Project Manager

Washington State University • Wenatchee, WA

11h • Onsite

About The Position

Washington State University (WSU) invites applications for a Project Manager to lead innovative research on X-disease and its vectors in stone fruit systems. This role will design and execute laboratory and field experiments to advance understanding of X-disease biology, ecology, and management strategies. Primary research efforts will include evaluating symbiont-based technologies for potential X-disease treatments, conducting greenhouse trials to assess vector transmission efficiency, and investigating the fundamental interactions between X-disease and its vectors. The outcomes of this work will directly inform disease management practices for the tree fruit industry. This position requires strong organizational and time management skills to successfully coordinate multiple concurrent projects. The Project Manager will collaborate closely with partners at WSU, the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), and other stakeholders, while supervising project staff and ensuring high-quality research execution. The position is based within the Northfield Lab at WSU and involves collaboration with the USDA ARS Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research Laboratory in Wapato, WA.

Requirements

• Earned M.S. in Entomology or related field.
• Experience conducting research in tree fruit integrated pest management.
• Demonstrated ability to design experiments and collect and analyze data.
• Complete understanding of entomology and entomological procedures.
• Knowledge of commercial agriculture and commercial pest management.
• Have or be able to obtain at the time of hire a pesticide applicator’s license.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with large groups and individuals at all work levels.
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive educational and working environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of computers and software applications.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working on X-disease vectors and/or codling moth.
• Experience working directly with tree fruit industry stakeholders.
• Experience giving extension presentations to the tree fruit industry.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments focused on X-disease and its vectors
• Evaluate novel treatment approaches, including symbiont-based technologies
• Investigate vector biology, ecology, and transmission dynamics
• Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret complex datasets
• Communicate findings through reports, peer-reviewed publications, and stakeholder outreach
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external partners
• Present research findings to industry groups, scientific audiences, and collaborators
• Develop content for web-based extension platforms
• Supervise and mentor project staff and support personnel
• Coordinate project activities and ensure timely completion of research objectives
• Deliver presentations to the tree fruit industry and scientific community
• Develop educational and extension materials for broader audiences
• Support departmental, college, and university initiatives as needed

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: Mid Level