Bacterial Genetic Engineer (III) Strain Development - Decatur, IL

ADM; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Physical wellness

Financial wellness

Mental wellness

Paid time off

Adoption assistance

Job summary

ADM Research & Development is seeking a Bacterial Genetic Engineer (III) to develop microbes for the bioproduction of industrial enzymes and proteins in Decatur, IL. You will design, build, and test bacterial strains, and collaborate with enzyme engineering, production, automation, and genomics teams to hit production KPIs.

The role emphasizes the Design-Build-Test-Learn cycle, heterologous protein expression, and advancing production chassis; background check required; competitive pay and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, microbiology, biotechnology, or biochemistry; or M.Sc. with 5+ years.
• Hands-on knowledge of bacterial genetics, molecular biology, genome editing, and strain construction.
• Expertise in bacterial biology and recombinant protein production.
• Experience delivering project goals and communicating with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and test bacterial strains using genetic engineering tools.
• Link genotype to phenotype using NGS data for improved expression.
• Collaborate with fermentation and assay teams to align process conditions.
• Deliver milestones and provide updates to stakeholders.
• Contribute to safe, team-oriented work environment.

Skills

Bacterial genetics

Molecular biology

Genome editing

Strain engineering

Protein production

Data interpretation

Communication

Industry experience

Education

Ph.D. in molecular biology

Tools

NGS

DNA sequencing

Job description

Bacterial Genetic Engineer (III) Strain Development - Decatur, IL

Decatur

IL - Illinois

Research & Development

Job Description

Bacterial Genetic Engineer (III) Strain Development - Decatur, IL
ADM Research & Development
This is an exempt level position.
Position Summary:
ADM Cell Engineering is looking for a skilled Bacterial Strain Engineer to develop microbes for the bioproduction of industrial enzymes and proteins. The successful candidate will design, build and test bacterial strains to support ADM’s Precision Fermentation product pipeline. This researcher will collaborate with cross-functional experts in enzyme engineering, protein production, automation & high-throughput, genomics, and fermentation to achieve commercial production KPIs. In this role, the scientist will contribute to all phases of the Design-Build-Test-Learn cycle to maximize heterologous protein expression in one of ADM’s bacterial protein production chassis. This position is highly impactful to ADM and strain improvements will be used to drive the commercialization of new and existing products. This is an important role within the Biotechnology Group and candidates with industry experience in bacterial genetic engineering for recombinant protein production are encouraged to apply.

• Design, build, and test bacterial strains using state-of-the-art genetic engineering tools, high throughput strain evaluation methods, and contemporary molecular biology techniques.
• Leverage a deep understanding of bacterial genetics to design experiments and interpret data for improving a strain’s protein production performance.
• Apply and develop synthetic biology tools to generate improved production strains and expand the genetic toolkit to other related species.
• Use NGS (DNA-seq & RNA-seq) data to link genotype to phenotype for improving heterologous protein expression.
• Collaborate with fermentation and assay teams to ensure the strain’s genetics and fermentation process conditions are co-developed to maximize heterologous protein production.
• Achieve project milestones and deliver improved strains by following a gated technology development process.
• Provide regular technical updates with project stakeholders, collaborate with other ADM R&D groups, and engage with 3rd party technology providers.
• Contribute to a team-oriented, positive and safe work environment.

Job Requirements:
These skills and experiences will be required for the candidate:

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, microbiology, biotechnology, or biochemistry; or M.Sc. degree with 5+ years of industry experience.
• Hands-on experience and deep knowledge of bacterial genetics, molecular biology, genome editing, and construction of bacterial strains for industrial protein production.
• Subject matter expertise in bacterial biology and recombinant protein production.
• Working knowledge of bacterial bioprocess development for producing a secreted protein or enzyme at high titers.
• A track record of success with heterologous protein expression, and proficiency in working with industrial isolates.
• Experience in successfully delivering project goals; and communicating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven success working on complex projects within inter-disciplinary teams.
• Experience in generating novelty (academic publications) and/or intellectual property (patent applications) for heterologous protein production.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences.

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:

$70,400.00 - $129,000.00

Salaried Incentive Plan

The total compensation package for this position will also include annual bonus

Benefits and Perks

• 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

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.