Postdoctoral Research Associate
About the Role
The Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Plant Pathology at the Washington State University-Irrigated Agriculture Research and Education Center in Prosser will conduct research on bacterial diseases of tree fruits, including fire blight disease of apple. The research areas include exploring novel technologies for control of bacterial diseases of tree fruits and understanding molecular mechanisms of pathogen virulence and pathogen-plant interactions.
Responsibilities
- Utilize conventional microbiology methods, genome sequencing, comparative genomics, and bacterial genetics and functional genomics tools to characterize pathogen and plant responses
- Develop biopesticides and best management practices for bacterial diseases of tree fruits
- Work closely with growers and key industry stakeholders
- Train students
- Keep records, synthesize data, and present results at conferences
- Prepare manuscripts for publications
- In-state and regional travel will be expected
Required Qualifications
- PhD in Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline
- Strong background in Bacteriology
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated expertise or prior experience with bioinformatics, next generation sequencing, and data analysis
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to complete research projects and write peer-reviewed manuscripts
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a research team
Benefits
- 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
Pay
Annual Salary: $62,232.00. This is a full time (100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime eligible.
Schedule
12-month position term. This is a temporary position expected to start November 01, 2026 and end on October 31, 2027. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.