The Research Educational Program is a unique program in partnership with universities and E. & J. Gallo Winery. The Research Educational Program is a 2 to 6 months program based out of E. & J. Gallo’s headquarters in Modesto, California. This program is part of a research collaboration that offers the opportunity for PhD students to apply their knowledge on chemistry analysis methods into the E. & J. Gallo Winegrowing Research department. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands on experience in an industrial research environment and increase your skill base for future employment. Specifically, the intern will assist in projects focused on:

•      Evaluating the chemical characteristics of grapes throughout their maturation process.

•      Implementing rapid chemical methods to measure and monitor juice and wine attributes at the winery.

•      Using advanced analytical instrumentation (e.g. HPLC, GC-MS, FTIR, GPC, IC and ITC) to perform chemical analyses to characterize grapes, fermentations, and wines.

•      Using computer software to statistically analyze data.

•      Working in a production setting during harvest. This can include harvesting experimental grapes in the vineyard, operating grape processing equipment, taking samples from tanks in the winery and analyzing grape and wine quality.

•      Assisting in the set-up of laboratory, pilot scale, or production experiments. 

•      High school diploma or State-issued equivalency certificate.

•      Currently enrolled at a University and working towards a PhD in the school of Life Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, or Engineering.

•      Strong applied technical skills and analytical problem-solving skills.

•      Good oral and written communication skills.

•      Candidates for this position must have a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record. Required to obtain a California driver’s license or appropriate state driver’s license within 30 days of hire.

•      Reliable transportation to and from work.

•      Required to lift and move up to 40 lbs. when necessary.

•      The position requires availability to work overtime, including evenings, weekends and holidays when necessary.

•      Hands-on experience with quantitative analytical chemistry using chromatographic techniques, including HPLC or GC-MS.

•      Hands-on experience with method development and validation using advanced analytical instruments such as GPC and ITC

•      Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills.

•      Excellent organizational skills and experience managing multiple assignments. Self-motivated with a passion for research.

•      Willingness to work at heights of up to 50 feet, on tops of tanks inspecting wine surfaces when necessary.

•      Required to lift and move up to 40 lbs. when necessary.

•      Willingness to work under conditions that can include hot & cool temperatures, insects, and being in an industrial plant environment.

•      Willingness to travel and perform short term tasks at out of town winery and vineyard sites.

•      Willingness to drive company truck and commercial van to transport grape and wine samples to different Gallo facilities.