Associate In Research

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:
August 17, 2025
If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s):
321-NN_FACULTY - Associate in, 321-YN_FACULTY - Associate in

Business Title:
Associate In Research

Employee Type:
Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)

Position Term:
12 Month

Position Details:

The Opportunity:

The Associate In Research will play a critical role in supporting and advancing the objectives of the Winter Wheat Breeding Program at Washington State University. This position is designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of cultivar selection and development through the application of cutting-edge genomic tools, predictive modeling, field support, and scholarly engagement. The ideal candidate will possess strong quantitative genetics and data analysis skills, have a collaborative spirit, and be motivated to contribute to an applied research environment.

Primary Responsibilities:

30%| Genomic Selection Modeling and Data Integration

The employee will annually update and execute genomic selection models across all breeding lines within the program. They will also maintain, and curate large-scale genotypic and phenotypic databases used in model development., integrate environmental data into genomic selection pipelines to enhance prediction accuracy across multi-environment trials, and present modeling outcomes to the breeding team to inform selection decisions and advancement of lines.

20%| Cross Prediction and Trait Introgression

The employee will design and implement cross-prediction models to guide the development of new crosses with high predicted breeding values and complementary diversity, analyze historical pedigree and marker data to optimize parental selection and manage inbreeding and population structure, and support the incorporation of novel traits into the breeding pipeline (e.g., herbicide tolerance, disease resistance) through strategic introgression and crossing schemes. Employee will also contribute to decision-making regarding pre-breeding efforts and long-term genetic improvement strategies.

15%| Grant Writing and Independent Research Development

Employee will assist in the development and writing of grant proposals to federal, state, and industry funding sources to secure financial support for ongoing and new research activities, contribute to progress reporting and data summaries for funded projects, develop a complementary, independently driven research focus that aligns with and enhances the goals of the winter wheat breeding program and build collaborations across departments and institutions to expand the research portfolio and funding base.

20%| Field, Greenhouse, and Breeding Operations Support

Employee will provide hands-on support for seasonal breeding activities, including collection of phenotypic data (e.g., yield, disease resistance, quality traits), selection and advancement of segregating populations, trial planting and harvest coordination, and post-harvest data management and sample processing, oversee day-to-day organization of breeding lines and inventory tracking, and train and supervise undergraduate research assistants in field and lab activities. Employee will support greenhouse operations, including seed increases and crossing blocks, as needed.

15%| Scholarly Communication and Intellectual Property Support

Employee will lead or co-author peer-reviewed journal articles and technical reports derived from breeding program research and genomic prediction efforts, prepare and submit plant variety registration articles to USDA and other entities, assist in drafting and filing Plant Variety Protection (PVP) applications to secure intellectual property rights on new wheat cultivars and present research findings at professional conferences and stakeholder meetings.

Additional Information:

This is a full time (100% FTE) temporary position. This position is overtime exempt.

Annual Salary: $80.000 - $95,000 | 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.

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 AP staff and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications:

• An Masters in the area of plant breeding, plant genetics, or a related field.
  
• Experience in the implementation of genomic selection and cross prediction models
  
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
  
• Ability to work independently on plant breeding related projects
  
• Knowledge of plant breeding and selection theory
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• A PhD in the area of plant breeding, plant genetics, or a related field
  
• Demonstrated ability of scholarly output
  
• Experience developing research proposals for granting agencies
  

About Department/College/Area/ Campus - Department of Crop and Soil Sciences | Washington State University

Area/College: College of Agricultural Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)
Department Name: Crop and Soil Science
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) 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.

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.

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.

Time Type:
Full time

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 hrs@wsu.edu.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

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/

To apply, visit https://wsu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WSU_Jobs/job/Pullman-WA/Associate-In-Research_R-13728

Washington State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Educator and Employer.







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