Independent Stave Company (ISCO) is a dynamic, family-owned cooperage company reaching customers in more than 60 countries. Our sales offices partner with premiere wineries around the world to provide a comprehensive portfolio of wine barrels and oak alternatives for winemaking needs. We use industry driven research to consult with winemakers and is committed to partnering with our customers to produce innovative oak trials.

ISCO is looking to expand our research team in the Western Hemisphere and seek an established and proven research professional who has a deep understanding of oak, winemaking, and a passion for innovation. Based in Napa, California, this position will support the research needs of the Cooperages 1912 and Oak Solutions Group sales offices, covering six wine barrel brands and four oak alternative brands.

As the Oak R&D Specialist you will play a pivotal role in leading the research and development efforts in North America, South America, and Australia. You will be responsible for driving innovation directly with customers, enhancing product quality, and ensuring our company remains at the forefront of technological advancements.

This position will report to Director of Sales & Operations for North America, South America, Australia & Asia.

Key responsibilities include:
•  Local Planning & Execution: Develop and execute R&D strategies aligned with the company's and client’s overall business objectives. This includes tracking trials, preparing oak samples, and ensuring the lab chemist is managing throughput in a timely manner.
•  Research Initiatives: Plan, oversee, and conduct research projects.
•  Product Development: Collaborate with our global R&D, marketing, sales, and production teams to create innovative offerings that meet customer preferences and market trends.
•  Presentations: Provide customer facing technical presentations. Help sales team conduct and present results of client facing trials.
•  Collaboration: Foster collaboration with external partners, including universities, research institutions, and industry organizations, to leverage their expertise and resources for research projects.
•  Reporting and Documentation: Maintain accurate records of research activities, findings, and project progress. Collaborate all research activities with the global research leader.

What you bring to the table (Qualifications)
•  Bachelor's degree in Enology, Chemistry, or a related field (Master's or Ph.D. preferred).
•  Bilingual in Spanish (able to do presentations in South America)
•  Minimum five years’ experience in the wine industry including winemaking and production processes.
•  Strong understanding of winemaking principles, analytical chemistry, and sensory evaluation.
•  Excellent analytical, problem-solving, experimental design and project management skills.
•  Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
•  Ability to travel – North America (CA, OR, WA), South America and Australia (~2 international trips annually)
•  Current driver’s license and clean driving record.
•  Knowledge of analytical equipment and experience with UV-Vis, GCMS, HPLC and extractions of aromatics from oak and beverages.

What we offer in return:
•  Extensive hands-on training
•  A competitive compensation package: Base salary of 75,000 - $85,000 (depending on experience)
•  A comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, long/short term disability, 401K with company match, paid vacation and more.