Job Details

Job Description Summary

The Wine and Viticulture Department within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California is seeking a motivated individual able to conduct industry trainings in sensory analysis and applied research panels in wine sensory analysis and related projects. The successful candidate is expected to perform his/her duties within the Justin and J. Lohr Center for Wine and Viticulture including the E. & J. Gallo Family Building (J. Lohr Sensory Lab) and the Lohr Family Winery. Qualified candidates should be in possession of a BS degree in Wine and Viticulture, Enology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science, Horticulture, Sensory science, or any related fields. The candidate should have prior experience in data analysis, basic statistics, and be interested in the areas of sensory science and multivariate data analysis. Qualified candidates should be proficient in English to perform the training of sensory descriptive panels but also to host industry trainings and events focusing on sensory analysis and to be able to effectively interact with panelists and industry representatives. Candidates with a background or prior experience in winemaking, wine tasting, and/or wine service would be preferred. 

The selected candidate will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Federico Casassa and will be required to host industry events and trainings and perform applied sensory research work for Faculty working in the wine sensory Analysis field pending approval of Dr. Casassa or the Department Head.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Wine and Viticulture, Enology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science, Horticulture, Sensory science, or related fields 
• Demonstrated ability to maintain analytical instrumentation, including sensory cabinets, scales, and handle chemical food-grade and non-food grade supplies
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality
• Strong data analysis abilities are desired.  Experience working with large data sets
• Ability to work independently in the Sensory and Research labs, and in the Lohr Family winery, when required
• Desire to work with grapes and wines, including grape sampling, harvest, winemaking work (when needed) 
• Ability to assist the industry partners and researchers in developing relevant field/lab projects pertinent to the research questions
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills to interact with students, colleagues and industry partners
• Demonstrated ability to work in teams and independently
• Desire to mentor undergraduate and graduate students
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance
• Possession of a valid California Driver`s License and satisfactory driving record
• A background check is required for all regular benefited positions
• The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter` under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment

Physical Demands

• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone
• Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrist to operate a computer keyboard and advance analytical equipment, as well as to manipulate wine samples
• Seeing to read a variety of materials
• Sitting or standing for extended period of time

Typical Essential Functions

• Manage the daily operation of the J. Lohr Sensory Lab and help with the administrative tasks in the Sensory Laboratory Management: order supplies, maintain Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs), and coordinate research projects, reporting directly to Dr. Casassa
• Host Industry events, panels and trainings in the sensory analysis field
• Work and curate the J. Lohr Sensory Lab while conducting research activities in partnership with Bachelor and Master Students and industry partners 
• Collaborate with various industry and research projects, including practical viticultural and winemaking tasks
• Generate ideas for sensory-driven research projects and industry training
• Help and assist undergraduate and graduate students for their research projects: design and execute experiments, analyze data, and support the completion of senior projects and Master thesis
• Help and assist any wine industry partners to design and execute experiments
• Assist in teaching/lecturing/lab preparation of undergraduate courses in sensory analysis related areas, if needed such as WVIT 442 Sensory Evaluation of Wine and WVIT 477 Advanced Sensory Analysis
• Assist in the compilation of data and results for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Assist in diffusing the published research to the wine industry through a newsletter and/or an Industry Field Day
• Work with collaborators from other laboratories and industry by consulting on the design of their projects, executing the sensory part and reporting on the results
• Train undergraduate and graduate students on experimental design, sensory methods, data analysis, laboratory techniques and instruments
• Help and assist any wine industry partners to train their staff in the sensory analysis field in developing experimental design, exposing them to sensory methods, data analysis, laboratory techniques and instruments
• Holding public training sessions
• Knowledge of R, FIZZ and RedJade software would be desired, but not required
• Perform other duties assigned

Special Instructions to Applicants

Cal Poly Partners provides excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, paid sick leave/vacation and 14 holidays.

Employees are eligible to participate in the CPC Medical Insurance Plan offered through the California Public Employees` Retirement System (CalPERS). Employees have different plans from which to choose including HMOs and PPOs. The coverage includes the employee, his/her dependents, or domestic partner. The CPC covers a large portion of the medical premium for the employee and eligible dependents.

All employees are members of the California Public Employees` Retirement System (CalPERS) and will contribute to their retirement; these contributions can be refunded if the employee terminates prior to retirement.

Please visit our website for additional benefits information.
https://www.calpolycorporation.org/resources/business-services/human-resources/benefits/

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, educational and employment verification, and reference check, as required.

The California State University system (CSU) requires that students, faculty, and any employees of organizations who access campus, or any CSU facilities, to be either fully vaccinated or qualify for a medical or religious exemption. Please note if you are chosen for a position with the Cal Poly Corporation you will be asked to fill out a Vaccine Attestation once you are hired. This attestation will ask if you are vaccinated or asking for a medical or religious exemption.

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