Postdoctoral Research Associate

Washington State University • Claremont, CA

1d • $62,232 - $120,000 • Onsite

About The Position

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. To learn more about the USDA ARS NPGS and Plant Genetic Resources, visit our webpages at https://www.ars-grin.gov and https://grin-u.org/.

Requirements

• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• Determining the genetic basis of important agronomic and seed quality traits
• Pre-breeding of pea, chickpea, and lentil
• Developing high throughput phenotyping methodologies for breeding and germplasm characterization
• Calculation of sequence based genomic prediction and genomic selection values

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