Fermentation Scientist — Proteins (Small-Scale)

Archer Daniels Midland Company; Newman; On-site; AUD 93,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Training & development

Job summary

Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) in Decatur, IL is seeking a Scientist I for Small Scale Fermentation – Proteins. You will execute bench-scale fermentation experiments, support strain evaluations, and collaborate with engineering, analytics and process development teams to speed bioprocess development.

The role emphasizes lab-focused operations, protocol development, and maintenance of lab equipment with opportunities for process optimization and tech transfer discussions.

Qualifications

• MSc or BSc with 1–4 years of microbiology/fermentation experience.
• Experience with lab-scale industrial microbiology fermentation (bacteria, yeast, or filamentous fungi).
• Familiarity with benchtop fermentation equipment and fed-batch fermentation is preferred.
• Experience with microbiology sample analysis (OD, CEDEX, pH, density, dry cell weight).
• Strong safety mindset and lab safety protocols knowledge.
• Ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Execute fermentation experiments with bench-scale fermenters, including media prep, setup, inoculation, sampling and cleanup.
• Prepare samples for fermentation analysis.
• Maintain fermentation and analytical equipment and keep a clean workspace.
• Develop SOPs and JSAs and document procedures.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of fermentation processes and lab capabilities.
• Document experiments in an electronic lab notebook.

Skills

Scientific curiosity

Lab safety mindset

Team collaboration

Aseptic technique

Education

MSc/BSc in microbiology/fermentation

Tools

Benchtop fermentation equipment

OD measurement

CEDEX

pH measurement

Job description

Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) in Decatur, IL is seeking a Scientist I for Small Scale Fermentation – Proteins. You will execute bench-scale fermentation experiments, support strain evaluations, and collaborate with engineering, analytics and process development teams to speed bioprocess development.

The role emphasizes lab-focused operations, protocol development, and maintenance of lab equipment with opportunities for process optimization and tech transfer discussions.