Research Associate 1 - Microbiology

Job Req ID: 107176 

Job Type: Full-time 

Work Category: Onsite 

Application Close Date: 05/26/2026 

Sponsorship: Not Available 

Compensation: $27.98 - $41.92 

 

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We are GALLO

We’re a family-owned company with a 90+ year legacy, that’s consistently recognized as a Glassdoor “Best Places to Work.” We have 130+ brands in our total alcohol beverage portfolio including wine, malt, spirits, and ready-to-drink beverages. We’re 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.

 

View our Corporate Values and Mission Statement here.

 

A Taste of What You'll Do

Do you find the science behind fermentation as fascinating as the wine in the glass? GALLO is 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 like 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 clear 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 — maintaining microbial strain collections, managing lab supplies and equipment, preparing media, and mentoring interns as they find their footing in the science.

 

We're looking for someone with a genuine curiosity for discovery, a commitment to scientific rigor, and the drive to continuously grow their technical skills. You stay current with the latest literature, embrace change, and thrive in a collaborative environment where innovation is encouraged and every experiment moves us forward.

 

At GALLO, we believe breakthrough science comes from diverse perspectives. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are proud to foster an inclusive workplace where every team member can do their best work.

 

What You'll Need

• 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 for onboarding, training, meetings, and events for development, department needs, and business delivery up to 5% of the time, with or without reasonable accommodation. This may be in addition to travel requirements, if applicable, as listed in this job description.
• Required to be 18 years or older. This may be in addition to other age requirements, if applicable, as listed in this job description.

 

How You'll Stand Out

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, cellular biology, or biology, plus 2 years of lab experience.
• Experience conducting molecular biology experiment, using techniques such as DNA/RNA isolation and purification, 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