Archival Research Specialist, Food and Wine

Position Overview:

A reasonable estimate for this position is $72,224-$102,121.

Archival Research Specialist, Food and Wine

Library of the University of California, Davis

Overview of Position

The Library of the University of California (UC), Davis, seeks a forward-looking and entrepreneurial professional to join our team as Archival Research Specialist, Food and Wine, and advance the library's efforts to synthesize and interpret the history of wine in California. This is a two-year role with the potential for renewal contingent on available funding.

Reporting to the Associate University Librarian for Scholarly Resources, and working deeply with the Curator for Food and Wine, this position will take a strategic role in interpreting a signature archival collection at the UC Davis Library, the W. Andrew "Andy" Beckstoffer Papers. This collection has already been fully archivally processed and comprises 37 linear feet of materials, including the corporate records of Beckstoffer Vineyards, correspondence, land assessor maps, and some photographs. The bulk of the collection focuses on Andy Beckstoffer's work within the grape industry and in Napa Valley agricultural land preservation efforts, as well as his role in the establishment of organizations such as the Napa Valley Grape Growers Association (currently known as the Napa Valley Grapegrowers) and the Rutherford Dust Society. Also included are materials on the To Kalon vineyard, including lawsuits with Robert Mondavi Winery. There is also a small amount of material on labor unions, Cesar Chavez, and the United Farm Workers. More information about this archival collection can be found online.

The key deliverables for this position include the writing of a long-form article (intended for scholarly and/or lay publication) interpreting and synthesizing Beckstoffer's contributions; the planning and execution of both tangible and online exhibits showcasing this archival collection; and playing a leadership role in the planning of a signature donor event celebrating Beckstoffer and the exhibits. This position will play a key role in both the selection and interpretation of materials for both exhibits and an attendant digital collection.

Depending on the interest and experience of the incumbent, this position may also take a leadership role in gathering oral histories from key persons with knowledge of Andy Beckstoffer's life and leadership in the Napa Valley.

Working with significant input from the Curator, Food and Wine, this position may also take on other responsibilities in the Food and Wine Program, including but not limited to conducting oral histories beyond the scope of the Beckstoffer project; building physical and online exhibits; contributing to outreach activities around food and wine; and assisting with tours and social media promotion. As a member of the Food and Wine Program, the incumbent may also collaborate with others in the library on appropriate projects.

The University will not offer visa sponsorship for this position. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate that they are legally authorized to work in the United States.

UC Davis and UC Davis Library

The University of California, Davis, is a global community of individuals united to better humanity and our natural world while seeking solutions to some of our most pressing challenges. Located near Sacramento, California's capital, UC Davis has more than 39,000 students, the full-time equivalent of 4,100 faculty and other academics and researchers, and 17,400 other personnel. The university has an annual sponsored research budget of over $960 million, includes a major academic health system, and over two dozen specialized research centers. Recognized as one of the top 10 public universities in the US and the number one university in the world for agricultural research and veterinary medicine, UC Davis offers interdisciplinary graduate study and more than 100 undergraduate majors in four colleges - Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Engineering, and Letters and Science. It also houses six professional schools - Education, Law, Management, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, and Nursing. The university is ranked among the top institutions in the country in contributing to the public good (e.g., recruiting and graduating low-income students), LGBTQ-inclusivity, and serving first-generation and Hispanic students. In addition to the main campus in Davis and the medical center in Sacramento, UC Davis has research facilities in Bodega Bay and Tahoe and faculty in every county of the state through its agricultural extension program.

UC Davis is a top-tier public university, ranked 5th nationally by the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education, 9th in the QS USA University rankings, and 10th nationally by US News and World Report among U.S. public universities overall and for research funding. It is also ranked #1 in the diversity and internationalization category in the QS USA University rankings. The US News and World Report rankings also highlight UC Davis as 16th among "top performers on social mobility," which is determined by the outcomes of Pell Grant recipients and other stats. Check out more ranking information on our "About Us" webpage.

The UC Davis Library is ranked among the top academic research libraries in North America and belongs to the Association of Research Libraries and other organizations that position it to collaborate with other top organizations.

The UC Davis Library food and wine collection, which holds more than 30,000 wine books and special collections of rare manuscripts on wine and food dating back to the 13th century, includes monographs such as scientific and technical books; ampelographies; historical studies; bibliographies; travel guides; dissertations, and theses; conference and symposia proceedings; technical reports; pamphlets; cookbooks; menus; wine auction catalogs; maps; advertising - including wine labels; journals - scientific and technical; trade publications; magazines; newsletters; artwork; photographs; web archives; audio and video recordings; and archival and manuscript collections.

The work location for this position is principally on campus, with some flexibility to work remotely per applicable Library policy. Considerable regional travel is required.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our campus strategic plan, and the library's strategic plan. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

Position Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the Associate University Librarian for Scholarly Resources, and working closely with the Curator for Food and Wine, the incumbent will:

Become deeply familiar with the Beckstoffer archival collection
Become deeply familiar with key figures in the Napa Valley region:
Conduct oral histories with key persons with knowledge of Andy Beckstoffer's life and leadership in the Napa Valley OR work with the Curator, Food and Wine to ensure these oral histories are conducted
Gain deep familiarity with the content of relevant oral histories
Travel regionally to meet key figures and attend relevant meetings and events
Author a long-form article (intended for scholarly and/or lay publication) interpreting and synthesizing Beckstoffer's contributions
Plan and execute both tangible and online exhibits showcasing this archival collection, including selection and interpretation of materials, and selecting materials for an attendant digital collection
Play a leadership role in the planning of a signature donor event celebrating Beckstoffer and the exhibits
Represent the UC Davis Library in interactions with significant figures in Napa Valley and elsewhere
Carry out other duties and responsibilities, as assigned

The incumbent may also:

Contribute to the work of the UC Davis Library through participation in committees, task forces, and other collaborative projects
Participate in national and international professional organizations and activities
As an academic appointee, engage actively in pertinent ongoing research, scholarship, or creative activity and/or teaching, including peer review, dissemination, and corresponding university and disciplinary engagement

Salary and Benefits

Rank and salary: Assistant Librarian, Salary Point 1, $72,224 to Associate Librarian, Salary Point 10, $102,121 (Appointment rank and salary based on qualifications and experience.)

The incumbent will be a member of the LX Collective Bargaining Unit represented by the University Council - American Federation of Teachers (UC-AFT).

Benefits: The University of California is one of the largest employers in California, and offers outstanding health and retirement benefits to its employees and their families. Librarians are academic appointees and earn 24 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave per year. In addition, there are 13 university holidays.

http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

Application Information

Candidates applying by October 28, 2025 will receive first consideration. The position will remain open until filled. See https://www.library.ucdavis.edu/careers/ for this posting and information about working at the UC Davis Library.

Please include a letter of interest addressing qualifications and experience related to the position, a Curriculum Vitae, and names and contact information for at least four references.

The University of California is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

UC Davis is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus effective January 1, 2014.

To apply, visit https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07364

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University of California Davis

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Archival Research Specialist, Food and Wine