Associate In Potato Entomology
Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:
April 27, 2026
If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.
Available Title(s):
321-YN_FACULTY - Associate in
Business Title:
Associate In - Potato Entomology
Employee Type:
Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)
Position Term:
12 Month
Position Details:
DESCRIPTION
Washington State University and the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) and the Extension Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR) Program Unit seeks an Associate In to join efforts to manage aphid-vectored virus in potatoes. This appointment is a 1-year full-time renewable position at non-promotion faculty rank. Renewal is subject to satisfactory performance, mutual consent and available funding. Office location in Central Washington at the USDA-ARS Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research Unit in Wapato.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Washington ranks second nationwide in the production of potatoes, contributing nearly $1 billion in sales annually to the state's economy and nearly a quarter of the $4.6 billion in sales produced nationally. Washington State University researchers are collaborating with institutions across the country to develop and test alternative non-neonicotinoid management options for pests of this important crop. https://potatoipm.msu.edu/ is supported by the USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative and takes a multidisciplinary approach, developing and testing new management strategies while addressing social and economic impacts to assist the adoption of new approaches.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES
This position is 100% Extension and will play a role in a collaborative effort to develop alternative non-neonicotinoid management options for pests in potato production. Specifically, this position will research treatment options for management of aphid-vectored viruses in potato production. There are no alternative management options to neonicotinoids currently identified for prevention of aphid-vectored potato leafroll virus infection. This position will take on the execution and analysis of behavioral and transmission assays designed to identify potentially effective treatment options for stakeholders. The position will also draft manuscripts disseminating results both to peer-reviewed journals and stakeholder-oriented publications.
A key expectation is that this position will need to conduct and analyze electropenetrograph (EPG) assays, as well as record and analyze video footage of aphids in experimental arenas using EthoVision software. These assays will be done in collaboration with the Potato Insect Research lab at the USDA-ARS Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research Unit in Wapato.
Additional Information:
Annual Salary: $58,000 - $65,000.00 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications
In accordance with https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=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 https://hrs.wsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2026-Benefit-Overview-for-Faculty-and-AP.pdf and https://hrs.wsu.edu/managers/recruitment-toolkit/total-compensation/.
Required Qualifications:
• A PhD degree from an accredited institution in entomology, or a field of study related to entomology, earned by date of hire.
• Demonstrated abilities in both written and verbal communication, including prior first-authored publication(s).
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with colleagues and within a shared laboratory environment.
• If not already familiar with, must have a willingness to learn how to use EPG to conduct feeding/probing behavior assays and EthoVision software to analyze recorded insect footage.
• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver's license and meet requirements in accordance with https://policies.wsu.edu/prf/index/manuals/safety-policies-procedures-manual/sppm-7-10/#four_3 and departmental driving standards.
• Ability to work independently to plan and accomplish goals.
• Ability to lift and carry greenhouse supplies, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience working with aphids or other hemipterans and/or insect vectored plant pathogens.
• Experience with EPG for feeding/probing behavior data collection and analysis, and/or EthoVision software for analysis of recorded insect footage.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse people, researchers, Extension colleagues, staff, and students.
• Initiative-taking with demonstrated ability to work independently in the field, laboratory, or an office environment without daily supervision and/or coaching.
• Experience and proven ability to work productively with a team while serving in both leadership and contributor roles.
• Ability to obtain a WA state pesticide applicators license.
Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorship.
About Department/College/Area/ Campus - https://anr.cw.wsu.edu/
Area/College: Extension/CAHNRS
Department Name: Agriculture and Natural Resources
Location: Wapato, 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.
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, https://jira.esg.wsu.edu/servicedesk/customer/kb/view/156962755. 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.
For questions about the position, contact Tim Waters, WSU Extension, mailto:twaters@wsu.edu.
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 https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=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:
Full time
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 https://hrs@wsu.edu/.
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://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fccr.wsu.edu%2Fnotice-of-nondiscrimination%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cadelyn.hamrick%40wsu.edu%7C11675b5cb47246cf7e3c08dd76d243e7%7Cb52be471f7f147b4a8790c799bb53db5%7C0%7C0%7C638797367640010612%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=5ods%2FDN0Y4m8mef6Ap1x9c%2FqO17%2F5Wsfw7zJIwfbh%2Fk%3D&reserved=0
To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/7077738
Washington State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Educator and Employer.
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