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Graduate Student Research Internship

Graduate Student Research Internship (Chemistry ) 

Duration: June - December 2025

Location: Modesto, CA,

Application Deadline: March 31, 2025

Are you a Master’s or PhD student with a passion for research? Join our Winegrowing Research Chemistry department and apply your knowledge in a dynamic, industrial research setting. This collaborative internship program offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and contribute to winegrowing research. We value diverse perspectives and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. Elevate your career with us and make a significant impact on the future of winegrowing.

A Taste of What You’ll Do

  • 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.
  • Modeling the relationship of products chemistry to sensory attributes.
  • 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. Interns may travel to other production sites.
  • Assisting in the set-up of laboratory, pilot scale, or production experiments.

What You’ll Need

  • Currently enrolled at a college or university and working towards a Master's or PhD OR have obtained a Master's or PhD 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).
  • 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.
  • Reliable transportation to and from work.
  • Required to lift and move up to 40 lbs. when necessary.
  • Required to work overtime, including evenings, weekends and holidays when necessary.
  • Required to be 21 years of age or older.
  • 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

  • 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.