James Cook Endowed Chair in Wheat Research – Weed Scientist

Washington State University • Pullman, WA

15h • $120,000 - $150,000 • Onsite

About The Position

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 researcher and instructor to join a team of scientists and extension experts in multiple disciplines, including plant pathology, plant science, soil science, entomology, and plant breeding. The James Cook Endowed Chair in Wheat Research was created by the Washington Grain Commission to support wheat research to enhance the productivity of Washington growers. This position is supported by a $2.1 million endowment from the Washington Grain Commission and allows researchers to gather preliminary data in support of competitive federal grants, along with addressing regional interests more rapidly. 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 research and instructor 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 James Cook Endowed Chair in Wheat Research Weed Scientist should research sustainable and effective weed management strategies through applied and fundamental research for weeds of significance in small grains cropping systems in the Pacific Northwest. The incumbent will develop a 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 effort to research weed biology and multifaceted control measures of weeds in small grains cropping systems. The incumbent will report to the Chair of the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. In addition to pursuing an outstanding research program, the successful candidate will be expected to advise graduate students, teach courses to undergraduate and graduate students in the area of weed science.

Requirements

• 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 research program leadership, including planning, execution, and delivery, commensurate with career level
• Demonstrated record of scholarly accomplishments in research , commensurate with career level
• 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 research program that identifie s the individual as a significant, independent contributor to their research field with the potential for national distinction . Evidence includes (but is not limited to) refereed publications, citations, externally funded grants, the presentation of papers at professional meetings, and the evaluation of the candidate’s standing in the profession by at least four external referees.
• 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 international engagement in the faculty member’s primary research area . Evidence of a national reputation includes (but is not limited to) distinction for the quality of contribution to the discipline, especially in refereed publications, citations, funded research, invitations to present papers, and the evaluation of the candidate’s standing in the profession by at least four external referees.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated knowledge of weed management systems and weed biology
• 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 weed biology

Responsibilities

• develop a nationally recognized research program in Integrated Weed Management (IWM) focused on small grain s cropping systems in Washington
• acquire competitive extramural funding from state, regional, and national agencies, and the agricultural industry to support a comprehensive research program
• disseminate information by publishing in appropriate peer-reviewed journals, delivering presentations at scientific conferences and grower meetings, and using modern communication platforms
• work collaboratively with other researchers, e xtension professionals, private crop consultants, the grower community, and other stakeholders
• serving on CSS , CAHNRS , and WSU committees
• advise graduate students
• teach courses to undergraduate and graduate students in the area of weed science

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree