Associate in Research

Online applications must be received before 12:00am on:

October 14, 2024

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s)

321-YN_FACULTY - Associate in

Business Title

Associate in Research

Employee Type

Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)

Position Term

12 Month

Position Details

Summary of Duties:

The project manager will design and conduct research experiments in the field and the lab that focus on codling moths in pome fruit, pear psylla in pear, and other pests and beneficials of tree fruit that will help inform holistic tree fruit pest management. The breadth of these foci will necessitate excellent time management skills. Further, the subject matter will require thorough understanding of the scientific method for experimental design, coordination with lab members collaborators and stakeholders, and supervision of other project employees. Incumbent must have the ability to collect, organize and analyze data, translate these data to appropriate audiences, and to write up findings for project reports and peer-reviewed journals. Incumbent will work directly with participants and stakeholders to set up field sites, troubleshoot problems, answer questions, and communicate project results. In addition, the incumbent will give extension presentations to the tree fruit industry, co-PIs and scientific peers, and provide content for web-based platforms such as WSU Tree Fruit ((http://treefruit.wsu.edu/), Orchard Pest Management (http://treefruit.wsu.edu/crop-protection/opm/), and the Crop Protection Guide for tree fruits in Washington (http://cpg.treefruit.wsu.edu/). Occasional other duties as assigned will be performed.

Duties And Responsibilities

75% | Research

• Plan and conduct experiments and related research in the field and the lab that focus on tree fruit pests and beneficials, that will help inform management, with particular reference to codling moth in pome fruit, pear psylla in pear fruit, and other pest and beneficial insects directed toward ultimate publication,
• Prepare articles for publication;
• Coordinate with lab members collaborators and stakeholders;
• Collect, organize and analyze data, and translate these data to appropriate audiences.
  
  

15% | Supervision

• The project manager will be responsible for the supervision of other project employees.
  
  

5% | Outreach and Extension

• Presentation of research results and education to the broader tree fruit industry, including development of industry educational materials and extension presentations.
• Other extension activities as assigned.
  
  

5% | Other Duties as Assigned

• Miscellaneous duties related to the Departmental, College and University missions.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to effectively handle multiple, complex issues effectively and in a timely manner.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal skills.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing complex issues, conducting thorough and appropriate fact finding, reasoning logically, and articulating sound solutions.
• Demonstrated collaborative work style.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, co-workers, students, supervisors, and department heads.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without accommodation.
• Commitment to Diversity – an understanding and appreciation of the benefits of a diverse workplace and the knowledge of how to shape processes and procedures that reflect and enhance the diversity of the WSU communities.
  
  

Mental Requirements

• Ability to reason logically and make sound decisions, to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, to remain poised under all circumstances, and to interact effectively with people in a positive manner that engenders confidence and trust.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in high stress and conflict situations.
• Ability to deal simultaneously with multiple complex problems.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in laboratory, field and office settings and travel off-site will be required.
• Ability to navigate uneven surfaces (i.e., yards, unpaved walkways or driveways) and access various types of buildings (i.e., stairs or narrow corridors).
• Speech, visual, and hearing abilities that are sufficient to read and view written materials and effectively communicate and interact with WSU staff and the public—both in person and over the telephone.
• Ability to bend, twist, stoop, carry and lift work materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
  
  

Work Conditions

• Work is performed in a laboratory, office and/or orchard settings.
• The amount of time spent in any setting will be dictated by the projects established by the principal investigator and/or the incumbent’s ability to lead others in performing certain tasks.
• Work conditions also include interactions with others; therefore, it is important that the incumbent is comfortable working with others including lab members, collaborators, and stakeholders.
• Interactions may be face to face with individuals, small or large groups, and may be in person or virtual.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to draft research reports and peer review quality manuscripts.
• Complete understanding of entomology and entomological procedures.
• Knowledge of commercial agriculture and commercial pest management.
• 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.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal, written and oral communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability to interact with large groups and individuals at all work levels;
• Demonstrated sensitivity to and desire to promote diversity;
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of computers and software applications;
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working on codling moth, pear psylla, and other pome fruit pest and beneficial insects.
• Experience working directly with tree fruit industry stakeholders.
• Experience giving extension presentations to the tree fruit industry.
  
  

Area/College

Additional Information:

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

Department Name

Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center (TFREC)

City, State, Zip

Wenatchee, WA, 98801

Department Link

https://tfrec.cahnrs.wsu.edu/

Monthly Salary

$4,458.32 - $5,458.34

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 Eligible

Fte

100%

Temporary End Date

This is a temporary position expected to end on April 1, 2025. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Posting Close Date

This position has been re-posted. Applicants must submit their completed application by October 14, 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

• Resume
• Cover Letter
  
  

Time Type

Full time

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].

Notice of Non-Discrimination

WSU prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates complaint with Title IX. Inquiries regarding Title IX and reports of sex discrimination can be directed to the WSU Title IX Coordinator. More information on WSU’s policies and procedures to respond to discrimination and harassment are available here: Nondiscrimination statement.