"Rosalie and Harold Rea Brown Distinguished Endowed Chair in Plant Pathology"

The Opportunity:

The Department of Plant Pathology at Washington State University (WSU) seeks a leader in Dryland Cropping Systems Plant Pathology at the rank of Associate or Full Professor with 60% research, 20% extension, 10% teaching, and 10% service responsibilities. This endowed chair position offers the opportunity to lead internationally recognized research and extension efforts addressing diseases of wheat, barley, and other key dryland rotational crops, including canola, chickpea, dry pea, lentil, camelina, and others. This position is supported by a $3.0 million endowment, made possible by the Rosalie and Harold Rea Brown Charitable Trust to support translational research and extension in plant pathology at WSU. The successful candidate will advance innovative strategies for disease management, strengthen partnerships with dryland cropping system stakeholders across Washington and the greater Pacific Northwest, and provide leadership to sustain the productivity and profitability of the region's dryland cropping systems. In addition, the position will play an important role in graduate education by contributing to the teaching of core plant pathology courses. The person in this position will also mentor graduate students, contribute to interdisciplinary research initiatives, and enhance the visibility and impact of WSU's Plant Pathology program. The Endowed Chair in Dryland Cropping Systems Plant Pathology will hold tenure in the WSU Department of Plant Pathology and report to the Chair of the Department.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will lead a world-class research program focused on disease management in dryland cropping systems in central and eastern Washington, and design and deliver an impactful extension program that addresses stakeholder needs for disease management, sustainability, and improved profitability in Washington's dryland agriculture as a member of the Dryland Cropping Systems Extension team. The successful applicant will be expected to conduct a program of robust research and effective engagement consistent with the mission of the Office of Research of the WSU College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (https://cahnrs.wsu.edu/research/). The person in this position will contribute to teaching in the Department of Plant Pathology, including co-teaching PL_P 429 (General Plant Pathology) and PL_P 551 (Plant Disease Epidemiology and Management), and contributing to other courses as needed by the Department. The person in this position will mentor graduate and undergraduate students. The successful candidate will collaborate with other researchers and Extension faculty in the Department of Plant Pathology, USDA-ARS scientists, industry partners, and regional, national, and international researchers to address important diseases affecting dryland crop production. The person in this position will pursue extramural funding through regional, state, and federal grants and contracts, provide professional service to the Department, College, University, and relevant scientific and professional organizations, and help strengthen the visibility and leadership of the WSU plant pathology program.

Additional Information:

SALARY

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.

9-Month Base Salary: $90,000 - $150,000

Potential Summer Salary: $10,000 - $16,666.67 per month

Total Possible Annual Salary: $110,000 - $183,333.34 (Commensurate with experience and qualifications)

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. Successful candidates typically begin up to mid-point of the salary range. For additional information, please review WSU's Administrative Professional Compensation Structure.

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 for both ranks

• Earned Ph.D. in plant pathology or related field
• Evidence of leadership in developing and executing a robust research program in plant pathology, including a strong record of peer-reviewed publications
• Demonstrated ability to engage and communicate effectively with technical and nontechnical audiences in oral, written, and electronic forms
• Sustained record of acquiring extramural competitive grant support

Additional requirements for Associate rank

• Must have served at least 6 years in academic, industry, or a federal lab after completion of a PhD degree
• Must have experience in mentoring and demonstrated leadership in funded research programs

Additional requirements for Professor rank

• Must have served at least 10 years in academic, industry, or a federal lab after completion of a PhD degree
• Must have experience in mentoring and demonstrated leadership in funded research programs
• Must be a recognized leader through national/international accomplishments and awards

Preferred for both ranks

• Evidence of excellence in teaching and mentoring graduate students
• Evidence of successful research leading to improved management of diseases in dryland cropping systems
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals and groups from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspective

Application Instructions:

Applicants must apply online through https://hrs.wsu.edu/jobs/. A complete application will include the following materials, combined into a single PDF file prior to uploading:

1. a cover letter (maximum 2 pages);
2. a current curriculum vitae;
3. a statement of vision and goals for the position, describing how you would serve the research and extension needs of the dryland crop industries in Washington State (maximum 2 pages); and
4. a teaching and mentoring statement outlining relevant experience (maximum 2 pages).

The application should clearly address each of the required and preferred qualifications for the position.

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.

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