Cereal Variety Assistant Professor

Washington State University•Pullman, WA

7d•$75,000 - $90,000•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 a career-track Assistant Professor to lead the Cereal Variety Testing Program. This is a full-time, 12-month faculty position based in Pullman, Washington. The program evaluates commercially relevant winter and spring wheat and barley varieties across central and eastern Washington and provides growers, industry partners, seed stakeholders, and breeding programs with research-based variety performance information and Extension outreach. The position includes 25% research and scholarship, with an expectation to develop and participate in applied research projects that complement and enhance the program. There is no formal teaching requirement, although guest lectures and mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students and interns may be possible. The successful candidate is expected to pursue and maintain extramural funding from the Washington Grain Commission and other sources. Annual salary is $75,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The role requires field and laboratory work, frequent travel to research sites throughout central and eastern Washington, and flexible hours to meet field research and production schedules. A valid driver’s license is required by the time of hire, and the employee must obtain a Washington State pesticide applicator license within six months of hire. The position is not eligible for work visa sponsorship.

Requirements

Earned M.S. in Crop Science, Agronomy, or a closely related field by the time of application.
Ability to perform field and laboratory work, 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 requirements under SPPM 7.10 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 develop solutions to practical challenges and knowledge gaps.
Strong communication skills and experience engaging technical and nontechnical audiences through oral, written, and electronic formats.
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, evaluating small-grain varieties including winter and spring wheat and barley across diverse agroecological conditions in central and eastern Washington.
Plan, plant, manage, and harvest multi-location field variety trials.
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 logistics for field research activities.
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 written publications, online platforms, field days, grower meetings, Extension events, and stakeholder consultations.
Develop and maintain relationships with producer groups and agricultural industry organizations, participate in advisory committees, and contribute to Extension and outreach materials.
Develop and participate in applied research projects that complement and enhance the Variety Testing Program.
Pursue and maintain extramural funding from the Washington Grain Commission and other sources to support program activities.