Chemistry, Biology and Sensory Research Internship

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Chemistry, Micro and Systems Biology and Sensory Research Internship

Duration: June-December 2025

Location: Modesto, CA

Application Deadline: December 1, 2024

• Applications will not be reviewed until the posting close date.
  
  

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.

Placement Opportunities

• Chemistry Research Interns conduct research that progress our foundational knowledge in grape & wine chemistry and linkages to product quality and sensory attributes.
• Research Applications Interns assist in chemical analyses of grapes and wine and associated method optimization to support production harvest decisions and research functions.
• Micro and Systems Biology Interns assist with the characterization of genetic interactions between grapes and yeast, the biotransformation of aroma and mouthfeel compounds during fermentation, as well as the evaluation of novel processing technologies in the winemaking process.
• Product Insights and Sensory Operations (PISO) Interns will assist in work related to product research to understand consumers’ product preferences, descriptive panels and discrimination testing for understanding product differentiation.
  
  

Chemistry Research

A Taste of What You’ll Do

• 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.
  
  

Research Applications

A Taste of What You’ll Do

• 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.
  
  

Micro And Systems Biology

A Taste of What You’ll Do

• Use a multi-disciplinary approach to study the biology of yeast, bacteria and grapevines in order to better understand biochemical pathways contributing to wine sensory attributes at the molecular level.
• Studies the effects of yeast, bacteria, and enzymes on winemaking processes, wine composition and sensory attributes.
• Assist in research focused on the characterization of interactions between grapes and yeast, the biotransformation of aroma and mouthfeel compounds during fermentation, as well as the evaluation of novel processing technologies in the winemaking process.
• Perform molecular biology laboratory techniques including the extraction of nucleic acids from grapes and yeast.
• Perform microbiological techniques including isolation, identification, directed evolution, and maintenance of yeast strains.
• Perform gene expression analysis (qpcr), nucleic acid electrophoresis and sequence analysis.
• Evaluate the performance of yeast strains and characterize wine sensory compounds produced during primary and secondary fermentations.
• Evaluate novel grape and wine processing technologies and their effects on product differentiation.
  
  

Product Insights & Sensory Operations

A Taste of What You’ll Do

• Explore sensory and product insights; past projects include new brand development, competitor assessments, wine quality monitoring, sensory-chemistry correlation, and shelf-life studies.
• Product development of new brands and line extensions, varietal-specific category reviews, competitor assessments, wine style quality monitoring, correlating sensory to chemistry, 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.
• Produce written/oral presentations of methodology, activities, and results of project work.
  
  

What You’ll Need

• Currently enrolled at a college or university and working towards a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree OR have obtained a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in the following areas: School of Life Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences, or School of Engineering (Business or social sciences degrees are not eligible for this internship, such as ag business, psychology, etc).
• 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 (if applicable) at the time of hire. This position will undergo a motor vehicle check (MVR) to confirm a history of safe and responsible driving. If needed, candidate must obtain the appropriate state driver’s license based on the position’s location within 30 days 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. This may be in addition to other age requirements, if applicable, as listed in this job description.
  
  

How You’ll Stand Out

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

Compensation

To view a full job description, please click here.

• Hiring Salary Range Posted: $22.50 - $26.00 / hour
  
  

Our Benefits & Perks

We are committed to providing competitive compensation, perks, and a work-life balance supporting your well-being. Benefits depend on your work category and may include medical and dental coverage, 401k plans, profit sharing, pet insurance, company holidays, access to an employee wine shop, and more! Additional information will be provided before your first interview.

The Fine Print

• Gallo does not sponsor for employment-based visas for this position now or in the future.
• Actual compensation paid within the range will be determined by factors such as the education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.
• In addition to the salary, this position may be eligible for bonuses and incentive plans, as applicable.
• This position will be based in the location(s) specified in the job posting and requires working on-site with no telecommuting option. You will be expected to live within a commutable distance.
  
  

Requisition ID: 104924

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