Job Description
Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:
June 28, 2026If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.
Available Title(s):
321-YN_FACULTY - Associate inBusiness Title:
Project ManagerEmployee Type:
Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)Position Term:
Position Details:
The Opportunity:
Washington State University (WSU) invites applications for a Project Manager to lead innovative research on X-disease and its vectors in stone fruit systems. This role will design and execute laboratory and field experiments to advance understanding of X-disease biology, ecology, and management strategies.
Primary research efforts will include evaluating symbiont-based technologies for potential X-disease treatments, conducting greenhouse trials to assess vector transmission efficiency, and investigating the fundamental interactions between X-disease and its vectors. The outcomes of this work will directly inform disease management practices for the tree fruit industry.
This position requires strong organizational and time management skills to successfully coordinate multiple concurrent projects. The Project Manager will collaborate closely with partners at WSU, the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), and other stakeholders, while supervising project staff and ensuring high-quality research execution.
The position is based within the Northfield Lab at WSU and involves collaboration with the USDA ARS Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research Laboratory in Wapato, WA.
Summary of Duties:
The Project Manager will:
Design and implement laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments focused on X-disease and its vectors
Evaluate novel treatment approaches, including symbiont-based technologies
Investigate vector biology, ecology, and transmission dynamics
Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret complex datasets
Communicate findings through reports, peer-reviewed publications, and stakeholder outreach
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external partners
Present research findings to industry groups, scientific audiences, and collaborators
Develop content for web-based extension platforms, including:
WSU Tree Fruit (http://treefruit.wsu.edu)
Orchard Pest Management http://treefruit.wsu.edu/crop-protection/opm/)
Washington Tree Fruit Crop Protection Guide (http://cpg.treefruit.wsu.edu/)
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:
80% – Research
Plan, design, and conduct experiments leading to publication
Evaluate emerging treatment technologies and vector transmission dynamics
Perform greenhouse and field trials
Analyze and interpret data using sound scientific principles
Collaborate with researchers, lab members, and stakeholders
Translate findings into actionable insights for diverse audiences
10% – Supervision
Supervise and mentor project staff and support personnel
Coordinate project activities and ensure timely completion of research objectives
5% – Outreach and Extension
Deliver presentations to the tree fruit industry and scientific community
Develop educational and extension materials for broader audiences
5% – Other Duties
Support departmental, college, and university initiatives as needed
Additional Information:
Monthly Salary: $50,000 - $55,200 | 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.
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:
Earned M.S. in Entomology or related field.
Experience conducting research in tree fruit integrated pest management.
Demonstrated ability to design experiments and collect and analyze data.
Complete understanding of entomology and entomological procedures.
Knowledge of commercial agriculture and commercial pest management.
Have or be able to obtain at the time of hire a pesticide applicator’s license.
Demonstrated effective interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to interact with large groups and individuals at all work levels.
Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive educational and working environment.
Demonstrated proficiency in the use of computers and software applications.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working on X-disease vectors and/or codling moth.
Experience working directly with tree fruit industry stakeholders.
Experience giving extension presentations to the tree fruit industry.
Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorship
About Department/College/Area/ Campus - https://tfrec.cahnrs.wsu.edu/northfield/
Area/College: College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)
Department Name: WSU Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center
Location: Wapato, WA (USDA-ARS)
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.
1) Resume
2) Cover Letter
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.
Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.
Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.
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.
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/