Postdoctoral Research Associate

Washington State University • Pullman, WA

1d • $62,232 - $66,500 • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at Washington State University (WSU) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct genome assembly and bioinformatics research. The position involves designing and executing greenhouse and laboratory studies focused on reference genome assembly for weed species, bioinformatic data analysis, weed biology, and phenotyping of relevant traits. The role requires the ability to identify research problems, design methodologies, write protocols, manage long-term studies, analyze results, draw conclusions, and publish findings. While research may involve herbicides, it is multidisciplinary, applying principles from plant breeding, genetics, genomics, plant physiology, and plant ecology. The incumbent will supervise students in sample preparation and analysis and present research at various conferences, meetings, and WSU events.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Weed Science, bioinformatics, plant biotechnology, plant biology or related field of study.
• Hands-on experience extracting nuclear DNA, genomic DNA, and high molecular weight DNA in plant species.
• Hands-on experience with gene expression analysis, co-expression analysis, de-novo assembly, read alignments, whole genome polymorphism calling, and population genomics.
• Proficiency in R, BASH, Python, Java, and/or Perl programming languages.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals commensurate with career level.
• Knowledge of pangenome development.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Experience with diversity and ability to work well in a multi-cultural team setting.

Responsibilities

• Conduct genome assembly and bioinformatics research.
• Conceive and execute greenhouse and laboratory studies.
• Perform reference genome assembly for weed species.
• Conduct bioinformatic data analysis.
• Study weed biology and phenotyping of relevant traits.
• Identify and define research problems.
• Design approaches, hypotheses, and methodologies for research.
• Write and review protocols.
• Design specific phases of research projects.
• Install studies.
• Collect and process data.
• Plan and manage long-term studies.
• Analyze results.
• Develop conclusions and hypotheses.
• Publish research results.
• Supervise undergraduate and graduate students in sample preparation and analysis.
• Present research at conferences, grower and industry meetings, field tours, and Washington State University events.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree