Postdoctoral Research Associate

Postdoctoral Research Associate

The position is on the team of WSU and ARS scientists at the Western Regional Plant Introduction Station led by Marilyn Warburton. The WRPIS, in addition to Plant Genetic Resource conservation as part of the USDA ARS National Plant Germplasm System, conducts research on plant domestication, genetics, and breeding in many crops including important cool season pulse crops. Major areas of research include determining the genetic basis of important agronomic and seed quality traits pre-breeding of pea, chickpea, and lentil;

and developing high throughput phenotyping methodologies for breeding and germplasm characterization, including calculation of sequence based genomic prediction and genomic selection values.

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: $62,232.00 - $ | 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. This position is temporary expected to start on October 1, 2026 and end on September 30, 2028. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

• Ph.D. in plant breeding, bioinformatics, quantitative/statistical/population genetics, or a related discipline
• Experience with project management and experimental design
• Demonstrated expertise analyzing highly-dimensional genomic and/or phenomic datasets

• Significant independent research experience
• Creativity, independence, and strong problem-solving skills
• Genetic, molecular, field, or greenhouse research experience
• Skills in bioinformatics or statistical genetics
• Excellent written and oral communication
• Strong organization, multitasking, and teamwork abilities
• Careful documentation and effective scientific writing
• Advanced knowledge of quantitative, population, and statistical genetics, including genomic prediction models
• Demonstrated ability in program management, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement

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
3) Brief description of past research accomplishments and future research goals 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 please contact Marilyn Warburton burton.