Description
THE OPPORTUNITY:
The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences (CSS) within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources Sciences (CAHNRS) at Washington State University (WSU) is seeking a motivated and problem-solving extension specialist and researcher to join a team of scientists and extension experts in multiple disciplines, including plant pathology, plant science, soil science, entomology, and plant breeding. The Endowed Chair in Small Grains Extension and Research was created by the Washington Grain Commission to support extension weed science to enhance the productivity of Washington growers. This position is supported by a $1.6 million endowment from the Washington Grain Commission allowing faculty to gather data in support of the increasing impact of weeds in regional cropping systems and extend that research to growers in support of enhanced weed control. This tenure-track, associate professor or professor rank faculty position is a nine-month academic year appointment, plus two months of summer salary while serving in the endowed chair position. We are looking to fill an integrated extension and research position to begin August 1, 2026, or as negotiated, at the WSU Pullman campus. The successful applicant will develop a nationally recognized and regionally relevant program focused on Integrated Weed Management in Small Grains cropping systems to enhance crop productivity while increasing profits and improving environmental quality.
The Associate Professor/Professor and Endowed Chair in Small Grains Extension and Research Weed Science should emphasize the development of sustainable and effective weed management strategies through applied and fundamental research and extension for small grains of significance in the Pacific Northwest. The incumbent will develop an extension-research program to support the growers of small grain crops. Through collaborative efforts with USDA-ARS researchers, WSU faculty, and other university scientists, the incumbent will lead the statewide extension dryland cropping systems team comprised of department and county-based extension faculty. The incumbent is charged with developing, delivering, and evaluating outreach programs in the area of weed science. Modes of delivering Extension information may include oral presentations, podcasts, written documentation (e.g. bulletins on weed control or weed biology), web sites, social media, and other modern and/or novel techniques. Assessment of outcomes and impacts of extension programs is required. The incumbent will report to the Chair of the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. In addition to pursuing an outstanding extension and research program, the successful candidate will be expected to advise graduate students.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position integrates extension and research, with the successful candidate expected to develop a nationally recognized extension program in Integrated Weed Management (IWM) focused on small grains cropping systems in Washington. The incumbent will lead the Extension Dryland Cropping Systems team comprised of departmental and county-based extension faculty. The extension and research program will emphasize sustainable, integrated weed management strategies, incorporating both chemical and non-chemical control methods to address the weed challenges in small grain crops. Programs must be responsive to stakeholder needs and align with the missions of the department and CAHNRS Office of Research.
The successful candidate must acquire competitive extramural funding from state, regional, and national agencies, and the agricultural industry to support a comprehensive extension and research program. The incumbent will disseminate information by publishing in appropriate peer-reviewed journals and extension media, delivering presentations at scientific conferences and grower meetings, and using modern communication platforms. This person is expected to work collaboratively with other researchers, extension professionals, private crop consultants, the grower community, and other stakeholders. Other duties include serving on CSS, CAHNRS, and WSU committees.
Additional Information:
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.
Salary: (Commensurate with experience and qualifications):
9-Month Base Salary: $120,000.00 - $150,000.00
Summer Salary: $26,666.67 - $33,333.34 (while serving as the endowed chair)
Total Possible Annual Salary: $146,666.67 - $183,333.34
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.
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 summary of benefits for WSU Faculty and Total Compensation.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
Ph.D. in weed science or a closely related field and an academic record and work experience sufficient to achieve tenure at the rank of associate professor or professor;
Proven ability in extension program leadership, including planning, execution, delivery, and impact assessment, commensurate with career level; and
Demonstrated record of scholarly accomplishments in research and extension, commensurate with career level;
Additional Required Qualification for Associate Professor rank:
An academic record and work experience sufficient to be granted tenure and the academic rank of Associate Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at WSU. The rank of Associate Professor requires an established extension and research program that identifies the individual as a significant, independent contributor to their primary discipline with the potential for national distinction. Evidence includes (but is not limited to) documented evidence of program impact and clientele change of practice, stakeholder engagement, refereed publications, citations, externally funded grants, the presentation of papers at professional and stakeholder meetings, and the evaluation of the candidate’s standing in the profession by at least four external referees.
Additional Required Qualification for Professor rank:
An academic record and work experience sufficient to be granted tenure and the academic rank of Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at WSU. The rank of Professor requires a national reputation and leadership in the faculty member’s primary discipline area. Evidence includes (but is not limited to) documented evidence of program impact both regionally and nationally, clientele change of practice, stakeholder engagement, leadership opportunities, refereed publications, citations, externally funded grants, the presentation of papers at professional and stakeholder meetings, and the evaluation of the candidate’s standing in the profession by at least four external referees
Preferred:
Demonstrated knowledge of weed management systems;
Demonstrated experience working in small grains systems;
Demonstrated record of training graduate students in the field of weed science;
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with technical and nontechnical audiences in oral and written forms through refereed or non-refereed publications commensurate with career level;
Record of competitive grant success and refereed publications commensurate with career level;
Demonstrated knowledge of state-of-the-art techniques in weed science relevant to applied research, integrated management systems, and sustainable agriculture;
Demonstrated ability to use the web to disseminate extension and research information;
Demonstrated commitment to advancing the goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorship
About Department/College/Area/ Campus - Department of Crop and Soil Sciences | Washington State University
College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences | Washington State University
Location: Pullman, WA
APPLICATION PROCESS:
The deadline for submitting applications is March 16th, 2026, after which applications will be reviewed by the search committee. To apply, visit https://hrs.wsu.edu/careers/ and applications must include the following materials:
1) a cover letter,
2) a current curriculum vitae,
3) teaching statement (one page limit), and
4) research and extension statement (two page limit).
For questions about the position, contact Dr. Arron Carter, Search Committee Chair, at ahcarter@wsu.edu or 509-335-6198.
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:
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 hrs@wsu.edu.
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