Research Associate - Microbiology

Overview

We are a family‑owned company with a 90+ year legacy, consistently recognized as a Glassdoor “Best Places to Work.” We have more than 130 brands across the alcohol beverage portfolio, including wine, malt, spirits, and ready‑to‑drink beverages. We are home to the #1 wine and spirits brands in the U.S. – Barefoot Wine & High Noon – and are the official sponsors of the NFL, NHL, UFC, and PGA of America.

Our corporate values and mission are built on a commitment to innovation, inclusion, and the pursuit of excellence.

Do you find the science behind fermentation as fascinating as the wine in the glass? We’re looking for a Research Associate 1 – Microbiology to join our winemaking research team and help shape the future of how great wine is made. In this role, you’ll work alongside senior researchers to plan and execute experiments that directly improve our winemaking processes. Your focus will be applied microbiology – isolating and developing novel yeast and bacteria strains, evaluating their fermentative performance, and using molecular biology techniques such as PCR, nucleic acid isolation and sequence analysis to deepen our understanding of fermentation at the genetic level.

You’ll collect and analyze data, apply statistical methods to uncover meaningful insights, and translate your findings into technical reports and presentations.

Your work won’t stay in the lab. You’ll support trials at both pilot and commercial winery scales, contribute to real process improvements, and take ownership of projects at our site wineries. Day‑to‑day, you’ll also help keep our research running smoothly by maintaining microbial strain collections, managing lab supplies and equipment, preparing media, and mentoring interns as they develop their skills.

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, cellular biology, or biology.
• Experience with standard and advanced microbiology techniques, including media preparation, aseptic technique, or yeast propagation and maintenance.
• Experience with standard and advanced molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA isolation and purification, amplification or visualization.
• Required to lift and move up to 35 pounds occasionally.
• Required to travel to company offices, sites, and/or meeting locations up to 5 % of the time.
• Required to be 18 years or older.

• 2 years of lab experience with a bachelor’s degree in the related fields.
• Experience conducting molecular biology experiments such as DNA/RNA isolation, DNA sequence analysis, qPCR and rt‑PCR.
• Experience with HTS phenotypic, biochemical assays, flow cytometry, and directed evolution for strain improvement.
• Fundamental knowledge of the biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry of yeast and bacteria associated with winemaking.
• Familiarity with primary and secondary fermentation processes.
• Understanding of enzyme function in biological processes and their application in winemaking.
• Demonstrated mathematical background.
• Experience reading, analyzing, and interpreting technical reports and professional journals.
• Experience writing reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Experience presenting information and responding to questions from peers, managers, and customers.
• Experience using basic software such as MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience applying advanced statistical and mathematical concepts and software to data analysis (R, Python, etc.).
• Experience with mathematical operations such as frequency distribution, reliability and validity, ANOVA, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.
• Experience working outside normal working hours, including weekends.

We are committed to providing competitive compensation, perks, and a culture that supports your well–being. Benefits may include medical and dental coverage, 401(k) 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 Company does not sponsor employment‑based visas for this position now or in the future.
• Actual compensation…