Postdoctoral Research Associate

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:
December 6, 2026
If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s):
306-YY_FACULTY - Postdoctoral Research Associate

Business Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate

Employee Type:
Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)

Position Term:
12 Month

Position Details:

The Opportunity:

The Washington State University (WSU) Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Prosser, WA, is looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in viticulture to conduct independent research on the usefulness of proximal sensors for predicting grape leaf tissue nutrient and water status. The successful candidate will participate in projects related to field and greenhouse experimental design, correlation of soil and grape leaf nutrient and water status measurements to sensor responses, and development of industry guidelines for using proximal sensors in vineyard settings. This position requires demonstrated expertise in plant physiology or related fields through publications, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The candidate must be willing to conduct greenhouse and field based research and travel independently throughout the course of the study. The candidate will work with USDA-ARS collaborators to use USDA-ARS facilities and instruments. The position may be renewed annually based on performance and funding availability.

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. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Faculty and Total Compensation . For information or questions about Benefits, please contact HRS Benefits at 509-335-4521.

Additional Information:

Annual Salary: $62,232

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110 , the above salary reflects the full salary for this position. .

This is a full time (100 % FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime eligible.

Appointment Duration: This is a temporary position expected to start on April 1, 2027 and end on March 31, 2028 . Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Required Qualifications:

- Ph.D. in Plant Physiology, Plant Biology, Botany, Horticulture, or related field of study.
- Ability to work under field conditions.
- 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 (https://policies.wsu.edu/prf/index/manuals/safety-policies-procedures-manual/sppm-7-10/#four_3) and departmental driving standards.
- The successful candidate must meet all requirements necessary to obtain and maintain access to USDA-ARS vehicles, facilities, and equipment required for the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Proven record of expertise in any of the following areas: plant physiology, ecophysiology, plant water relations, plant nutrition, viticulture, remote sensing, or field-based research with grapevines or other perennial fruit species.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent data handling and statistical analysis skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work well in a multi-cultural team setting.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility: May be eligible for work visa sponsorship

About Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center (IAREC): The Washington State University, Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center (WSU Prosser IAREC) is the focal point for the University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), and the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) research, extension, and plant certification programs that address the concerns of irrigated agriculture.

Area/College: College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resources (CAHNRS)
Department Name: Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center (IAREC)
Location: Prosser, WA

Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

1) Resume
2) Cover Letter

3) List of lab and field equipment that you have operated.

External candidates , upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.

Current WSU Employees (internal candidates) , before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday . Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.

All candidates , documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.

Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.

Contact: For questions regarding this position or the application process, please contact Christine Cromar, [email protected].

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.

Union Representation: This position is represented exclusively by Postdocs United/United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Information regarding the Union and the CBA is available on the  WSU Labor Relations website.

Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.

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] .

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More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/