Washington State University – Department of Horticulture: Stone Fruit Breeder Geneticist

The Department of Horticulture at Washington State University is seeking a candidate to lead the stone fruit breeding and genetics program with emphasis on the development of new sweet cherry cultivars specifically suited to production in the Pacific Northwest. This 12-month, tenured or tenure-track full-time faculty position as Assistant or Associate Professor begins January 1, 2018, or as negotiated, at the Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Prosser, Washington. Responsibilities include: Developing a nationally and internationally recognized sweet cherry breeding program that addresses priority needs of the Washington and Oregon sweet cherry industry, acquisition of competitive extramural funding to support a collaborative and comprehensive program in cherry breeding; extensive contributions to scholarly literature that advance the understanding of Prunus genetics; teaching undergraduate and graduate students in the area of crop breeding and genetics; and collaborating with state, federal, private research, and extension personnel to strengthen the reputation of an interdisciplinary, world-class tree fruit breeding, genetics, and genomics team at WSU. Required: PhD in horticulture or a related plant science discipline at the date of hire, evidence of ability to lead and manage a plant breeding program, and demonstrated record of scholarly accomplishments commensurate with career level (Candidates applying for this position at the associate professor rank must have an equivalent of 6 years experience in an assistant-rank position or equivalent position(s) with an established record of accomplishments in program leadership, scholarship and extramural funding commensurate with the associate rank). Screening of application materials begins September 1, 2017, and will continue until position is filled. Applications must include a cover letter; current curriculum vita; statement of vision and goals that also describes how your qualifications align with the responsibilities of the stone fruit breeder position; electronic copies of graduate program academic transcripts; and names and contact information for four professional references. Reference letters will be requested for the finalists. The cover letter should address, in distinct sections, all of the required and preferred qualifications for the position (including your areas of expertise and research interests). Please contact Dr. N. Richard Knowles, Search Committee Chair, at rknowles@wsu.edu, 509-335-3451 for questions about this position. To apply visit www.wsujobs.com. (Search #125368). For additional information on Washington State University, CAHNRS or the Department of Horticulture, visit wsu.edu, cahnrs.wsu.edu and horticulture.wsu.edu. EEO/AA/ADA.