Description

The position is on the team of Washington State University and USDA ARS scientists at the Western Regional Plant Introduction Station in Pullman, WA. The WRPIS, in addition to Plant Genetic Resource conservation as part of the USDA ARS National Plant Germplasm System, conducts research on plant domestication, genetics, and breeding in many crops including important cool season pulse crops. Major areas of research include determining the genetic basis of important agronomic and seed quality traits pre-breeding of pea, chickpea, and lentil; and developing high throughput phenotyping methodologies for breeding and germplasm characterization, including calculation of sequence based genomic prediction and genomic selection values.

To learn more about the USDA ARS NPGS and Plant Genetic Resources, visit our webpages at https://www.ars-grin.gov and https://grin-u.org/.

This is a temporary full time position expected to start on October 1, 2026 and end on September 30, 2028. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

Ph.D. in plant breeding, bioinformatics, quantitative/statistical/population genetics, or a related discipline
Experience with project management and experimental design
Demonstrated expertise analyzing highly-dimensional genomic and/or phenomic datasets 

Preferred Qualifications:

Significant independent research experience
Creativity, independence, and strong problemsolving skills
Genetic, molecular, field, or greenhouse research experience
Skills in bioinformatics or statistical genetics
Excellent written and oral communication
Strong organization, multitasking, and teamwork abilities
Careful documentation and effective scientific writing
Advanced knowledge of quantitative, population, and statistical genetics, including genomic prediction models
Demonstrated ability in program management, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement