Full-Time
Assistant Professor
Tenure-Track, Plant Pathology
Posted on 9/9/2025
Washington State University
Compensation Overview
$75k - $120k/yr
Company Does Not Provide H1B Sponsorship
Moscow, ID, USA
In Person
 Biology & Biotech (4) |
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- An earned doctorate in plant pathology or related field at the time of hire.
- Evidence of research productivity commensurate with career level.
- Evidence of effective oral and written communication skills.
- Participate in transdisciplinary teams and collaborate with faculty and scientists.
- Develop an integrated extension program that engages with stakeholders in the potato industry.
- Teach a graduate level course in epidemiology and management of plant diseases.
- Serve as an effective mentor to undergraduate and graduate students.
- Conduct a program of research and effective engagement consistent with the mission of the WSU CAHNRS Office of Research.
- Ability to develop an original research and extension program addressing the biology and management of plant diseases.
- Potential to develop a dynamic, diverse, and innovative teaching program at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
- Ability to advise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
- Evidence of obtaining external funding in the form of competitive grants, gifts, and in-kind resources to support research and extension programs.
Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:
October 20, 2025If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.
Available Title(s):
270-NN_FACULTY - Assistant ProfessorBusiness Title:
Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track | Plant PathologyEmployee Type:
FacultyPosition Term:
Position Details:
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic research and extension team comprisingWSU and USDA scientists over several academic units based in Pullman and the Research and Extension Centers in Prosser and Mount Vernon, WA. Washington is the second largest producer of processing potatoes in the United States and has substantial table and seed potato production. The successful candidate is expected to participate in transdisciplinary teams, collaborate with faculty at WSU as well as with state, federal, and industry scientists in the region and beyond. Potential research areas may include, but are not limited to,the etiology, ecology, epidemiology, diagnostics, population biology, and management of pathogens relevant to processing, table, and seed potato production in Washington, with a primary focus on fungal, oomycete, and bacterial diseases. The candidate will develop an integrated extension program that engages with diverse stakeholders in the Pacific Northwest potato industry. The successful candidate is expected to acquire competitive grant funding from national, regional, state, and industry sources.
Teaching duties include a graduate level course in epidemiology and management of plant diseases and contributions to a team-taught introductory plant pathology course. The person filling this position is expected to serve as an effective mentor to both undergraduate and graduate students, and to serve as major advisor and committee member for students working toward M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to student recruitment and retention, and participate in departmental, university, and professional service activities. The successful applicant will be expected to conduct a program of research and effective engagement consistent with the mission of the WSU CAHNRS Office of Research (https://cahnrs.wsu.edu/research/).
This is an 11-month appointment for the first three years, then a 9-month appointment thereafter.The candidate may supplement their salary for theadditional month(s).
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
An earned doctorate in plant pathology or related field at the time ofhire.
Evidence of research productivity commensurate with careerlevel.
Evidence of effective oral and written communicationskills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Ability to develop an original research and extension program addressing the biology and management of plant diseases.
Potential to develop a dynamic, diverse, and innovative teaching program at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Ability to advise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
Evidence of obtaining external funding in the form of competitive grants, gifts, and in-kind resources to support research and extension programs.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANT PATHOLOGY:
The Department of Plant Pathology offers one of the most comprehensive plant pathology programs in the country. Faculty are engaged in a wide range of research activities that address biological, molecular, epidemiological, and biotechnological investigations into diverse groups of microorganisms that threaten the sustainability and profitability of numerous economically important crops. Protecting crops from destructive diseases and ensuring plant health by using environmentally sound and sustainable strategies are some of the core strengths of our department. Plant pathology faculty are located on the WSU main campus in Pullman and at Research and Extension Centers in Mount Vernon, Prosser, Puyallup, and Wenatchee. Several USDA-ARS scientists hold adjunct faculty appointments in the department.
ABOUT THE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL, HUMAN, AND NATURAL RESOURCE SCIENCES:
The College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) at Washington State University is an expansive and diverse college that includes 13 academic units, three extension program units, four research and extension centers distributed across the state, 13 subject matter centers, and one tribal and 39 county extension offices. CAHNRS fosters disciplines that serve at the interface of scientific discovery and its application to the advancement of society and improvement of the human experience. Our mission is to provide global leadership in discovering, accessing, and disseminating knowledge that contributes to producing a safe, abundant food and fiber supply; promotes the well-being of individuals, families, and communities; enhances sustainability of agricultural and economic systems; and promotes stewardship of natural resources and ecological systems. CAHNRS personnel embrace the opportunity to fulfill the university’s land-grant mission by making groundbreaking research discoveries, by delivering relevant, progressive extension programs that synergistically generate outcomes that enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Washington State, as well as for people around the globe. For more information, visit http://cahnrs.wsu.edu.
ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY:
Founded in 1890, Washington State University is a comprehensive land-grant university with teaching, research, and extension missions, and one of two research universities in Washington State. WSU is organized into 11 academic colleges, the Honors College, and the Graduate School. It has an enrollment of more than 31,000 undergraduate and graduate students on 5 campuses (Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Everett) with approximately 21,000 students located on the main campus in Pullman, WA. WSU ranks among the top 60 public research universities and is a Carnegie I, Doctoral/Research Extensive University. WSU strongly values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and seeks to ensure a welcoming community for all.
Further information about WSU can be found at: www.wsu.edu and https://wsu.edu/about/facts .
ABOUT LIFE ON THE PALOUSE:
Pullman offers a friendly, small-town atmosphere with a high quality of life and connected community. Located 80 miles south of metropolitan Spokane, Pullman is also a quick drive away from the scenic Idaho panhandle and Moscow Mountain. The rolling hills of the Palouse offer a wide range of outdoor activities and a true four-season climate. The area provides many opportunities to enjoy the cultural and academic hub of both Washington State University and the University of Idaho, in the neighboring town of Moscow, Idaho. Additionally, Pullman has an excellent public school system and was recently ranked by Bloomberg Business as the best small town in Washington to raise children.
To learn more about the Pullman community, visit: http://www.pullmanchamber.com
Additional Information:
Department Name:
City, State, Zip:
Pullman, WA 99164
Salary:
9-Month Base Salary: $75,000 - $90,000
Potential Summer Salary: $8,333.33 - $10,000 per month (up to $25,000 - $30,000 per summer)
Annual Salary: $100,000 - $120,000
This is a continuous, full-time, tenure-track, nine-month academic-year faculty appointment. This position may be eligible for up to 3 months’ summer salary, conditional on successful performance and funding.
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 and optional supplemental retirement accounts. For a more detailed summary of benefits offered by WSU for Faculty please review thesummary of benefits for WSU FacultyandTotal Compensation
FTE: 100%
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:
The online application must include:
Cover letter (maximum 2 pages);
Current curriculum vitae;
Research and extension statement (maximum 2 pages);
Teaching statement (maximum 1 page);
The names and contact information for four professional references.
The application should address each of the required and preferred qualifications for the position. Combine all 5 documents into a single PDF file.
For questions about the position, contact Scott Harper, Search Committee Chair, [email protected] , 509-786-9230.
Time Type:
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].
Notice of Non-Discrimination
In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.
Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both.
More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/
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