Benchtop Fermentation Scientist I | R&D Impact

Limitless Decatur; Decatur, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; 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 and parental leave

Tuition assistance

Training and development resources

Job summary

ADM Research & Development in Decatur, IL seeks a Scientist I for benchtop fermentation at the 7.5 L scale. You will support fermentation R&D projects, validate production strains, and help scale processes while maintaining aseptic technique and meticulous documentation.

You will troubleshoot processes, contribute to SOPs, and work with a collaborative team to improve process efficiency, data quality, and safety in a dynamic lab environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 2–3 years hands-on fermentation experience.
• Ability to execute detailed experimental protocols with accuracy and consistency.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to laboratory safety.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based, multidisciplinary environment.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage tasks, priorities, and timelines.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in a pilot laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute benchtop fermentation experiments at the 7.5 L scale in support of R&D projects.
• Follow experimental protocols, SOPs, and safety requirements to ensure consistent, high-quality execution.
• Set up, operate, monitor, and clean fermentation and related laboratory equipment.
• Record experimental conditions, process data, observations, deviations, and results in batch records or summaries.
• Apply aseptic techniques to prevent contamination.
• Troubleshoot fermentation processes, equipment, and operational issues; implement corrective actions as appropriate.
• Support development, improvement, and documentation of fermentation protocols, SOPs, and Job Safety Analyses.
• Perform basic maintenance and routine checks on fermentation and analytical equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory workspace with inventory management.
• Interpret results, draw conclusions, and provide recommendations to the project lead.
• Communicate progress and results with technical leaders and cross-functional teams.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives related to fermentation operations, data quality, and safety.

Skills

Fermentation experience

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Written and verbal communication

Time management

Lifting up to 50 lbs

Education

Bachelor's degree in fermentation science, microbiology, biochemical engineering, biotechnology, biology, chemistry, or a related field

Tools

Benchtop fermentation equipment

Job description

ADM Research & Development in Decatur, IL seeks a Scientist I for benchtop fermentation at the 7.5 L scale. You will support fermentation R&D projects, validate production strains, and help scale processes while maintaining aseptic technique and meticulous documentation.

You will troubleshoot processes, contribute to SOPs, and work with a collaborative team to improve process efficiency, data quality, and safety in a dynamic lab environment.