Automation Scientist I - Decatur, IL

ADM; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 49,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Physical wellness

Financial wellness

Mental and social wellness

Paid time off

Adoption assistance

Tuition assistance

LinkedIn Learning & mentoring

Job summary

ADM Research & Development in Decatur, IL is seeking an Automation Scientist I to execute HTS workflows, 96-well plate microfermentations, and enzyme assays, generating high-quality phenotypic data. You will operate automated liquid handling systems and manage workflows with thousands of samples across 96 and 384-well formats.

The role requires a MSc or BSc with 1–4 years of relevant experience, and a strong emphasis on meticulous data quality, aseptic technique, and proactive problem solving.

Qualifications

• MSc or BSc with 1-4 years of relevant experience in biochemistry, chemistry, biotechnology or a related field.
• Hands-on lab experience from academia, internships, or industry.
• Experience growing microorganisms and running metabolite/enzymatic assays.

Responsibilities

• Conduct end-to-end HTS workflows including microfermentations and metabolite quantification.
• Follow established protocols to ensure high-quality, consistent results.
• Maintain consumables and reagents readiness prior to workflow execution.
• Contribute to HTS method development and process optimization.
• Collaborate with automation and fermentation teams on high-throughput activities.
• Assist with liquid handler setup, teardown, and maintenance.
• Promote safe working environment by following safety practices.

Skills

HTS workflows

96-well plates

automation systems

LIMS & ELNs

data quality checks

aseptic techniques

team collaboration

Education

MSc or BSc with 1-4 years experience

Tools

Automated liquid handling systems

LIMS

ELNs

Job description

Automation Scientist I - Decatur, IL

Decatur

IL - Illinois

Research & Development

Job Description

Scientist (I), High-throughput screening – Decatur, IL

ADM Research & Development

This is an exempt level position.

Position summary

ADM Cell Engineering is looking for a results-driven and detail-oriented High Throughput Screening (HTS) scientist to add to our team! In this role, the successful candidate will execute 96 well plate microfermentations, plate-based growth screens and perform enzyme assays to measure and rank genetically engineered strains. Contributions by this scientist will play an important role in advancing scientific discovery!

Responsibilities include operating automated liquid handling systems, preparing and running assays, managing workflows that contain up to thousands of samples in 96 and 384-well plates, and generating high-quality phenotypic data.

Success in this role comes from combining attention to detail with good organizational skills and a proactive mindset. This scientist will work closely with the automation and fermentation teams to identify potential sources of variability, help resolve experimental challenges, and support the generation of high-quality, reliable data.

Job responsibilities

• Conduct end-to-end HTS workflows, including microfermentations, sample processing, and metabolite quantification using automated liquid handling systems
• Follow established protocols to help ensure high-quality, consistent results
• Help maintain the availability and readiness of consumables and reagents prior to workflow execution
• Contribute to the development, optimization, and implementation of HTS methods and processes
• Collaborate with team members on a variety of high-throughput activities
• Assist with liquid handler setup, tear down, and routine maintenance
• Promote a safe working environment by following safety practices and procedures

Desired qualifications

• MSc or BSc with 1-4 years of relevant experience in biochemistry, chemistry, biotechnology or a related field
• Relevant hands-on laboratory experience through academic research, internships, or industry experience
• Experience growing microorganisms and monitoring their growth over time, in scales from 200 uL to 50 mL, and running metabolite/enzymatic/biochemical assays
• Good quantitative skills, and ability to perform basic scientific calculations and data quality checks
• Good aseptic practices with an important focus on preventing sample mix-ups and contamination
• Experience with automated liquid handling systems is preferred
• Ability to use LIMS, ELNs and a track record of excellent documentation

Additional skills and attributes

• Great attention to detail and commitment to generating accurate, high-quality data
• Ability to notice and identify inconsistencies, question unexpected results, and participate in root cause investigations
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Good written and verbal communication
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment

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:

$49,000.00 - $91,000.00

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.