Associate in

Available Title(s):

321-NN_FACULTY - Associate in

Business Title:

Associate in

Employee Type:

Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)

Time Type:

Full time

Position Term:

12 Month

Position Details:

Summary of Duties:

Position duties include conceiving and executing field, greenhouse, and laboratory studies on, but not limited to, weed biology, weed-crop competition, weed management, and weed seedbanks. Candidates should possess the skills to identify and define research problems, design approaches or hypotheses and methodology to be used, write and review protocols, design specific phases of research projects, study installation, collect and process data, plan and manage long-term studies, analyze results, develop conclusions and hypothesis, and publish research results. Research often involves the use of herbicides, but is multidisciplinary and often applies principles of plant breeding, genetics, genomics, plant physiology, systematics, and plant ecology. The incumbent is expected to 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. 

50% | Design and manage a field, laboratory and greenhouse focused and commodity and industry funded weed science research program:

Candidates should possess the skills to identify and define research problems, design approaches or hypotheses and methodology to be used, write and review protocols, design specific phases of research projects, study installation, collect and process data, plan and manage long-term studies, analyze results, develop conclusions and hypothesis, and publish research results. Research usually involves the use of herbicides, but is multidisciplinary and often applies principles of plant breeding, genetics, genomics, plant physiology, systematics, and plant ecology.

25% | Manage a herbicide resistance screening program:

Manage the herbicide resistance screening (HRS) program. Individual is responsible for the receipt, testing, generating and transmitting reports back to the submitters, and answering question and concerns from growers or submitters. Approximately 15 to 30 weed samples are received each year and vary in weed species and herbicide of concern. A herbicide resistance screening database is also maintained. Data from the HRS program is presented to spread awareness of resistance in the PNW.

10% | Lead and supervise personnel:

Associate in Research will be responsible for supervising and managing personnel. Personnel includes hourlies, masters and PhD graduate students. They should be able to manage and/or coordinate with other facility and staff members in and outside the weed science program. Management of personnel typically includes are 3 to 4 hourlies with varying schedules, 4 to 6 graduate students, post-doctoral researchers and 2 to 3 research associates. Individuals should also possess the skills to mentor undergraduate hourly students and help graduate students, in a teaching/learning manner, to identify and define research problems, design approaches or hypotheses and methodology to be used, write and review protocols, design specific phases of research projects, study installation, collect and process data, plan and manage long-term studies, analyze results, development conclusions and hypothesis, and present research results in publishable form.

10% | Communicate effectively with a diversity of clientele:

Associate in Research is responsible for organizing, managing, and helping with WSU Field Tours to present seasonal field work to growers, industry, and other individuals. Field tour tasks include tour reports, study preparation, etc.), answering questions and comments about work presented, and presenting to the audience.

5% | Maintain a clean and safe work environment:

Maintain a safe work environment for employees. This includes maintaining and organizing laboratory spaces, greenhouses, greenhouse storage, and the spray chamber. Annual and seasonal maintenance should be performed spray chamber, and other lab and greenhouse equipment to ensure safety of operation. Spaces should be maintained to the WPS and EPA standards of safety and personnel should be trained on current WPS and EPS standards. Chemical inventory and laboratory inventory should be managed with current safety data sheets and safety procedures. The AR should be prepared to be the radiation safety and laboratory safety officer.

Required Qualifications:

• MS in weed science, plant breeding, or closely related degree programs,

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with other scientists,

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A record of publishing in peer‐reviewed scientific journals commensurate with career level,

• Knowledge of field and laboratory research techniques,

• Demonstrated record of supervising graduate students, hourly workers, and staff. 

Additional Information:

Area/College:

College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)

Department Name:

Crop and Soil Sciences

City, State, Zip:

Pullman, WA, 99164

Department Link:

https://css.wsu.edu/

Annual Salary:

$72,000.00

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.

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 and optional supplemental retirement accounts.

For a more detailed summary of benefits offered by WSU for Faculty visit: https://hrs.wsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-Benefit-Overview-for-Faculty-and-AP.pdf

Find total compensation information here: https://hrs.wsu.edu/manage rs/recruitment-toolkit/total-compensation/ .

Overtime Eligibility:

Overtime Ineligible

FTE:

100%

This is a Temporary position.

This temporary position is expected to end two (2) year from start date. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Posting Close Date:

Applicants must submit their completed application by June 2, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.
 

Background Check:

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34 , engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need.  A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Application Instructions:

External candidates, please upload all documents in the “Resume/CV” section of your application. Internal candidates, please upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.

Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications.

Required Documents:

Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application.

1) Cover Letter

2) Curriculum Vitae

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [email protected] .