Chemistry, Biology and Sensory Research Internship

About the position

Join our dynamic internship program for an enriching 5-6 month experience in Chemistry, Micro and Systems Biology, and Sensory Science. Starting early to mid-summer through late fall, work alongside top scientists and technical professionals at one of our production sites. Gain invaluable technical training and professional development while supporting diverse corporate initiatives and research projects. This is a unique opportunity to advance your career in a collaborative and innovative environment. Apply now to make a meaningful impact in the alcohol beverage industry.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research to advance our foundational knowledge in grape and wine chemistry.
• Gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art analytical equipment and method development.
• Participate in team projects that elucidate chemical metrics to improve our commercial processes, product quality, and predictive sensory capabilities.
• Develop and refine methodologies to characterize aroma and mouthfeel properties of grapes and wines.
• Establish relevance of chemical metrics by modeling their relationship to sensory and grape and wine quality attributes.
• Work cross-functionally with R&D partners to establish chemical specifications for sensory attributes across the Gallo beverage portfolio.
• Employ appropriate statistical methods to analyze data and generate experimental insight.
• Assist in research and production support activities involving the chemical analyses of grapes and wine.
• Gain experience in the operation of cutting-edge analytical equipment and execution of advanced analytical methods.
• Participate in cross-functional projects which contribute to the improvement of grape growing and winemaking practices.
• Evaluate the chemical characteristics of grapes throughout their maturation process.
• Research and implement rapid and high-throughput analytical methods to measure and monitor juice and wine attributes.
• Facilitate the scale up and commercialization of research advancements in grape and wine chemistry.
• Explore sensory and product insights; past projects include new brand development, competitor assessments, wine quality monitoring, sensory-chemistry correlation, and shelf-life studies.
• Work with cross functional teams to develop, implement, and report on defined projects.
• Learn how to professionally evaluate the sensory profile of many different styles of wine.
• Develop and maintain relationships with internal sensory scientists, winemakers, chemists and other cross functional partners.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled at a college or university and working towards a Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in the School of Life Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences, or School of Engineering.
• Available for the entire duration of the internship program area(s) of interest.
• Candidate is required to have a valid driver's license, a safe driving record and reliable vehicle at the time of hire.
• Required to drive to and from varying production locations up to 25% of the time.
• Reliable transportation to and from work.
• Required to lift and move up to 40 lbs. when necessary.
• Required to work at heights of 50 feet, on tops of tanks inspecting wine surfaces when necessary.
• Required to be 21 years of age.
• Requires availability to work evenings, weekends and holidays when necessary.
• Strong applied technical skills and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Required to be 18 years or older.

Nice-to-haves

• Junior or Senior class standing at a college or university and working towards a Bachelor's degree in the School of Life Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences, or School of Engineering; OR working towards a Master's degree in the School of Life Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences, or School of Engineering.
• Excellent organizational and team skills and experience managing multiple assignments.
• Experience conducting research independently and in teams.
• Familiarity with grape, wine, spirits, and alcoholic beverage research and/or production.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.

Benefits

• Medical and dental coverage
• 401k plans
• Profit sharing
• Pet insurance
• Company holidays
• Access to an employee wine shop