Career Track Assistant Research Professor

Available Title(s):

155-NN_FACULTY - Research Assistant Professor - Career

Business Title:

Career Track Assistant Research Professor

Employee Type:

Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)

Time Type:

Full time

Position Term:

12 Month

Position Details:

Summary of Duties:

This position is primarily extension and research, with the opportunity to contribute to departmental teaching programs. The successful candidate will develop a nationally-recognized extension and research program in the area of forest health. Opportunities for emphasis include urban tree health, tree disease diagnostics, biosecurity, biotic interactions with changing climates, and community engagement approaches such as citizen science. Programs must be based on stakeholder needs and effectively integrate research and extension as well as other disciplines such as forestry, ecology, environmental sciences, entomology, and horticulture, as appropriate.

The incumbent will disseminate information by publishing results in appropriate peer-reviewed scientific journals and peer-reviewed extension media, deliver presentations at scientific conferences and stakeholder meetings, and use the Internet and other modern communication platforms. This person will cooperate with internal and external extension and research colleagues to identify research priorities, conduct collaborative projects, and disseminate results.

Other duties include securing extramural funds to support the program from state, regional, and national grant sources, as well as the forestry industry and private donors or foundations. The position is expected to develop a program to support research staff and contribute to the mentoring and advising of graduate and undergraduate students. The position will also participate, as appropriate in committees, instruction, and other activities of the Department of Plant Pathology, CAHNRS, and WSU. Overall, the position is expected to develop a program and assist the Department of Plant Pathology to achieve the CAHNRS mission to ‘build a resilient Washington together’. 

Required Qualifications:

• Earned Ph.D. at the time of hire in plant pathology, or closely related field, with an emphasis in tree pathogens.

• Demonstrated record of publishing peer-reviewed research and extension products commensurate with career level.

• Record of competitive grant success commensurate with career level.

• Ability to complete effective research in field, greenhouse, and lab conditions.

• Experience with applied plant pathology in field and greenhouse environments.

• Ability to design statistically valid research trials, and proficiency in analyzing and interpreting data effectively using relevant statistical methods and software.

• Experience utilizing molecular techniques for plant pathogen identification and quantification, including PCR assays and DNA sequencing/sequence analyses.

• Evidence of excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Demonstrated ability to work in interdisciplinary teams to conduct transdisciplinary research and outreach.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of post-doctoral experience related to forest pathology.

• Grant funding available to cover negotiated salary for at least 12 months.

• Demonstrated knowledge of forest disease ecology in the Pacific Northwest.

• Demonstrated ability to form productive relationships with community partners and regional collaborators from agencies such as the Washington Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Department of Agriculture, The Washington Invasive Species Council, and Region 6 of the USFS Forest Service.

• Demonstrated effective working relationships with frontline communities such as northwest Tribal nations.

• Experience in barcoding and phylogenetics of fungi or oomycetes.

• Demonstrated leadership ability in outreach and research.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with effective application of research techniques

• Demonstrated effectiveness in staff supervision and student mentoring.

• Professional development experience such as participation in the Faculty Success Program of the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity.

Additional Information:

Area/College:

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

Department Name:

Plant Pathology

City, State, Zip:

Pullman, WA. 99163

Department Link:

https://plantpath.wsu.edu/

Annual Salary:

$67,725.00 - $80,000.00

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/managers/recruitment-toolkit/total-compensation/ .

Overtime Eligibility:

Overtime Ineligible

FTE:

100%

Tenure Track:
This is a 12-month, full-time, non-tenure track position.

Temporary End Date:

This is a temporary position expected to end on June 1, 2025. 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 April 30, 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:

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

Required Documents:

1) A detailed letter of application addressing the required and preferred qualifications

2) A current curriculum vitae, a statement of vision for establishing a program centered in forest pathology; and

3) The names and contact details of three (3) references.

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] .