POSITION TITLE: Postdoctoral Research Associate

LOCATION: The primary location of the position is the Washington State University (WSU) Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee, WA. The city of Wenatchee is located at the confluence of the Wenatchee and Columbia Rivers near the beautiful eastern foothills of the Cascade Mountains (www.wenatchee.org). Population in the greater Wenatchee area is approximately 60,000.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Department of Community and Rural Sociology at Washington State University has an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to pursue research on information dissemination, technology adoption, pesticide use, environmental stewardship, farm worker health, and industry perceptions with respect to the dissemination of integrated pest management (IPM) approaches in the Washington State tree fruit industry. Specific duties will include: evaluating pest management transition programs, measuring changes in growers' attitudes, providing leadership in the areas of assessment and documentation, conducting surveys and interviews of growers and farm workers, and preparing reports and other written documents. The position will require significant in-state travel. The proposed start date is November 5, 2007 or soon thereafter.

We seek an individual with strong interests in agricultural technology diffusion and adoption, environmental stewardship, pesticides and health, program evaluation, and both quantitative and qualitative methods. The postdoctoral research associate will be an integral part of the Department of Community and Rural Sociology (www.crs.wsu.edu) which is developing a strong programmatic focus in the Human Dimensions of Sustainability. The successful candidate will also be expected to collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of researchers associated with the WSU Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center (www.tfrec.wsu.edu), the WSU Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources (www.csanr.wsu.edu), and the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission (www.treefruitresearch.com).

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants should have completed a Ph.D. degree in rural sociology, sociology, anthropology, environmental studies, or a closely related field. Additional qualifications include: experience with survey design, management, and data analysis; experience with qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, focus groups); ability to interact with researchers, extension specialists, and others in a team environment; and excellent written and oral communication skills.

PREFERRED SKILLS: Spanish proficiency (written and oral) and knowledge of Washington's tree fruit industry are preferred, but not required.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits include health/dental insurance, vacation/sick leave, retirement plans, and access to all WSU facilities.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Please send a letter of interest, detailed curriculum vitae, and the names, e-mail addresses, and mailing addresses of three professional references to Dr. Jessica Goldberger, Department of Community and Rural Sociology, Washington State University, P.O. Box 644006, Pullman, WA 99164-4006 or jgoldberger@wsu.edu. Screening of applicants will begin on September 15, 2007 and continue until a suitable candidate is found. For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Goldberger by e-mail or at (509) 335-8540. WSU is an EEO/AA/ADD employer.