Research Scientist III, Material Science - Decatur, IL

Illinois Ag; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) in Decatur, IL seeks a Research Scientist III in Material Science to accelerate ingredient innovation. You will apply structure–function relationships to differentiate products and drive new technology development, collaborating with R&D, Operations, and Commercial teams.

The role emphasizes independent project leadership, rigorous data analysis, and strong safety and documentation practices within a cross-disciplinary environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field; 0–3 years industrial experience or M.S. with 5+ years.
• Experience applying advanced characterization techniques to understand structure–function relationships in complex material systems.
• Strong knowledge of material science characterization techniques and data analytics.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, analyze, and interpret experiments using advanced materials characterization techniques.
• Develop, validate, and implement analytical methods and SOPs; maintain lab records.
• Lead research projects and collaborate across R&D, Operations, and Commercial teams.

Skills

Materials characterization

Image analysis

DOE

Data analytics

Education

PhD in Materials Science or related

Tools

Electron microscopy

Light microscopy

Spectroscopy

Thermal analysis

Rheology

Job description

### Job Details#### Job Title:Research Scientist III, Material Science - 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# Research Scientist III, Material Science - Decatur, IL| Number of Years Experience: | Minimum Education Completed: | || Education Major / Discipline Category: | Most Recent / Current Occupation: | |**Job Description****Research Scientist III, Material Science - Decatur, IL**ADM Research & DevelopmentThis is an exempt level position.**Position Summary**The Material Science R&D team is seeking an innovative and highly motivated Research Scientist III, Material Science to accelerate ingredient innovation across ADM's portfolio of food and non-food solutions. This role will leverage material science principles and advanced characterization techniques to establish structure-function relationships that enable differentiated products, process improvements, and new technology development.The successful candidate will serve as a technical expert within cross-functional innovation teams and will apply scientific rigor, creativity, and data-driven approaches to solve complex technical challenges. This individual will drive research projects from concept through implementation while collaborating with colleagues across R&D, Operations, and Commercial teams.**Key Responsibilities*** Design, execute, analyze, and interpret experiments using advanced materials characterization techniques to understand ingredient structure-function relationships* Utilize advanced analytical tools and characterization techniques including light and electron microscopy, particle characterization, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, rheology, and surface characterization techniques* Apply advanced electron and light microscopy methods, including sample preparation, imaging, and microstructural analysis, to characterize food ingredients and materials, solve technical challenges, and support R&D and commercial projects* Develop, validate, and implement analytical methods, procedures, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)* Perform routine instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, and coordination of external service activities as needed* Apply statistical analysis and Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies to optimize experimental design and data interpretation* Lead research projects independently and contribute to multidisciplinary teams using stage-gate innovation process* Identify emerging technologies, scientific trends, and competitive opportunities through literature reviews, patent analysis, and technical scouting* Effectively communicate technical results through reports, presentations, and stakeholder updates* Collaborate across functional teams to drive project success and accelerate innovation* Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance laboratory capabilities, efficiency, and scientific excellence* Maintain accurate laboratory records and electronic documentation in accordance with company policies* Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and policies**Job Requirements*** Ph.D. in Materials Science, Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline with 0-3 years relevant industrial experience; or M.S. degree with 5+ years of relevant industrial research experience* Demonstrated experience applying advanced characterization techniques to understand structure-function relationships in complex material systems* Strong knowledge of material science characterization techniques and correlation with ingredient functionality* Experience with image analysis software, advanced data analytics, multivariate statistical tools, DOEs, and data-driven experimental design* Experience in food ingredients, biobased materials, proteins, carbohydrates, hydrocolloids, emulsions, or other complex ingredient systems* Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced research environment.* Strong problem-solving, organizational, and technical communication skills* Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating across multidisciplinary teams* Commitment to laboratory safety and scientific excellenceADM requires the successful completion of a background check.REF:113492BR**#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: 10/04/26Here are some other jobs you may be interested in applying for.| | || - | - || Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) Harvard, Illinois | Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) Decatur, Illinois || Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) Decatur, Illinois | |