Title:
1161-NN_ADMINPRO - Scientific Assistant

Business Title:
Scientifc Assistant

Additional Titles:

Location:
WENATCHEE TREE FRUIT RESEARCH & EXTENSION CENTER

Employee Type:
Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term)

Job Family:
Administrative Professional - Not OT Eligible

Position Details:

Summary of Duties:

This position will lead and participate in the design, implementation and highly complex evaluation of lab and orchard studies aimed to investigate major pre- and postharvest diseases of pome fruit in the Pacific Northwest. The individual will be actively managing lab and orchard duties including but not limited to management and maintenance of pathogen culture collections, phenotypic and molecular characterization, inoculum production, and tree or/and fruit inoculation, which requires in-depth and advanced knowledge of pre and postharvest diseases. Duties also include overseeing and participating in orchard fungicide sprays, managing and participating in ensuring proper functioning of the lab and facilities belonging to the pathology program, data collection, advanced technical analysis of collected data using statistical and molecular software and preparation of research results for presentation and publication in peer reviewed journal. Providing support to Postdoc researchers and students and supervision of hourly workers will be expected. The individual must be self-motivated, be able to work with minimum supervision, able to work with a wide range of backgrounds. Some in-state and regional travel will be expected.

70% Lab Research and Activities Management

• Using advanced knowledge, conduct phenotypic and molecular characterization of samples
  
• Preparing, sterilizing and handling of artificial media
  
• Preparing fungal samples from fruit and from -80C freezer
  
• Conducting fungicide tests on artificial media and fruit
  
• Collecting, computing, analyzing, and summarizing complex data
  
• Preparation of research results for presentations publication in peer reviewed journal
  
• Preparation of short reports or poster for publication or general presentations
  
• Assist with grant and manuscript writing

20% Field and Packinghouse Applied Research

• Designing experimental trials in orchards and packinghouses in Washington and Oregon
  
• Preparing trees/fruit/flowers for sampling and analyzing as needed
  
• Inoculating trees and/or fruit in orchards and packinghouses
  
• Conducting fungicide sprays or applications in orchards or packing houses
  
• Collecting and processing of collected samples
  
• Collecting appropriate data pertaining to disease and fruit physiology as needed

5% Manage Undergraduate and Hourly Staff

• Manage and train undergraduate students and time-slip employees to follow lab/field protocols and conduct their work properly
  
• Provide assistance to researchers and graduate students in the lab or orchards/packinghouses in order to conduct their work successfully.

5% Other Duties

• Miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor's degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline and three (3) years of progressively responsible related professional research experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. A Master's degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline may be substituted for up to one year of the required work experience.

• B.S. in biology, agronomy, or closely related discipline with applicable experience.
  
• Experience with lab and field research including experimental design and statistical data analysis.
  
• Experience in supervising student or temporary workers.
  
• Must have, or able to obtain, a valid driver's license by time of hire.
  
• Must have the ability to travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• M. S. in Plant Pathology, Life Sciences, or closely related disciplines.
  
• Advanced knowledge and experience with fungi and/or fungicides.
  
• Experience conducting basic or advanced molecular work.
  
• Has a pesticide license or able to apply for one immediately after hire.

Additional Information:

Area/College:

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

Department Name:

Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center

City, State, Zip:

Wenatchee, WA, 98801

Department Link:

https://plantpath.wsu.edu/people/faculty/amiri/

Monthly Salary:

$4,400.00 | Commensurate upon qualifications and experience.

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.

For more information regarding Administrative Professional (AP) Compensation at Washington State University (WSU), please visit the following website: https://hrs.wsu.edu/managers/classification-compensation/ap-compensation-structure/.

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 AP staff visit: https://hrs.wsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2022-Benefit-Overview-for-Faculty-and-AP.pdf. Find total compensation information here: https://hrs.wsu.edu/managers/recruitment-toolkit/total-compensation/.

FTE:

100%

Position Type: This is a Temporary position.

Temporary End Date:

This is a temporary position expected to end on January 2, 2024. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension, performance and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Posting Close Date:

This position has been posted as Open until Filled. The screening of applicants will begin immediately and remain on-going until a finalist is identified.

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 attach the following documents to their online application: 1) resume and 2) cover letter. Applicants are required to include contact information for professional references within the application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

For questions regarding the position ONLY, contact Dr. Achour Amiri ( a.amiri@wsu.edu ). (Do not send application materials.)

Required Documents:

1) Resume/CV

2) Cover Letter

Time Type:
Full time

Position Term:

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 hrs@wsu.edu.

To apply, visit https://wsu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WSU_Jobs/job/Wenatchee-WA/Scientifc-Assistant_R-7936

Washington State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Educator and Employer.

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