Bacteriophage Research Scientist - Kennesaw, GA

Archer Daniels Midland Company; Newman; On-site; AUD 128,000 - 214,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Physical wellness

Financial wellness

Mental and social wellness

Job summary

Archer Daniels Midland Company in Kennesaw, GA is seeking a Bacteriophage Research Scientist to advance study of phage biology, perform MinION and Illumina sequencing, and generate high-quality genome analyses. You will design experiments, assemble genomes, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate findings into practical applications.

The role requires a PhD and hands-on sequencing, bioinformatics, and wet-lab expertise, with opportunities to mentor interns and contribute to

Qualifications

• PhD in Microbiology, Genomics, Biochemistry, or related field.
• Hands-on MinION and Illumina sequencing workflows including DNA extraction and library prep.
• Genome assembly and annotation using bioinformatic tools and Python/R pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute wet-lab experiments for bacteriophage research.
• Perform sequencing prep for MinION and coordinate Illumina runs.
• Assemble and annotate viral and bacterial genomes.
• Develop and validate new wet-lab and computational protocols.

Skills

Bacteriophage methods

MinION sequencing

Illumina sequencing

Genome assembly

Genome annotation

Python

R

Linux

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Microbiology/Genomics/Bioinformatics

Tools

MinION

Illumina

Job description

Bacteriophage Research Scientist- Kennesaw, GA

Job Purpose:

The Research Scientist is responsible for advancing research in bacteriophage biology and sequencing‑based characterization. The role includes designing and executing wet‑lab experiments, performing sequencing workflows (MinION and Illumina), assembling and annotating genomes, and generating high‑quality bioinformatic analyses that support R&D, Operations, and Quality. The Scientist ensures accuracy, reproducibility, and compliance with safety and quality standards while preparing reports, presentations, and manuscripts. The position collaborates with cross‑functional teams to translate scientific findings into practical applications and improvements.

Main Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety standards, updating SOPs and laboratory protocols to maintain a safe and compliant working environment.
• Manage daily laboratory operations, including stock organization, receiving materials, inventory oversight, and safe disposal of biological and chemical waste in accordance with regulations.
• Design, execute, and analyze experiments involving bacteriophage propagation, host range assays, lytic activity testing, and related microbiological methods.
• Perform sequencing workflows, including sample preparation for MinION (Oxford Nanopore) sequencing and coordinating Illumina sequencing runs with external providers.
• Assemble and annotate genomes, generating high‑quality viral and bacterial genomic data using validated bioinformatic tools and workflows.
• Conduct bioinformatics analyses, including quality control, taxonomic and functional characterization, comparative genomics, and AMR/virulence profiling to support R&D, Operations, and Quality decision‑making.
• Develop, validate, and implement new wet‑lab and computational protocols to enhance laboratory capability and improve scientific output.
• Maintain and operate laboratory equipment, ensuring accurate, precise, and reliable performance across microbiology and sequencing workflows.
• Document all experimental procedures and results, preparing clear scientific reports, data summaries, manuscripts, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement, proposing new methods, technologies, or analyses that strengthen research programs and product development.
• Train and mentor interns and junior scientists, providing guidance in bacteriophage techniques, sequencing workflows, and bioinformatic analysis.

Skills & Abilities:

• Technical Proficiency: Hands‑on expertise in bacteriophage methodologies and sequencing workflows (MinION & Illumina), including DNA extraction and library preparation.
• Bioinformatics Competency: Strong skills in genome assembly, annotation, QC pipelines, and scripting in Python and/or R; proficiency with Linux/command‑line tools.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret complex datasets, identify key biological insights, and communicate findings effectively.
• Attention to Detail: High degree of accuracy in experimental execution, data processing, and documentation to ensure reproducibility and reliability.
• Problem Solving: Strong troubleshooting skills across both wet‑lab and computational workflows.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for scientific documentation, reporting, and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Innovation: Creative mindset with the ability to generate new approaches, methods, and improvements that advance scientific programs.
• Mentorship: Ability to train and guide junior personnel in laboratory and analytical techniques.
• Adaptability: Capacity to adjust to evolving technologies, shifting priorities, and new research needs in a dynamic environment.
• Digital Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams) and scientific software tools.

Education & Experience:

• PhD required in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience with MinION (Oxford Nanopore) and Illumina sequencing workflows, including DNA extraction, library preparation, and run execution.
• Proven expertise in genome assembly and annotation, including the use of bioinformatic tools and the development of Python/R‑based pipelines for sequence QC, comparative genomics, and functional characterization.
• Prior laboratory experience in bacteriophage research, including propagation, host range assays, and related microbiological techniques is preferred.
• Industry or applied research experience supporting R&D, Operations, or Quality functions is strongly preferred.

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.

Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non‑exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.

If hired, employees will be in an “at‑will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

The pay range for this position is expected to be between:

Benefits and Perks

Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well‑being, including:

• Physical wellness – medical/Rx, dental, vision and on‑site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
• Financial wellness – flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers’ compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.
• Mental and social wellness – Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares).

• Paid time off including paid holidays.
• Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
• Tuition assistance.
• Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs.

Benefits may vary for bargained locations, confirm benefit eligibility with your recruiter.

#IncludingYou

Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM’s efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments — environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together.

We welcome everyone to apply. We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, language, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About ADM

At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry‑advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over.

Learn more at www.adm.com.