Cereal Variety Assistant Professor

Washington State University•Pullman, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Washington State University’s Department of Crop and Soil Sciences in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences seeks an Assistant Professor to lead the Cereal Variety Testing Program. This is a full-time, 12-month, career-track faculty position. The program evaluates commercially relevant small-grain varieties, including winter and spring wheat and barley, across central and eastern Washington. The position manages the field, laboratory, and data operations for multi-location variety trials and supports growers, industry partners, seed stakeholders, and breeding programs with reliable performance data and Extension outreach. It includes 25% research and scholarship, with applied research projects that complement and enhance the variety testing program. There is no formal teaching requirement, though guest lectures and student or intern mentorship may be possible. The faculty member is expected to pursue and maintain extramural funding, including funding from the Washington Grain Commission and other sources. The role is based in Pullman, Washington, and involves frequent travel to research sites throughout central and eastern Washington, including overnight travel as needed during the field season. Field and laboratory work includes outdoor work in variable weather and on uneven terrain, and operation of vehicles and agricultural equipment. Flexible hours may be needed to meet field research and production schedules.

Requirements

Earned M.S. in Crop Science, Agronomy, or a closely related field at the time of application.
Ability to perform field and laboratory work for production agriculture research, including repeatedly lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds; frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and standing; and sitting or operating vehicles and agricultural equipment for extended periods.
Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in variable weather and field conditions and on uneven terrain.
Ability to travel frequently to research sites throughout central and eastern Washington, including overnight travel as needed during the field season.
Ability to work flexible hours throughout the year as needed to meet field research and production schedules.
Must have, or be able to obtain by the time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet applicable WSU and departmental driving standards.
Ability to obtain a Washington State pesticide applicator license within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. by the time of hire in Crop Science, Agronomy, or a related discipline.
Experience working within annual dryland cropping systems, particularly cereals.
Demonstrated experience planning and coordinating complex, multi-location field research or variety testing programs.
Experience training, supervising, and managing permanent and temporary employees.
Experience operating and maintaining plot-scale and field-scale agricultural research equipment, including seeders, sprayers, threshers, tractors, and related equipment.
Knowledge and experience with experimental design, statistical analysis, data management, and presentation of field research results.
Demonstrated ability to manage a successful and collaborative program.
Track record of collaboration with industry, growers, or other stakeholders to address practical challenges and knowledge gaps.
Strong oral, written, and electronic communication skills for technical and nontechnical audiences.
Demonstrated record of acquiring extramural competitive funding.
Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups of varied cultures and backgrounds.
Knowledge of the Extension model and ability to document Extension outcomes and impacts.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the Cereal Variety Testing Program.
Plan, plant, manage, and harvest multi-location field variety trials for small-grain varieties.
Supervise technical staff and seasonal field crews.
Ensure accurate and timely collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of agronomic and quality performance data.
Coordinate equipment, facilities, and logistical operations for field research.
Collaborate with WSU breeding programs, USDA-ARS colleagues, public- and private-sector partners, experiment stations, growers, and commodity organizations.
Maintain program budgets and complete grant and contract reporting.
Ensure compliance with applicable safety and research standards.
Disseminate research results through publications, online platforms, field days, grower meetings, Extension events, and stakeholder consultations.
Build and maintain relationships with producer groups and agricultural industry organizations.
Participate in advisory committees and contribute to Extension and outreach materials for Washington grain production systems.
Develop and participate in applied research projects that complement the variety testing program.
Pursue and maintain extramural funding from the Washington Grain Commission and other sources.
Potentially contribute guest lectures and mentor graduate and undergraduate students and interns.