USDA-ARS Wine Analytical Chemistry

About the role

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking a participant to work on a research project focused on developing and refining analytical methods for measuring compounds associated with wildfire smoke and other smoke-related contaminants that can impact wine quality. The participant will contribute to the design and implementation of projects examining the effects of wildfire smoke on commercially important crops and their end products using analytical chemistry and microbiological approaches.

Responsibilities

• Learn to develop and optimize analytical methods for detecting and quantifying compounds associated with wildfire smoke that impact wine quality.
• Design and collaborate on research projects examining the effects of wildfire smoke exposure on commercially important crops and their finished products.
• Apply and validate analytical chemistry techniques for accurate measurement of smoke-related compounds in plant and wine matrices.
• Evaluate the economic impacts of quality losses and model potential commercial outcomes for producers.
• Identify and evaluate experimental control points for preventing or mitigating smoke-related quality defects using published research and experimental findings.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to address complex agricultural and enological challenges.

Requirements

The participant should have received a doctoral degree in a relevant field within the last five years. Familiarity with wildfire smoke analytical experience is preferred.

Qualifications

The participant will gain experience in developing, adapting, and validating analytical chemistry methods, interpreting results, and collaborating with students and scientists to understand the interconnections among wildfire smoke exposure, soil health, microbial ecology, fermentation practices, and fruit and wine quality.

Skills

The participant will learn to:

• Develop and optimize analytical methods for detecting and quantifying compounds associated with wildfire smoke that impact wine quality.
• Design and collaborate on research projects examining the effects of wildfire smoke exposure on commercially important crops and their finished products.
• Apply and validate analytical chemistry techniques for accurate measurement of smoke-related compounds in plant and wine matrices.
• Evaluate the economic impacts of quality losses and model potential commercial outcomes for producers.
• Identify and evaluate experimental control points for preventing or mitigating smoke-related quality defects using published research and experimental findings.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to address complex agricultural and enological challenges.

Benefits

No specific benefits are mentioned for this opportunity.

Pay

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend is $5,500 monthly.

Schedule

The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Contact

Please visit our Program Website for more information. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.Midwest@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.