Agricultural Science - Fry Lab Technician

Overview

PepsiCo is a major food enterprise sourcing and developing agricultural raw materials that are critical to delivering high-quality products to consumers around the world. A motivated and detail-oriented technician is needed to support potato quality evaluations for breeding, variety qualification, storage research, and agronomic trialing programs.

This position provides hands-on experience in agricultural research, food quality evaluation, and laboratory operations. The technician will support fry quality testing, sample processing, data collection, and laboratory organization while working closely with scientists, variety managers, breeders, and trialing teams. Training will be provided on laboratory procedures, equipment, and data management systems.

While the primary responsibility is supporting fry laboratory activities, the technician may also assist with field trials, harvest operations, sample collection, trial grading, and other agricultural research activities as needed.

The position sits within the AgSci Advanced Variety Trialing team within PepsiCo Foods R&D and is located at the PepsiCo research facility in Rhinelander, WI.

Responsibilities

Fry Lab Operations:

• Conduct potato frying evaluations for breeding, variety qualification, storage research, and agronomic trial samples following established protocols.
• Receive, organize, label, track, process, and dispose of samples according to laboratory protocols.
• Assist with maintaining testing schedules and ensuring timely completion of stakeholder requests and project deliverables.
• Monitor sample throughput and proactively communicate potential delays, resource constraints, or operational challenges.
• Support troubleshooting of laboratory equipment and processes while escalating issues appropriately.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and work areas to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation.

Data Management and Communication:

• 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.

Sample and Inventory Management:

• Organize and maintain sample inventories to support accurate tracking and efficient movement of materials through the fry lab.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate ordering of laboratory supplies, consumables, and equipment.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and readiness to support ongoing operations.
• Follow established procedures for sample storage, handling, and disposal.

Cross-Functional Support:

• Support seasonal field activities including planting, harvest, grading, phenotyping, sample collection, and sample preparation when needed.
• Collaborate with scientists, trial managers, and site personnel to support research objectives and operational priorities across the Rhinelander facility.

Continuous Improvement and Safety:

• Follow established laboratory and safety procedures.
• Suggest opportunities for improving 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.
• Comply with all PepsiCo Safety requirements, including prevention, incident reporting, and corrective actions.

Key Behaviors:

• Demonstrates ownership of daily fry lab operations and delivers high-quality results.
• Communicates proactively when challenges, risks, or resource constraints arise.
• Maintains accuracy and attention to detail in sample handling, data collection, and record keeping.
• Organizes and prioritizes work effectively to meet stakeholder needs and timelines.
• Collaborates effectively across teams while independently completing assigned responsibilities.
• Maintains a strong commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Compensation and Benefits:

• The expected compensation range for this position is between $54,700 - $82,050.
• Location confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
• Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
• In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

Qualifications

Qualifications / Experience:

• Preferred: 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 is preferred.
• 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, Outlook, and database systems.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.

Requirements:

• This position will be based in Rhinelander, WI.
• Must be willing to travel occasionally to support field trials, harvest activities, training, and team meetings.
• Must be willing to flex work schedules during harvest seasons and peak testing periods.
• Must be able to work safely in laboratory, warehouse, storage, and field environments.
• Must be able to safely lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Must be comfortable working around food processing equipment, hot surfaces, agricultural materials, and laboratory equipment while following all applicable safety procedures.

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Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901-4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status. PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity / Age If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy. Please view our Pay Transparency Statement.