Research Intern - Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center

Washington State University • Wenatchee, WA

4d • $3,514 - $5,057

About The Position

The Opportunity: As the Research Intern for the Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee, WA, you will perform work that supports scientific research in a tree fruit Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. You will carry out complex research protocols in field, laboratory, and greenhouse settings, and you will adjust these protocols as needed to achieve project goals. You will be responsible for collecting data, entering it into computer systems, and conducting basic processing and analysis. You will help prepare research results for reports, refereed journal articles, and PowerPoint presentations. You will also operate and maintain field and laboratory equipment. In this role, you will work closely with the principal investigator (PI), and tree fruit industry and ag chem representative where applicable. Additional Information: This is a full-time (100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime eligible. Temporary End Date: This is a temporary position expected to end on March 31, 2027. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment. Monthly Salary: $3,514.31 - $5,057.18 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes 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; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation. About Department: The Beers Laboratory is located at the Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee, WA, but we work on tree fruits statewide. Our goal is to help Washington’s tree fruit growers solve insect and mite pest problems, and share our science at the regional, state, and national level. Our motto is ‘no bug left behind’, with research projects covering all of the state’s major tree fruit crops (apple, pear, cherry, stone fruit) and many of their pests and natural enemies (it’s a long list).

Requirements

• Positions require a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study or equivalent related field experience performing professional-level work with scientific or clinical research protocols. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.
• Knowledge of principles of scientific research.
• Knowledge of entomology and agricultural systems.
• Proficiency in computer use including word processing, graphic, spreadsheet software, and websites.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of GIS mapping.
• Ability to operate farm equipment (tractor, sprayer).
• Perform species-level identifications of exotic hymenopterous parasitoids.
• Perform dissections of female moth spermathecae to verify presence of spermatophores.

Responsibilities

• perform work that supports scientific research in a tree fruit Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program
• carry out complex research protocols in field, laboratory, and greenhouse settings, and you will adjust these protocols as needed to achieve project goals
• collecting data, entering it into computer systems, and conducting basic processing and analysis
• help prepare research results for reports, refereed journal articles, and PowerPoint presentations
• operate and maintain field and laboratory equipment
• work closely with the principal investigator (PI), and tree fruit industry and ag chem representative where applicable

Benefits

• WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes 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
• training and development
• employee tuition waiver

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern