The Opportunity

The Department of Plant Pathology at Washington State University invites applications for the Rosalie and Harold Rea Brown Distinguished Endowed Chair in Dryland Cropping Systems Plant Pathology. This tenured Associate or Full Professor position carries responsibilities of 60% research, 20% extension, 10% teaching, and 10% service and is supported by a $3.0 million endowment from the Rosalie and Harold Rea Brown Charitable Trust.

The successful candidate will provide leadership in research and extension addressing diseases of wheat, barley, and other dryland rotational crops such as canola, chickpea, dry pea, lentil, and camelina. The position emphasizes translational research, stakeholder engagement, and strategies that enhance the productivity, sustainability, and profitability of dryland cropping systems in Washington and the greater Pacific Northwest. The Endowed Chair will also contribute to graduate education, mentor students, collaborate across disciplines, and strengthen the visibility and impact of WSU’s Plant Pathology program.

Responsibilities

• Lead a nationally and internationally recognized research program in dryland cropping systems plant pathology
• Develop and deliver an impactful extension program aligned with stakeholder needs
• Teach and co-teach undergraduate and graduate courses in plant pathology
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students
• Collaborate with WSU faculty, USDA-ARS scientists, industry partners, and regional, national, and international researchers
• Secure extramural funding and provide professional service to the department, college, university, and scientific community

Qualifications

Required:

• Ph.D. in plant pathology or a related field
• Demonstrated leadership in research with a strong record of peer-reviewed publications
• Evidence of success in securing competitive extramural funding
• Effective communication with technical and non-technical audiences
• For Associate Professor: Minimum 6 years of post-Ph.D. experience. For Professor: Minimum 10 years of post-Ph.D. experience and national/international recognition

Preferred:

• Excellence in teaching and graduate mentoring
• Experience improving disease management in dryland cropping systems
• Ability to work effectively in diverse and collaborative environments