Anticipated

Postdoctoral Scholar, Ion Mobility High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Grape and wine analysis relies on chromatography and mass spectrometry (MS). Most current methods use unit-resolution MS, and a few use high-resolution MS (HRMS). This project adds ion mobility and data science to extend what grape and wine analysis can resolve and identify.

My lab in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis anticipates a postdoctoral opening in early 2027. The initial appointment is two years. The lab is exploring next-generation techniques for wine analytical and flavor chemistry, including ion mobility HRMS (IM-HRMS) for compound identification and quantitation.

The postdoctoral scholar will develop LC-IM-HRMS methods, with GC-based methods where needed, build collision cross section (CCS) reference data for volatile and nonvolatile wine compounds, and use them to identify compounds that shape flavor.

This project seeks an exceptional candidate. A rank above postdoctoral scholar may be considered based on qualifications and experience.

What the Position Offers click to openclick to close

• Hands-on research with LC-IM-HRMS, with independent projects and publications
• Grant writing and student mentoring experience
• Work in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis, close to Napa Valley and other major California wine regions

Responsibilities click to openclick to close

• Develop and validate LC-IM-HRMS methods for wine
• Apply data science, including statistical and chemometric methods, to untargeted IM-HRMS datasets
• Publish and present results
• Communicate results to external stakeholders

Qualifications click to openclick to close

• PhD in analytical chemistry, food chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field, completed or expected by the start date
• Hands-on HRMS experience, preferably LC-HRMS
• Strongly preferred: ion mobility experience (drift tube, traveling wave, trapped, or cyclic IMS)
• Data processing and statistics skills, with R, Python, or equivalent
• Publications or the research statement must demonstrate capability in HRMS, MS, IM, data science, or related techniques
• First-author publications in peer-reviewed journals (required)
• Required: strong interpersonal skills and work ethic, with the ability to work independently, with students, and with external stakeholders
• Wine, beverage, or flavor chemistry background is a plus

To Express Interest click to openclick to close

Send the following to [email protected]:

• Brief statement of research experience and interest
• Short statement of your understanding of IM or HRMS in analytical chemistry
• CV with publication list (publications are required for this position)

Publications or the research statement must demonstrate your capability in HRMS, MS, IM, data science, or related techniques.

Internal and external candidates may express interest now. Initial replies will go to suitable candidates after their experience is reviewed. The formal posting will follow. References will be requested at a later stage. UC Davis is an equal opportunity employer.

Active

Teaching Assistant Positions, Enology

Teach wine chemistry and wine stability in the lab, and build your teaching experience at UC Davis.

Two paid TAships are expected to open for the Spring and Fall quarters, supporting two enology lab courses: Wine Chemistry and Analysis and Wine Stability. Both TAships are offered yearly. Duties will include leading hands-on lab sections, grading, and holding office hours.

This opening is limited to current UC Davis students. If you're interested, please express your interest ahead of the formal TA assignment process so we can discuss the courses and your background.

Qualifications click to openclick to close

• Currently enrolled UC Davis PhD or master's student
• Hands-on experience with lab techniques used in wine analysis
• Solid grounding in chemistry principles
• Working knowledge of statistics
• Prior TA or tutoring experience preferred, and would make an applicant more competitive
• Comfortable working with undergraduates in a lab setting

To Express Interest click to openclick to close

Send the following to [email protected]:

• Brief statement of interest
• Relevant coursework or experience

Anticipated

PhD Student Position, Wine Chemistry

Study how specific compounds in grapes and wine give rise to the flavor and aroma we perceive.

A funded PhD student position is expected to open in my lab in 2027, focused on the chemistry of wine flavor and aroma. The search will stay open until the position is filled.

Candidates who have finished, or are finishing, a degree in chemistry, food science, enology, or a related field are encouraged to reach out before the graduate admissions cycle is underway, so we can discuss the project and your background. Applicants from outside the U.S. may apply.

Candidates are encouraged to apply for graduate admission at UC Davis through the Food Science or Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry graduate group. Please note that I am not able to offer admission. What I can offer is the opportunity to work on a funded project in my lab. For detailed admission requirements and timelines, please consult UC Davis Graduate Studies.

Qualifications click to openclick to close

• BS or MS in chemistry, food science, enology, or a related field
• Coursework or research experience in analytical chemistry preferred
• Familiarity with GC-MS and/or LC-MS is a plus, but not required
• Strong interest in flavor and aroma chemistry
• Self-motivated, with a drive to develop independent research skills
• Plan to apply to the Food Science or Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry graduate group at UC Davis

To Inquire click to openclick to close

Send the following to [email protected]:

• CV or resume
• Brief statement of interest
• Unofficial transcript, if available
• Publications, if any (not required, but a plus) Relevant publications, if any. Not required, but welcome, and they can strengthen an application

Initial replies will go to candidates who meet the criteria above. Thank you for your understanding.

Anticipated Closing soon

Postdoctoral Scholar, Wine Chemistry and Grape Biochemistry

Study how changing climate conditions affect grape biochemistry and wine chemistry, using GC-MS and LC-MS.

A funded postdoctoral position is anticipated expected to start at the end of 2026, contingent on the outcome of a grant application. The position focuses on wine chemistry and grape biochemistry under changing climate conditions, including the identification and characterization of flavor-active compounds in grapes and wine.

Candidates with a background in analytical chemistry, flavor or aroma chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related field are encouraged to reach out now. Early contact allows time to discuss fit and project direction before funding is confirmed.who wish to be considered should reach out promptly. International applicants are welcome.

Responsibilities click to openclick to close

• Extract biometabolites from grape and wine samples
• Analyze extracts using GC-MS and LC-MS, including method development
• Identify and characterize flavor-active compounds
• Interpret compositional differences in relation to climate conditions
• Publish and present results

Qualifications click to openclick to close

• PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, food science, enology, or a related field
• Strong experience in both GC-MS and LC-MS, including method development
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and manage a project

To Inquire click to openclick to close

Send the following to [email protected]:

• CV
• Brief statement of interest
• Publication list