Scientist I, Benchtop Fermentation - Decatur, IL

Illinois Ag; Decatur, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

ADM Research & Development in Decatur, IL, is seeking a Scientist I, Benchtop Fermentation, to support fermentation research at the 7.5 L scale. The role emphasizes following experimental plans, maintaining aseptic conditions, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements.

The candidate will execute protocols, monitor equipment, record data, and contribute to safety and documentation in a fast-paced lab environment, with opportunities to advance in bioprocess

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in fermentation science, microbiology, biochemical engineering, biotechnology, biology, chemistry, or a related field, or 2–3 years of hands-on fermentation experience.
• Ability to execute detailed experimental protocols with accuracy and consistency.
• Strong aseptic technique and commitment to laboratory safety.
• Effective written and verbal communication and ability to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Execute benchtop fermentation experiments at the 7.5 L scale to support R&D projects.
• Set up, operate, monitor, and clean fermentation and related laboratory equipment.
• Record experimental conditions, data, observations, deviations, and results in batch records or summaries.
• Troubleshoot fermentation processes and equipment; implement corrective actions as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory workspace and assist with SOPs and safety analyses.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Aseptic technique

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Physical stamina

Education

Bachelor's degree in fermentation science

Tools

Benchtop fermentation equipment

Lab equipment maintenance

Job description

### Job Details#### Job Title:Scientist I, Benchtop Fermentation - 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# Scientist I, Benchtop Fermentation - Decatur, IL| Number of Years Experience: | Minimum Education Completed: | || Education Major / Discipline Category: | Most Recent / Current Occupation: | |**Job Description****Scientist I, Benchtop Fermentation - Decatur, IL**ADM Research & DevelopmentExempt-Level Position**Position Summary**ADM is seeking a Scientist I, Benchtop Fermentation to support fermentation research and development at the 7.5 L scale. This role will contribute to the validation of new production strains, as well as the scale-up and scale-down of fermentation processes. The team focuses on optimizing and troubleshooting fermentation methods across yeast, bacterial, and fungal systems, with responsibilities that may include microbial identification, sample analysis, data interpretation, and process improvement.The successful candidate will follow experimental plans, operate and maintain fermentation systems, troubleshoot process and equipment issues, contribute to continuous improvement in fermentation execution, safety, documentation, and laboratory operations. This position requires strong aseptic technique, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative R&D environment.**Job Responsibilities*** Execute benchtop fermentation experiments at the 7.5 L scale in support of R&D projects* Follow experimental protocols, standard operating procedures, 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 accurately in batch records, experimental summaries, or other required documentation* Apply aseptic techniques to prevent or reduce contamination risk* Troubleshoot fermentation processes, equipment, and operational issues; recommend and 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 laboratory analytical equipment.* Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory workspace, including inventory management of supplies and materials* Interpret experimental results, draw conclusions, and provide recommendations to the project technical lead* Communicate progress, issues, and results effectively with technical leaders, project teams, and cross-functional stakeholders* Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives related to fermentation operations, process efficiency, data quality, and laboratory safety**Required Qualifications*** Bachelor's degree in fermentation science, microbiology, biochemical engineering, biotechnology, biology, chemistry, or a related field; or 2-3 years of 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 comfortably in a pilot laboratory environment**Preferred Qualifications*** Hands-on experience operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining benchtop fermentation equipment* Experience with industrial biotechnology, microbial fermentation, or bioprocess development* Familiarity with aseptic processing, media preparation, sterilization, sampling, and fermentation process monitoring* Experience contributing to scale-up, technology transfer, or process improvement efforts* Demonstrated ability to support projects that deliver technical and business valueADM requires the successful completion of a background check.REF:112873BR**#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: 09/10/26Here are some other jobs you may be interested in applying for.| | || - | - || Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) Chicago, Illinois | Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) Decatur, Illinois || Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) Ottawa, Illinois | |1 person is interested in this job.