Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:
March 15, 2026If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.
Available Title(s):
1457-YN_ADMINPRO - Research InternBusiness Title:
Research InternEmployee Type:
Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term)Position Details:
The Opportunity:
As the Research Intern in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, you will be responsible for performing laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments related to wheat seed biology, specifically addressing issues such as low falling numbers, late maturity alpha-amylase (LMA), and preharvest sprouting. You will assist in research on the wheat falling numbers problem, which is caused by elevated alpha‑amylase levels resulting from environmental stress in the field. In this role, you will perform alpha‑amylase enzyme assays and falling number testing in the laboratory, prepare protein and DNA extractions from wheat tissue, and conduct greenhouse and field evaluations of wheat for LMA and preharvest sprouting. Your duties will include, but are not limited to, conducting DNA and protein preparations, running alpha‑amylase enzyme assays, performing seed germination experiments in greenhouse and laboratory settings, and coordinating temporary employees who support field, greenhouse, and laboratory work. You will also be responsible for hiring temporary student workers to assist with the project.
Additional Information:
This is a full-time (100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime eligible.
Temporary End Date: This is a temporary position expected to end on March 31st, 2027. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.
Monthly Salary: $3,379.14 - $4,862.67 | 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.
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; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.
Required Qualifications:
Positions require a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study or equivalent related field experience performing work with research, scientific or clinical research protocols. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
A bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline such as biology, chemistry, or engineering.
Incumbent must have knowledge about the use and maintenance of standard laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, pipets, balances, water baths, and incubators.
Incumbent must have experience planting, growing, and harvesting plants and plant material.
Incumbent must have knowledge of computers for the purpose of data analysis and reporting research results.
Incumbent must have knowledge of plant seed and developmental stages. Incumbent must be able to perform standard laboratory calculations, such as dilutions, molarity, and statistical analyses.
Preferred Qualifications:
At least one year of postgraduate education, or 3 or more years of research experience.
Preference will be given to candidates with experience using the Seedburo head thresher, the Udy mill for processing wheat grain, the Perten Falling Number machine, and the Chemwell-T autoanalyzer for use in performing enzyme assays.
Preference will be given to candidates with experience performing falling numbers tests, spike-wetting tests, germination assays, and LMA testing.
Experience in guiding temporary workers, in managing large field projects, or in working well within a team are desired.
Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorship
About Department/College/Area/ Campus: The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at Washington State University serves the Land Grant tradition by offering nationally competitive undergraduate and graduate education programs, conducting fundamental and applied plant and soil research, and extending the science of our disciplines to serve the public.
Area/College: College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)
Department Name: Crop and Soil Sciences
Location: Pullman, WA
Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.
1) Resume
2) Cover Letter
External candidates, upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.
Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.
Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.
Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.
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.
Time Type:
Full timePosition Term:
12 MonthWashington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.
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.
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In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.
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More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/