Fry Lab Technician

About the Role

PepsiCo is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented technician 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.

Key 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.

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.

Qualifications & Tech Stack

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.