Postdoctoral Research Associate

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: September 27, 2026 If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details. Available Title(s): 306-YY_FACULTY - Postdoctoral Research Associate Business Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate Employee Type: Faculty (+) (Fixed Term) Position Term: 12 Month Position Details The Opportunity: 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. The candidate will utilize conventional microbiology methods, genome sequencing, comparative genomics, and bacterial genetics and functional genomics tools to characterize pathogen and plant responses and develop biopesticides and best management practices for bacterial diseases of tree fruits. In addition, the candidate is expected to work closely with growers, key industry stakeholders, and be involved in training students, keeping records, synthesizing data, presenting results at conferences and preparing manuscripts for publications. Furthermore, in-state and regional travel will be expected. The position is initially for one year and can be renewed for up to three years. 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. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Faculty and Total Compensation . For information or questions about Benefits, please contact HRS Benefits at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Annual Salary $62,232.00 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 . Appointment Duration 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. 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 Position Sponsorship Eligibility May be eligible for work visa sponsorship About Department - Area/College: College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) Department Name Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center (IAREC) Location Prosser, WA 99350 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 buildi #J-18808-Ljbffr wsu