Postdoctoral Research AssociateWSU Department of Crop and Soil Sciences is looking for Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct genome assembly and bioinformatics research in Pullman, WA. Position duties include conceiving and executing greenhouse and laboratory studies, regarding, but not limited to, reference genome assembly for weed species, bioinformatic data analysis, weed biology, and phenotyping of relevant traits. Candidates should possess the skills to identify and define research problems, design approaches or hypotheses and methodology to be used, write and review protocols, design specific phases of research projects, study installation, collect and process data, plan and manage long-term studies, analyze results, develop conclusions and hypotheses, and publish research results. Research often involves the use of herbicides, but it is multidisciplinary and often applies principles of plant breeding, genetics, genomics, plant physiology, and plant ecology. The incumbent is expected to supervise undergraduate and graduate students in sample preparation and analysis, present research at conferences, grower and industry meetings, field tours, and Washington State University events.
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.
Annual Salary:
$62,232 to $66,500 | 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. This position is overtime eligible. Appointment Duration: This is a temporary position with an anticipated start date of November 1, 2026, and an end date of October 31, 2027. This is a 12-month appointment with a flexible start date based on departmental and finalist needs. Renewal is dependent upon the need for an extension and/or the availability of additional funding to support continued employment.
Required Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Weed Science, bioinformatics, plant biotechnology, plant biology or related field of study.
Hands-on experience extracting nuclear DNA, genomic DNA, and high molecular weight DNA in plant species.
Hands-on experience with gene expression analysis, co-expression analysis, de-novo assembly, read alignments, whole genome polymorphism calling, and population genomics.
Must be proficient in R, BASH, Python, Java, and/or Perl programming languages.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals commensurate with career level. Knowledge of pangenome development.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Experience with diversity and ability to work well in a multi-cultural team setting.
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, prosser.personnel@wsu.edu /509-786-9224.
