Scientific Assistant

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:

January 14, 2026

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s):

1161-YN_ADMINPRO - Scientific Assistant

Business Title:

Scientific Assistant

Employee Type:

Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term)

Position Details:

The Opportunity:

As a Scientific Assistant, you will conduct biological research focused on engineering valuable plant metabolites to improve crop agronomic traits and support biofuel and industrial applications. You will design, execute, and coordinate biochemical, molecular, and cell-biological experiments related to plant metabolism. In addition, you will record, analyze, and interpret experimental data under the guidance of senior researchers. Your role will also include supervising and coordinating research activities involving graduate and undergraduate students. You will collaborate closely with WSU researchers, external partners, and students to optimize experimental procedures, troubleshoot research challenges, and contribute to the overall advancement of project objectives.

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 December 31, 2026. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Monthly Salary: $3,750.85 - $5,397.56 | Zone 1 Grade 3

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. For additional information, please review WSU’s Administrative Professional Compensation Structure.

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:

• A Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline and three (3) years of progressively responsible related professional research experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. A Master’s degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline may be substituted for up to one year of the required work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in techniques associated with any one of the following: plant genetic engineering, plant management, biochemical analysis, protein purification, microscopy imaging, and molecular cloning.

Area/College: College of Agricultural , Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)

Department Name: Institute of Biological Chemistry | Washington State University (wsu.edu)

City, State, Zip: Pullman WA 99163

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,