Postdoctoral Research Associate Washington State University

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:
September 14, 2025
If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s):
306-NN_FACULTY - Postdoctoral Research Associate, 306-YN_FACULTY - Postdoctoral Research Associate

Business Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate

Employee Type:
Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)

Position Term:
12 Month

Position Details:

Summary of Duties:

This position will support the research activities in physiology and pomology (apple and pear) in tree crops in Washington. 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.

60% (E) Research and Informal instruction

• Perform experiments planned in the different grants directed toward ultimate publication
  
• Assist Principal Investigator (PI) in conducting research projects
  
• Collect data
  
• Run statistical analyses for the research project, write results, and present in a suitable format
  
• Communicate daily to the supervisors in writing and/or verbally.
  

20% (E) Writing and Presenting

• Prepare reports, presentations, and articles for publication.
  

10% (E) Supervising

• Supervise graduate and /or undergraduate research, research assistants, temporary hourly employees.
  

5% (E) Service

• Participate in university committees; evaluate research proposals and grants upon request.
  

5% other duties as assigned

• Miscellaneous duties related to administrative paperwork and participation in faculty meetings.
  
• Purchasing material necessary for running trials and foresee research group needs beforehand.
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to write papers independently, including statistical analysis. This includes the use of statistical software.
  
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal skills.
  
• Ability to assist with research with a high degree complexity
  
• Ability to effectively handle multiple, complex issues effectively and in a timely manner.
  
• Demonstrated experience analyzing complex issues, conducting thorough and appropriate fact-finding, reasoning logically and articulating sound solutions.
  
• Demonstrated collaborative work style.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, co-workers, students, supervisors, and department heads.
  
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without
  
• Commitment to Diversity - an understanding and appreciation of the benefits of a diverse workplace and the knowledge of how to shape processes and procedures that reflect and enhance the diversity of the WSU communities.
  

Mental Requirements:

• Ability to reason logically and make sound decisions, to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, to remain poised under all circumstances, and to interact effectively with people in a positive manner that engenders confidence and trust.
  
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in high-stress and conflict situations.
  
• Ability to deal simultaneously with multiple complex problems.
  

Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed in lab, field, greenhouse, storage cold room, and office setting.
  
• The incumbent must feel comfortable working on top of ladders and lift/carry above 55 pounds (25kg).
  
• Off-site travel may be required to access orchards or to attend meetings and conferences. This activity requires being able to drive for long distances using WSU cars (i.e., pick-up trucks or sedan cars).
  
• Endurance to work in hot and cold environments, and long days in the field.
  
• Ability to navigate uneven surfaces (i.e., yards, unpaved walkways, or driveways) and access various types of buildings (i.e., stairs or narrow corridors).
  
• Speech, visual, color discrimination, and hearing abilities that are sufficient to read and view written materials and effectively communicate and interact with WSU staff and the public-both in person and over the telephone.
  

Working Conditions:

• Applicant should feel comfortable working in adverse outdoor conditions including rain, snow, and extreme heat or cold independently or as part of a team.
  
• Most of the work is split between office, field, lab, and office environment but interactions in employee workplaces are periodically necessary. This may be indoors or outside in any weather condition.
  
• Willingness to work in cold storage rooms organizing fruit boxes or other plant material.
  
• Ability to work alone and with others in loud or distracting environments.
  
• Intense emotional situations may exist which necessitate the incumbent's ability to lend calming influence and control.
  
• Capacity to handle the administrative need of the projects such as purchasing and reconciliation of the invoices and administrative deadlines.
  

Additional Information:

Annual Salary: $60,000 - $75,000 | 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 and optional supplemental retirement accounts. For a more detailed summary of benefits offered by WSU for Faculty please review the summary of benefits for WSU Faculty and Total Compensation

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 sensitivity to and desire to promote diversity
  
• 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 field and laboratory instruments and equipment
  

About Department/College/Area/ Campus -

Area/College: College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)
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.

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: ... (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: ...; TDD Callers: ..., ...(f), or ... .

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:

To apply, visit

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

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