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Are you currently enrolled at UC Davis?
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What is your current degree level?
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Are you looking for a paid position or academic credit?
Your Path
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate researchers gain hands-on experience in wine flavor chemistry through participation in active research projects. Students commit 10-15 hours per week to projects involving volatile extraction, mass spectrometry analysis, chemometric data processing, and sensory evaluation.
Duration
Flexible - min. 2 consecutive quarters
Time Commitment
10-15 hrs/week academic year; full-time available in summer
Funding
Paid positions, academic credit, or volunteer
Requirement
Enrolled at UC Davis, GPA ≥ 3.0, introductory chemistry
- Enrolled undergraduate student at UC Davis in good academic standing
- Completed introductory coursework in chemistry
- Minimum cumulative GPA 3.0
- Available for consistent weekly schedule during academic quarters
- Interest in analytical chemistry, flavor science, or wine chemistry research
- Paid research assistant positions: hourly positions (10-15 hrs/week) on funded research projects with stipend support
- Academic credit research: enrollment in independent study courses for directed research under faculty supervision
- Volunteer research experience: unpaid positions for students exploring research interests before committing to paid or credit positions
- Training in GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, and high-resolution mass spectrometry operation and data interpretation
- Hands-on experience with solid-phase microextraction, liquid-liquid extraction, and sample preparation workflows
- Direct mentorship from Dr. Chen, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers
- Opportunities for co-authorship on peer-reviewed publications and presentations at regional or national conferences
- Foundation for competitive graduate school applications or careers in analytical chemistry, flavor science, food chemistry, or wine industry
- Quantification of smoke marker compounds in wildfire-exposed grapes and wines
- Volatile profiling of regional wines to establish terroir signatures
- Method validation for sulfur compound analysis in aged wines
- Optimization of extraction protocols for aroma precursors
- Data processing and chemometric analysis of large metabolomics datasets
Email Dr. Chen at [email protected] with the following:
Current CV including cumulative GPA, relevant coursework (chemistry, biology, statistics), and previous research or laboratory experience
Research interest statement (250-300 words) describing:
Specific aspects of wine chemistry or analytical mass spectrometry that interest you
Relevant coursework or experiences that prepared you for this work
Career goals and how this research aligns with your objectives
Weekly availability (specific days/times) and preferred start quarter
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Academic year: 10-15 hours per week across 2-3 scheduled blocks during regular quarters
- Summer research: part- or full-time positions (40 hrs/week) available for intensive research experiences, typically 8-10 weeks
- Minimum commitment: two consecutive academic quarters to complete meaningful project components
Do I need prior research experience?
No prior research experience is required. Motivation, reliability, and genuine interest in the work matter more than prior experience.
Can I earn both credit and payment?
In most cases, students receive either academic credit or a paid position, not both simultaneously. Discuss your situation with Dr. Chen.
What happens if I need to reduce hours during midterms or finals?
Temporary schedule adjustments during exam periods are understood and can be arranged in advance with your supervising graduate student or Dr. Chen.
Can international students apply?
Yes. International students enrolled at UC Davis are eligible. Paid positions may have additional requirements depending on visa status - confirm with the UC Davis International Services Office.
Preferred Majors
Viticulture and Enology, Chemistry, Food Science, Biological Sciences, or related STEM majors. Students from other majors with strong chemistry backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Pre-Viticulture and Enology Students
Research experience strengthens graduate school applications and provides exposure to analytical research careers in wine science.
Considering Graduate School?
Research experience with publication opportunities significantly strengthens applications to chemistry, food science, and viticulture graduate programs.
Interested in Viticulture and Enology?
Learn about the major or explore VEN courses.
Your Path
M.S. Graduate Student
M.S. students conduct thesis research in wine flavor chemistry and analytical mass spectrometry, investigating how environmental conditions, viticultural practices, and fermentation parameters regulate flavor-active metabolite profiles.
Duration
2 years (6 academic quarters)
Degree
M.S.
Funding
Competitive - TA/RA, fellowships, stipend
Requirement
Bachelor's in enology, viticulture, chemistry, food science, or related STEM
- Enrolled or admitted M.S. student at UC Davis in Viticulture and Enology, Chemistry, Food Science, or related programs
- Bachelor's degree in enology, viticulture, chemistry, food science, biological sciences, or related STEM field
- Minimum cumulative GPA 3.0 (competitive applicants typically ≥3.5)
- Demonstrated interest in analytical chemistry, flavor science, or wine chemistry through coursework, research experience, or professional work
- Laboratory experience in analytical techniques preferred but not required for motivated students
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- 2 years (6 academic quarters)
- Year 1: Coursework completion, literature review, preliminary data collection, formation of thesis committee
- Year 2: Primary data collection and analysis, manuscript preparation, thesis writing
- Teaching assistantships: 25-50% time appointments with tuition remission and stipend
- Research assistantships: supported through faculty research grants when available, including tuition and stipend
- Fellowships: competitive internal fellowships and external awards (ADEV scholarships, industry fellowships)
- Graduate student researcher positions: hourly appointments on active research projects subject to funding availability
- Course credit: research units (VEN 299) count toward degree requirement
- Students typically combine funding sources. Not all students receive full financial support - discuss funding availability during application process.
Students develop theses in the following areas:
Analytical method development
Validated GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, and HRMS methods for quantification of volatile and non-volatile flavor compounds in complex wine matrices
Environmental chemistry
Climate impacts, smoke exposure quantification, vineyard management effects on grape and wine metabolite profiles
Fermentation biochemistry
Yeast strain effects, fermentation impacts on wine flavor quality
Post-harvest chemistry
Storage conditions, processing operations, aging regimes on volatile evolution
Theses are developed collaboratively based on student interests, funding priorities, and industry needs.
Technical Expertise
- Advanced training in GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and complementary analytical techniques
- Method validation and validation reporting following FDA/ICH guidelines
- Metabolite extraction, derivatization, and sample preparation for complex matrices
- Chemometric data analysis, multivariate statistics, and metabolomics workflows
- Literature evaluation methodology and statistical analysis of sensory data
Professional Skills
- Experimental design for hypothesis testing
- Scientific writing for peer-reviewed publication
- Oral presentation at regional and national conferences
- Grant proposal development
- Direct mentorship from Dr. Chen on research design, execution, and career planning
- Collaboration with industry partners and academic researchers
Career Preparation
- Competitive foundation for PhD programs in analytical chemistry, food science, or viticulture/enology
- Qualification for analytical chemist, flavor scientist, or research scientist positions in food, beverage, or fragrance industries
- Technical expertise for wine industry quality control, research and development, or production roles
Written Thesis
- 60-80 pages including literature review, experimental methods, results and discussion, conclusions
- At least one manuscript-quality chapter suitable for peer-reviewed publication
- Formatted according to UC Davis graduate group requirements
Publication Expectations
- Students pursue peer-reviewed publication of thesis research
- Co-authorship on manuscripts with major professor and collaborating researchers
- Presentation at regional or national conferences (ASEV, ACS, ASMS)
Step 1: Apply to the UC Davis M.S. program in Viticulture and Enology (or related program)
Step 2: Contact Dr. Chen at [email protected] to discuss research opportunities and thesis projects
Required Documents
- Current CV with relevant coursework (analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, statistics), research experience, and publications/presentations
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of purpose addressing:
Specific research interests in wine flavor chemistry or analytical mass spectrometryRelevant academic and research backgroundCareer goals and how the MS program aligns with your objectivesWhy Chen Lab specifically (mention specific projects or publications)Intended start term (Fall, Winter, or Spring quarter)
What is the difference between MS and PhD in your lab?
MS students complete a 2-year thesis project with structured mentorship. PhD students develop independent research programs over 4-5 years with greater autonomy and multiple publication expectations.
Do I need prior wine industry experience?
No. Enthusiasm for wine chemistry and strong analytical chemistry background are more important than wine-specific experience.
Can I work part-time while completing my MS?
Limited outside employment is possible with 25% TA appointments. Full research assistantships (50%) typically preclude additional employment due to time commitments.
What are typical career outcomes?
Recent graduates have pursued PhD programs at R1 institutions, analytical positions in the beverage and wine industry R&D departments, and entered quality control and lab management roles.
How competitive is admission?
We typically accept 1-2 MS students per year. Strong analytical chemistry and research experience significantly strengthens applications.
Learn more about the M.S. program in Viticulture and Enology:
Your Path
Ph.D. Student
PhD students develop independent research programs in wine flavor chemistry using advanced mass spectrometry, targeted metabolite extraction, organic synthesis, and sensory-guided validation. Students emerge as independent scientists with expertise in analytical chemistry, flavor science, and wine chemistry.
Duration
4-5 years full-time
Degree
Ph.D.
Funding
Guaranteed - tuition, fees, stipend, health insurance
Requirement
Master's degree; strong background in analytical chemistry
- Enrolled or admitted PhD student in the Department of Viticulture & Enology or other departments at UC Davis (Chemistry, Food Science, Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry)
- Strong background in analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, or related disciplines demonstrated through coursework and research experience
- Minimum cumulative GPA 3.5 (competitive applicants typically 3.7+); MS GPA typically 3.7+ preferred for competitive applications
- Demonstrated interest in developing novel analytical methods or advancing knowledge of flavor-active metabolites in grapes and wine
- Evidence of scientific communication skills (publications, thesis, conference reports)
- External funding through NSF GRFP, USDA, industry fellowships, or other competitive mechanisms strongly preferred but not required for exceptional candidates
Typical duration: 4-5 years full-time
PhD Milestones
- Year 1: Coursework completion, literature review, preliminary data collection, formation of dissertation committee
- Year 2: Qualifying exam preparation, dissertation proposal defense, primary data collection begins
- Year 3: Core data collection, conference manuscript preparation, dissertation writing, oral defense
- Years 3-5: Final data collection, manuscript preparation, dissertation writing, oral defense
Program Requirements
- Completion of graduate group coursework requirements
- Qualifying examination (oral)
- Dissertation proposal with committee approval
- Minimum 2 first-author publications submitted to peer-reviewed journals
- Public dissertation seminar and oral committee defense
- All PhD students receive full financial support including tuition, fees, health insurance, and competitive stipend
- Teaching assistantships: 25-50% time appointments to departmental courses, typically 1-2 quarters per year
- Research assistantships: support through faculty research grants and contracts
- Fellowships: competitive internal fellowships (ADEV, GSR) and external awards (NSF GRFP, Fulbright, industry fellowship)
- Combined funding: most students are supported through a combination of TA, RA, and fellowship funding to maximize research flexibility and minimize teaching obligations
- Students with strong applications are in good standing for funding for 5 years through combination of mechanisms listed above
Analytical Method Innovation
- Development and validation of novel mass spectrometry methods (GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, HRMS) for targeted and targeted flavor metabolomics
- Automated sample preparation techniques with high extraction rate and metabolome coverage
- High-throughput analytical workflows for large-scale studies
- Integration of all three-dimensional experiments with high-resolution data spectroscopy
Discovery and Characterization
- Identification and structural elucidation of unknown flavor-active compounds through untargeted metabolomics and sensory-guided fractionation
- Biosynthetic and biological characterization using isotope labeling and precursor feeding studies
- Structure-activity relationships linking molecular structure to sensory perception
Biochemical Studies
- Biochemical mechanisms of flavor compound formation during fermentation, aging, and oxidation
- Yeast and microbial contributions to flavor metabolite pathways
- Temporal dynamics of flavor evolution during production and bottle storage
- Organic synthesis of key flavor-active reference standards (commercially unavailable)
- Synthesis of biosynthetic precursors for pathway elucidation studies
Predictive Studies
- Integrating analytical, sensory, and environmental data to predict flavor outcomes from production variables
- Machine learning approaches for metabolomic marker discovery
- Chemometric analysis of large-scale datasets
Climate and Terroir
- Impact of climate variables (temperature, water stress, smoke exposure) on grape and wine metabolite profiles
- Regional and varietal flavor differentiation approaches
- Mitigation strategies for climate-related quality challenges
Technical Expertise
- Advanced proficiency in GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, HRMS, and complementary analytical platforms (LC-NMR, FT-IR)
- Comprehensive method development including sample preparation optimization for complex matrices
- Organic synthesis techniques for reference standards preparation
- Chemometric data analysis, multivariate statistics, and metabolomics workflows
- Sensory evaluation methodology and statistical analysis of sensory data
Research Skills
- Experimental design for hypothesis testing and mechanistic investigation
- Grant proposal writing (NSF, USDA, fellowship applications)
- Project management for multi-year research programs
- Collaborative research with industry partners and academic institutions
- Mentorship of undergraduate and MS students
Communication and Dissemination
- Scientific writing for high-impact peer-reviewed journals
- Oral presentations at regional and national conferences (ASEV, ACS, ASMS, IFT)
- Industry communication and technical meeting presentations
Professional Development
- Direct mentorship from Dr. Chen on research design, career planning, and professional transitions
- Professional society membership and service opportunities
- Teaching assistantship experience
Career Pathways
Academic positions
Postdoctoral positions at top research universities. Tenure-track faculty or research scientist positions in analytical chemistry, food science, viticulture/enology, or flavor science departments.
Industry research and development
Principal scientist positions at major flavor, food and beverage corporations, or ingredient suppliers developing new flavors and testing technical methods. Senior scientist positions at wine industry companies developing sensory consumer research programs.
Quality and regulatory
R&D and quality director positions. Technical managers overseeing analytical laboratories and quality systems. Regulatory affairs positions supporting analytical testing and compliance.
Step 1: Apply to UC Davis PhD program through appropriate graduate areas
Step 2: Contact Dr. Chen at [email protected] to discuss research interests and funding availability
Send directly to Dr. Chen
- Brief cover letter describing your research interests and why you want to join Chen Lab (1-2 paragraphs recommended)
- CV highlighting research experience and publications (if any)
- Unofficial transcripts (to assess academic background)
How does the PhD differ from the MS in your lab?
PhD students develop independent research programs with greater scope, typically publishing 3-5 papers and developing 2-3 research projects. MS students complete a more structured 2-year thesis with 1 major project and 1-2 publications.
Is wine industry experience required?
No. Enthusiasm for wine chemistry and strong analytical chemistry background are more important than wine-specific work experience.
Should I apply for NSF GRFP before contacting Dr. Chen?
NSF GRFP applications are due in October, before most PhD admissions decisions. Strong applicants are strongly encouraged to apply - external fellowships significantly increase funding flexibility and laboratory options.
Can I focus on wine sensory if I'm not analytical?
Primarily no. The Chen Lab is fundamentally analytical. Students interested solely in sensory science without strong interest in analytical chemistry may find other labs better suited. Most projects involve significant analytical components - students are encouraged to email Dr. Chen.
Is the wine industry the only career path?
No. Chen Lab graduates enter analytical chemistry, flavor research, food and beverage corporations, fragrance and flavor industries, academic research positions, and government labs. Wine-specific knowledge is a differentiator, not a limitation.
Can international students apply?
Yes. Strong international candidates are welcomed. Strong English proficiency is required for graduate success. Some external fellowship programs target domestic candidates - inquire with Dr. Chen for current funding availability.
Your Path
International Visitor
We welcome international students and early-career researchers for 3-6 month research visits or internships. Visitors work on wine flavor chemistry projects involving mass spectrometry analysis, metabolite extraction, or sensory evaluation, gaining hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation and collaborative research.
Duration
Typically 3-6 months (flexible)
Degree
None conferred
Funding
Self-funded (visitor secures own funding)
Requirement
Enrolled at international university; J-1 visa
- Enrolled undergraduate, graduate student, or postdoctoral researcher at an international university
- Good academic standing
- Laboratory experience in chemistry or related sciences
- English proficiency sufficient for laboratory communication and safety training
- Interest in wine chemistry, analytical chemistry, or flavor science
- Ability to secure funding and appropriate visa
- Typically 3-6 months. Duration is flexible based on project scope and academic calendar.
- Extended stays may be arranged depending on research needs and visa eligibility.
Visiting positions are unpaid. Students secure funding through home institution programs, government scholarships, or industry sponsors.
We Provide
- ✓ Lab space and access to instrumentation
- ✓ Training and research mentorship
- ✓ Research materials and consumables
Visitors Are Responsible For
- • Travel expenses
- • Housing and living costs
- • Health insurance (required)
- • Visa application fees
- Training in specific analytical techniques (GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, HRMS, or extraction methods)
- Focused project on a defined research question suitable for 3-6 month timeline
- Daily mentorship and troubleshooting support
- Exposure to US wine industry and research practices
- Cultural exchange with domestic students and faculty
- Certificate of completion documenting skills acquired
- International visitors typically require a J-1 exchange visitor visa. We provide necessary documentation (DS-2019 form) once an internship is confirmed.
- Visa application processing usually takes 2-3 months. Plan accordingly and apply early.
- Learn more: UC Davis SISS - J-1 Visa Information
Email Dr. Chen at [email protected] at least 4-6 months before your intended start date.
Include
- CV including research experience and laboratory skills
- Academic transcript (unofficial acceptable)
- Brief statement describing your research interests, relevant experience, and intended timeline
- Confirmation of funding source or funding application status
We review applications on a rolling basis. You will receive a response within two weeks. Qualified candidates will be invited to discuss specific project opportunities.
Do you provide funding for visiting researchers?
No. Visiting positions are unpaid. Students must secure funding through home institution programs, government scholarships, or other sources before arrival.
Can I extend my stay beyond 6 months?
Extensions may be possible depending on visa eligibility, project progress, and lab capacity. Discuss extension possibilities with Dr. Chen at least 2 months before your planned departure.
What is the minimum English level required?
You must be able to understand safety instructions, participate in lab meetings, and communicate research questions. No formal test score required, but conversational fluency is necessary for effective training.
Will I be able to publish my work?
Short-term projects (3-6 months) may contribute to ongoing lab publications. Authorship depends on the extent of contribution following standard academic guidelines.
Can you help me find housing?
We provide information about Davis housing options, but securing housing is the visitor's responsibility. UC Davis has resources for short-term housing and off-campus rentals.
How far in advance should I apply?
At least 4-6 months before your intended start date to allow time for project planning, visa processing, and funding arrangements.
What if my funding application is still pending?
You may contact us with pending funding applications, but we cannot confirm internship acceptance until funding is secured.
Can undergraduate students apply?
Yes. Undergraduate students from international universities with strong chemistry backgrounds and laboratory experience are welcome to apply.
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