"James Cook Endowed Chair in Wheat Research Weed Scientist"

James Cook Endowed Chair in Wheat Research Weed Scientist

Posted: 04-Feb-26

Location: Pullman, Washington

Type: Full-time

Categories: Academic/Faculty, Agricultural Sciences

Internal Number: 6901249

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: March 16, 2026

Available Title(s): 280-NN_FACULTY - Associate Professor, 290-NN_FACULTY - Professor, 395-NN_FACULTY - New Tenure-Track - Pre-Academic Year

Business Title: James Cook Endowed Chair in Wheat Research - Weed Scientist

Employee Type: Faculty

Position Term: 9 Month

Position Details:

The Opportunity:

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences (CSS) within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources Sciences (CAHNRS) at Washington State University (WSU) is seeking a motivated and problem-solving researcher and instructor to join a team of scientists and extension experts in multiple disciplines, including plant pathology, plant science, soil science, entomology, and plant breeding. The James Cook Endowed Chair in Wheat Research was created by the Washington Grain Commission to support wheat research to enhance the productivity of Washington growers. This position is supported by a $2.1 million endowment from the Washington Grain Commission and allows researchers to gather preliminary data in support of competitive federal grants, along with addressing regional interests more rapidly. This tenure-track, associate professor or professor rank faculty position is a nine-month academic year appointment, plus two months of summer salary while serving in the endowed chair position.

We are looking to fill an integrated research and instructor position to begin August 1, 2026, or as negotiated, at the WSU Pullman campus. The successful applicant will develop a nationally recognized and regionally relevant program focused on Integrated Weed Management in Small Grains cropping systems to enhance crop productivity while increasing profits and improving environmental quality.

The Associate Professor/Professor and James Cook Endowed Chair in Wheat Research Weed Scientist should research sustainable and effective weed management strategies through applied and fundamental research for weeds of significance in small grains cropping systems in the Pacific Northwest. The incumbent will develop a research program to support the growers of small grain crops. Through collaborative efforts with USDA-ARS researchers, WSU faculty, and other university scientists, the incumbent will lead the statewide effort to research weed biology and multifaceted control measures of weeds in small grains cropping systems. The incumbent will report to the Chair of the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. In addition to pursuing an outstanding research program, the successful candidate will be expected to advise graduate students, teach courses to undergraduate and graduate students in the area of weed science.

Responsibilities:

This position integrates research and instruction, with the successful candidate expected to develop a nationally recognized research program in Integrated Weed Management (IWM) focused on small grains cropping systems in Washington. The research program emphases may include, but are not limited to, sustainable and integrated weed management strategies, weed biology and ecology, herbicide efficacy, precision application technologies, mechanical, and cultural weed control tactics. Herbicide-resistant weeds are an increasing issue in small grains cropping systems, and the selected candidate will be expected to investigate novel methods to control herbicide resistant weed species. Programs must be responsive to stakeholder needs and align with the missions of the department and CAHNRS Office of Research.

The successful candidate must acquire competitive extramural funding from state, regional, and national agencies, and the agricultural industry to support a comprehensive research program. The incumbent will disseminate information by publishing in appropriate peer-reviewed journals, delivering presentations at scientific conferences and grower meetings, and using modern communication platforms. This person is expected to work collaboratively with other researchers, extension professionals, private crop consultants, the grower community, and other stakeholders. Other duties include serving on CSS, CAHNRS, and WSU committees.

Additional Information:

This is a 9-month Academic Year, tenure-track position. This position may be eligible for up to 2 months' summer salary, conditional on successful performance and funding.

SALARY (Commensurate with experience and qualifications):

• 9-Month Base Salary: $120,000.00 - $150,000.00
• Summer Salary: $ 26,666.67 - $33,333.33 (while serving as the endowed chair)
• Total Possible Annual Salary: $146,666.67 - $183,333.33

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, optional supplemental retirement accounts. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Faculty and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in weed science or a closely related field and an academic record and work experience sufficient to achieve tenure at the rank of associate professor or professor;
• Proven ability in research program leadership, including planning, execution, and delivery, commensurate with career level;
• Demonstrated record of scholarly accomplishments in research, commensurate with career level;

Additional Required Qualification for Associate Professor rank: An academic record and work experience sufficient to be granted tenure and the academic rank of Associate Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at WSU. The rank of Associate Professor requires an established research program that identifies the individual as a significant, independent contributor to their research field with the potential for national distinction. Evidence includes (but is not limited to) refereed publications, citations, externally funded grants, the presentation of papers at professional meetings, and the evaluation of the candidate's standing in the profession by at least four external referees.

Additional Required Qualification for Professor rank: An academic record and work experience sufficient to be granted tenure and the academic rank of Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at WSU. The rank of Professor requires a national reputation and international engagement in the faculty member's primary research area. Evidence of a national reputation includes (but is not limited to) distinction for the quality of contribution to the discipline, especially in refereed publications, citations, funded research, invitations to present papers, and the evaluation of the candidate's standing in the profession by at least four external referees.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge of weed management systems and weed biology;
• Demonstrated experience working in small grains systems;
• Demonstrated record of training graduate students in the field of weed science;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with technical and nontechnical audiences in oral and written forms through refereed or non-refereed publications commensurate with career level;
• Record of competitive grant success and refereed publications commensurate with career level;
• Demonstrated knowledge of state-of-the-art techniques in weed science relevant to applied research, integrated management systems, and weed biology;

Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

About Department of Crop and Soil Sciences | Washington State University: Faculty and students in CSS at WSU are committed to improving the long-term sustainability of agricultural systems through research, teaching, and extension. Our department offers M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Crop Science and Soil Science, with about 100 graduate students currently enrolled. In addition, we host graduate students pursuing an M.S. in Agriculture.

About College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences: CAHNRS is an expansive and diverse college that includes 13 academic units, four research and extension centers distributed across the state, 18 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.

Location: Pullman, WA

Application Process:

The deadline for submitting applications is March 16th, 2026, after which applications will be reviewed by the search committee. To apply, visit https://hrs.wsu.edu/careers/ and applications must include the following materials:

1. a cover letter,
2. a current curriculum vitae,
3. teaching statement (one page limit),
4. research and extension statement (two page limit),

For questions about the position, contact Dr. Arron Carter, Search Committee Chair, at ahcarter@wsu.edu or 509-335-6198.