"Scientific Assistant Wenatchee R&E Center"

Summary of Duties: The Scientific Assistant will lead and participate in the design, implementation and highly complex evaluation of lab and orchard studies aimed to investigate major pre and post-harvest 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.

Breakdown of Job Functions: 70% Lab Research and activities management; 20% Field and packinghouse applied research; 5% Manager undergraduate and hourly staff; 5% Other duties as assigned.

Additional Information: This is a full time (100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime eligible. This is a temporary position expected to end on June 1, 2026. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment. Monthly Salary: $3,900.00 - $5,616.00 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications.

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.

Area/College: College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences. Department Name: Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center. Location: Wenatchee, 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. Resume; Cover Letter.