole tree physiology research methods

Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorship
About Department/College/Area/ Campus -Department website:

https://tfrec.cahnrs.wsu.edu/; Project website: https://treefruit.wsu.edu/lcd-taskforce/

Area/College: College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Department Name: Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center
Location: Wenatchee, 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) 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 Darla Ewald, [email protected]/509-293-8802.

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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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/