Automation Scientist I - Decatur, IL

Illinois Ag; Decatur, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) in Decatur, IL, is seeking an Automation Scientist I to execute high-throughput screening workflows and develop robust HTS methods. The role involves running microfermentations, enzyme assays, and generating high-quality data with automated systems.

The candidate should have 1–4 years in biochemistry/ biotechnology, experience with automated liquid handling, and strong organizational skills to support both research and production teams in a collaborative

Qualifications

• MSc or BSc with 1-4 years in biochemistry, chemistry, biotechnology or related field.
• Hands-on laboratory experience from academia or industry.
• Experience growing microorganisms from 200 µL to 50 mL and performing metabolite/enzymatic assays.
• Strong quantitative skills and data quality checks.
• Aseptic practices to prevent contamination.

Responsibilities

• Conduct end-to-end HTS workflows including microfermentations and metabolite quantification using automated liquid handling systems.
• Follow established protocols to ensure high-quality, consistent results.
• Maintain availability of consumables and reagents before workflow execution.
• Contribute to development and optimization of HTS methods.
• Collaborate with team members on various high-throughput activities.
• Assist with liquid handler setup, tear down, and routine maintenance.
• Promote a safe working environment by following safety practices.

Skills

Quantitative skills

Aseptic practices

Time management

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

MSc or BSc in biochemistry/chemistry/biotechnology

Tools

Automated liquid handling systems

LIMS

ELNs

Job description

### Job Details#### Job Title:Automation Scientist I - Decatur, IL#### Location:,, ,#### Company:#### Industry Sector:#### Industry Type:#### Career Type:#### Job Type:Full Time#### Minimum Years Experience Required:N/A#### Salary:### Get Job Alerts**Career Type:****Country:** USAI agree to receive alerts from and to the .Your alert was created successfully.x## General Alert Saved* The listings below are jobs matching the criteria you've selected for your General Alert on.Criteria selected was:* General alert saved for .* General alert notifications will be sent weekly on Monday.* Please note that you can only have one general alert active at any given time. Creating a new general alert will override an existing general alert.* Visit the to manage your alerts# Automation Scientist I - Decatur, IL| Number of Years Experience: | Minimum Education Completed: | || Education Major / Discipline Category: | Most Recent / Current Occupation: | |**Job Description****Scientist (I), High-throughput screening - Decatur, IL**ADM Research & DevelopmentThis 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.Those who enjoy working as part of a collaborative and results-driven team, and are passionate about conducting impactful research are encouraged to apply**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 environmentADM requires the successful completion of a background check.REF:113464BR**#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 lawTo apply please click on APPLY TO THIS POSITIONJob Post Date: 09/23/26Here are some other jobs you may be interested in applying for.| | || - | - || Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) Decatur, Illinois | Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) Decatur, Illinois || Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) Decatur, Illinois | |2 people are interested in this job.