Agricultural Science - Fry Lab Technician

PepsiCo • Rhinelander, WI

20h • Onsite

About The Position

The Agricultural Science - Fry Lab Technician supports potato quality evaluations for breeding, variety qualification, storage research, and agronomic trialing programs at PepsiCo’s research facility in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. The position is part of the AgSci Advanced Variety Trialing team within PepsiCo Foods R&D. It provides hands-on experience in agricultural research, food quality evaluation, and laboratory operations. Training is provided on laboratory procedures, equipment, and data management systems.

The technician’s primary responsibility is supporting fry laboratory activities, including fry quality testing, sample processing, data collection, and laboratory organization. The technician works with scientists, variety managers, breeders, trialing teams, and site personnel. When needed, the role may also support field trials, planting and harvest operations, sample collection, trial grading, phenotyping, and other agricultural research activities. Occasional travel and schedule flexibility during harvest seasons and peak testing periods are required.

Requirements

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and database systems.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Must be based in or able to work at the Rhinelander, Wisconsin location.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to support field trials, harvest activities, training, and team meetings.
• Willingness to flex work schedules during harvest seasons and peak testing periods.
• Ability to work safely in laboratory, warehouse, storage, and field environments.
• Ability to safely lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Comfort working around food processing equipment, hot surfaces, agricultural materials, and laboratory equipment while following applicable safety procedures.

Nice To Haves

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Food Science, Biology, Plant Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience in laboratory operations, food processing, agricultural research, quality testing, manufacturing support, or related technical environments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct potato frying evaluations for breeding, variety qualification, storage research, and agronomic trial samples according to established protocols.
• Receive, organize, label, track, process, and dispose of samples according to laboratory protocols.
• Support testing schedules and timely completion of stakeholder requests and project deliverables.
• Monitor sample throughput and proactively communicate delays, resource constraints, and operational challenges.
• Support troubleshooting of laboratory equipment and processes, escalating issues as appropriate.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and work areas for safe, efficient, and reliable operation.
• Collect, record, verify, and maintain accurate quality and processing data in databases and reporting systems.
• Maintain organized records and documentation according to established procedures.
• Assist with summarizing and sharing results with team members and stakeholders.
• Organize and maintain sample inventories and support accurate tracking and efficient movement of materials through the fry lab.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate ordering laboratory supplies, consumables, and equipment.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and readiness for ongoing operations.
• Follow procedures for sample storage, handling, and disposal.
• Support seasonal field activities, including planting, harvest, grading, phenotyping, sample collection, and sample preparation, as needed.
• Collaborate with scientists, trial managers, and site personnel to support research objectives and operational priorities across the Rhinelander facility.
• Follow established laboratory and safety procedures and comply with PepsiCo safety requirements, including prevention, incident reporting, and corrective actions.
• Suggest improvements to laboratory organization, efficiency, and data quality.
• Adapt to changing priorities and support team needs during peak activity periods.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and professional work environment.

Benefits

• Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, subject to elections and eligibility.
• Disability coverage.
• Health and dependent care reimbursement accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Accident, group legal, and life insurance.
• Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed