Project Manager, Research Scientist

Project Manager

Employee Type:
Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)

Position Term: 12 Month

Washington State University (WSU) invites applications for a Project Manager to lead innovative research on X-disease and its vectors in stone fruit systems. This role will design and execute laboratory and field experiments to advance understanding of X-disease biology, ecology, and management strategies. Primary research efforts will include evaluating symbiont-based technologies for potential X-disease treatments, conducting greenhouse trials to assess vector transmission efficiency, and investigating the fundamental interactions between X-disease and its vectors.

The outcomes of this work will directly inform disease management practices for the tree fruit industry.

This position requires strong organizational and time management skills to successfully coordinate multiple concurrent projects. The Project Manager will collaborate closely with partners at WSU, the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), and other stakeholders, while supervising project staff and ensuring high-quality research execution.

The position is based within the Northfield Lab at WSU and involves collaboration with the USDA ARS Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research Laboratory in Wapato, WA.

• Design and implement laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments focused on X-disease and its vectors
• Evaluate novel treatment approaches, including symbiont-based technologies
• Investigate vector biology, ecology, and transmission dynamics
• Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret complex datasets
• Communicate findings through reports, peer-reviewed publications, and stakeholder outreach
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external partners
• Present research findings to industry groups, scientific audiences, and collaborators
• Develop content for web-based extension platforms, including: WSU Tree Fruit ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).), Orchard Pest Management (), Washington Tree Fruit Crop Protection Guide ()

80% - Research

• Plan, design, and conduct experiments leading to publication
• Evaluate emerging treatment technologies and vector transmission dynamics
• Perform greenhouse and field trials
• Analyze and interpret data using sound scientific principles
• Collaborate with researchers, lab members, and stakeholders
• Translate findings into actionable insights for diverse audiences

10% - Supervision

• Supervise and mentor project staff and support personnel
• Coordinate project activities and ensure timely completion of research objectives

5% - Outreach and Extension

• Deliver presentations to the tree fruit industry and scientific community
• Develop educational and extension materials for broader audiences

5% - Other Duties

• Support departmental, college, and university initiatives as needed

$50,000 - $55,200, commensurate with experience and qualifications

WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid sick and vacation leave, paid holidays, medical, dental, life and disability insurance for employees and dependents, retirement, deferred compensation, and optional supplemental retirement accounts.

• Earned M.S. in Entomology or related field.
• Experience conducting research in tree fruit integrated pest management.
• Demonstrated ability to design experiments and collect and analyze data.
• Complete understanding of entomology and entomological procedures.
• Knowledge of commercial agriculture and commercial pest management.
• Have or be able to obtain at the time of hire a pesticide applicator's license.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with large groups and individuals at all work levels.
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive educational and working environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of computers and software applications.

• Experience working on X-disease vectors and/or codling moth.
• Experience working directly with tree fruit industry stakeholders.
• Experience…