Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:
November 16, 2026 If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.
Available Title(s):
180-NN_FACULTY - Extension Assistant Professor - Career, 180-YN_FACULTY - Extension Assistant Professor - Career
Business Title:
Cereal Variety Assistant Professor
Employee Type:
Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)
Position Term:
12 Month
Position Details:
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Washington State University (WSU) Department of Crop and Soil Sciences (CSS) in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) invites applicants to lead the Cereal Variety Testing Program (VTP).
This is a full-time, 12-month, career-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Cereal Variety Testing Program Lead will manage the field, laboratory, and data operations necessary to evaluate commercially relevant small-grain varieties, including winter and spring wheat and barley, across diverse agroecological conditions in central and eastern Washington. The position plays a central role in supporting growers, industry partners, seed stakeholders, and breeding programs through scientifically robust variety performance data and Extension outreach.
Primary responsibilities include planning, planting, managing, and harvesting multi-location field variety trials; supervising technical staff and seasonal field crews; and ensuring accurate and timely collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of agronomic and quality performance data. The position coordinates equipment, facilities, and logistical operations associated with field research activities and works closely with WSU breeding programs, USDA-ARS colleagues, other public- and private-sector partners, experiment stations, growers, and commodity organizations. The faculty member is responsible for maintaining program budgets, grant and contract reporting, and compliance with applicable safety and research standards.
As part of the Dryland Extension Team, the faculty member will disseminate research results through written publications, online platforms, field days, grower meetings, Extension events, and stakeholder consultations. Additional responsibilities include developing and maintaining strong relationships with producer groups and agricultural industry organizations, participating in advisory committees, and contributing to Extension and outreach materials that support decision-making in Washington grain production systems.
The position includes 25% Research and Scholarship, with an expectation to develop and participate in applied research projects that complement and enhance the Cereal Variety Testing Program. The position does not include a formal teaching requirement but may provide opportunities for guest lectures and mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students and interns.
The successful candidate will be expected to pursue and maintain extramural funding from the Washington Grain Commission and other sources to support program activities.
Additional Information:
Annual Salary: $75,000.00 - $90,000 | 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 Crop Science, Agronomy, or a closely related field at…