Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Opportunity

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.

Required Qualifications

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Pay

Annual Salary: $62,232.00 - $120,000.00 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications. This is a full-time (100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime eligible.

Schedule

This is a temporary position 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. Position Term: 12 Month.

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.