Scientist (III) Small Scale Fermentation - Proteins, Decatur, IL

Archer Daniels Midland Company; Newman; On-site; AUD 121,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

ADM Research & Development in Decatur, IL seeks an experienced Scientist (III) to lead bench-scale fermentation projects focused on proteins. You will evaluate strains, provide feedback on physiology, and collaborate with multiple groups in biotech development.

The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, planning, and mentorship of junior scientists, with strong communication and safety emphasis.

Qualifications

• Industrial biotech experience in fermentation of bacteria, yeast, or filamentous fungi.
• Bachelor/Master/PhD in relevant field with industry experience.
• Strong report writing and presentation abilities.
• Experience with DOE, data handling and quantitative reasoning.
• Hands-on benchtop fermentation equipment operation preferred.
• Excellent communication in English.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical lead on fermentation experiments.
• Communicate with upstream and downstream scientists to understand constraints and design experiments.
• Interpret results, draw conclusions, and communicate recommendations to groups.
• Document fermentation run plans, logs, and summaries in electronic notebooks.
• Contribute to bench execution using aseptic techniques and basic assays.
• Develop protocols and create SOPs and JSAs.
• Maintain fermentation and analytical equipment.
• Support continuous improvement and lab safety.
• Occasional weekend or evening work; lift up to 50 lbs.

Skills

Critical thinking

Data analysis

Design of Experiments

Lab safety

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Benchtop fermentation

Industrial biotech

Education

Bachelor or Master of Science, PhD in microbiology, biochemical engineering, or related field

Job description

Scientist (III) Small Scale Fermentation - Proteins, Decatur, IL

ADM Research & Development

This is an exempt level position.

Position Summary

The Small Scale Fermentation – Protein team, located within R&D headquarter at Decatur IL, is recruiting an experienced and motivated scientist to carry out bench-scale fermentation experiments in supporting a variety of critical biotechnology projects with a heavy focus on Proteins fermentation processes.

As member of this newly created team, the successful candidate will participate in strain evaluations of a variety of microbial hosts and contribute to the earliest stages of fast-paced bioprocess development by providing critical feedback on strain performance and physiology.

The scientist will collaborate frequently with strain engineering group, analytical group, enzyme assay group and engage with process development group further with tech transfer, process optimization and scale up discussions. The scientist will take a leading role in experiment planning, execution, and communication while being hands-on in the lab and mentoring junior scientists.

Job Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical lead on fermentation experiments
• Communicate with upstream and downstream scientists to understand their constraints and provide solutions via experiment design
• Interpret experimental results, draw conclusions, contribute recommendations, and communicate results to relevant functional groups
• Document fermentation run plan, log sheet, and summary in an electronic lab notebook
• Contribute to experiment execution at the bench while using aseptic techniques
• Perform bench-scale assays as needed to provide physiological insight
• Develop protocols and create corresponding documentation such as SOPs and Job Safety Assessments (JSAs)
• Conduct basic maintenance of fermentation and analytical equipment
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts on execution of experiments and laboratory safety
• Occasional weekend or evening work may be required
• Must be able to safely lift 50lbs

Skills and Proficiencies

• The preferred candidate is self-motivated and driven by a strong sense of scientific curiosity and rigor

Additional qualifications include:

• Educational background: Bachelor or Master of Science, PhD in microbiology, biochemical engineering, or related field
• Industry experience: BS 10+ years, MS 5+ years, PhD 0+ years’ experience in an industrial biotechnology setting with aerobic or anaerobic fermentation of bacteria, yeast, or filamentous fungi
• Solid background in research and development with demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Experience with statistical design of experiments, data handling and analysis, and quantitative reasoning is required
• Hands-on experience with benchtop fermentation equipment operation is preferred
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to write clear and concise reports, and prepare well organized presentations to audience with different backgrounds
• Preferred candidate will have industrial biotechnology experience, demonstrating delivery of value to the business through execution of projects
• Must have a strong safety mindset, and experience with biological and chemical laboratory safety protocols is a plus
• Ability to work collaboratively within a diverse, multidisciplinary team is required

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.

REF:112591BR

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.

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).

Additional benefits include:

• 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.