Title:

1127-YN_ADMINPRO - Research Supervisor

Business Title:

Research Supervisor

Additional Titles:

Location:

WSU PULLMAN CAMPUS

Employee Type:

Admin. Professional

Job Family:

Administrative Professional - OT Eligible

Position Details:

Summary of Duties:

Coordinate and perform greenhouse and field-based research activities for wheat breeding and genetics program. Design, establish and maintain experiments to evaluate soil borne disease and other environmental factors impacting wheat growth. Ensure quality control and suggest improvements to experimental procedures. Assist in preparation of journal publications and progress reports. Maintain long term seed inventory. Apply pesticide and fertilizer as needed to ensure quality crop growth or meet experimental conditions. Maintain specialized greenhouse and small field plot equipment. Supervise temporary personnel. Maintain safe working environment. Participate in team research involving graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and other regional breeding programs.

55% | Research

• Participate in the development and design of research projects, hypotheses, protocols, experiments, techniques and procedures.

• Analyze and evaluate current methodologies and modify or adapt to fit research project goals.

• Independently conduct research by applying established or modified methods. Contribute to research reporting, including reports and peer reviewed publications.

15% | Data

• Input data into data management systems.

• Implement improved research methodologies. Provide input and assist development of research projects and grant applications.

• Develop summaries to include in annual reports, grant applications, and variety release publications.

• Assist in overseeing expenditures.

10% | Laboratory Operations

• Design, establish and maintain experiments to evaluate soil borne disease and other environmental factors impacting wheat growth in greenhouse and field laboratories.

• Prepare inoculum for field and greenhouse experiments.

• Develop and use disease rating systems to evaluate plant response to soil born disease.

• Maintain long term seed inventory.

• Apply pesticide and fertilizer as needed to ensure quality crop growth or meet experimental conditions.

10% | Research Support

• Plan and organize the logistics of research projects, prepare equipment and purchase supplies, develop and implement experimental protocols and establish cooperative programs with other research units.

• Modify or provide specifications to improve experimental equipment.

• Provide technical knowledge on research and equipment issues. Maintain research equipment, recommend, and source new equipment when needed.

• Support development of program and project ideas and preparing of proposals and marketing materials to obtain support and funding.

5% | Supervision and Training

• Supervise student workers, interns and part time help.

• Supervise temporary personnel in the use, operation, calibration, and maintenance of project equipment.

• Instruct faculty and staff in the safe use of research equipment.

• Consult with scientists or technical personnel outside the wheat breeding program concerning interdisciplinary projects.

5% | Other

• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline and five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience which has included at least one (1) year of lead or supervisory experience. A Masters degree in an appropriate related discipline may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience exclusive of the lead or supervisory experience.

• Obtain or have a valid public operators pesticide license; first-aid certification; worker protection safety certification; valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to plan and execute complex agricultural research experiments;

• Effectively communicate, both orally and in writing; 

• Coordinate and facilitate work activities of a complex biological research project in a timely and efficient manner; operate computers; perform and apply standard statistical methods and analysis;

• Skills in propagation of plants and assessing plants for disease symptoms;

• Skill in operation and repair/maintenance of field research equipment.

Additional Information:

Area/College:

College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)

Department Name:

Department of Crop and Soil Sciences

City, State, Zip:

Pullman, WA 99164

Department Link:

https://css.wsu.edu/

Monthly Salary:

$4,061.90 - $6,092.84

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. For more information regarding Administrative Professional (AP) Compensation at Washington State University (WSU), please visit the following website: https://hrs.wsu.edu/managers/classification-compensation/ap-compensation-structure/.
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 and optional supplemental retirement accounts.
For a more detailed summary of benefits offered by WSU for AP staff visit: https://hrs.wsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2022-Benefit-Overview-for-Faculty-and-AP.pdf. Find total compensation information here: https://hrs.wsu.edu/managers/recruitment-toolkit/total-compensation/.

FTE:

100%

Position Type:

This temporary position is set to end twelve (12) months from start date. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Posting Close Date:

Applicants must submit their completed application by February 20, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.

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.

Application Instructions:

Applicants must attach the following documents to their online application: 1) resume and 2) cover letter. Applicants are required to include contact information for professional references within the application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.  

Required Documents:

1) Resume

2) Cover Letter

Time Type:

Full time

Position Term:

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

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 .