Scientist I - Enzyme Assay and Screening - Decatur, IL

ADM; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

ADM’s Corporate Research Center in Decatur, IL seeks a Scientist I to assist in developing and executing enzyme assays and protein characterization. You will work on enzyme applications for new product and process developments, interacting with production, engineering, and ADM suppliers.

Under supervision, you will contribute to data generation, plan experimental activities, and support multiple research projects in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation, especially UV-Vis is required.
• Experience with enzyme activity assays or protein characterization methods such as SDS-PAGE, Bradford/BCA, or FPLC is highly desired.
• Experience with liquid handling robots such as Hamilton, Beckman-Coulter, Agilent or Opentrons is a plus.
• Ability to execute scientific experiments and document results in an ELN environment.
• Knowledge of safe hazardous material handling and hazardous communication procedures
• Experience using Microsoft Office software such as Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook
• Ability to function independently while interacting with leadership, facility management, and contract employees
• Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve in a team environment
• Effective written and oral communication skills, strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to maintain confidential information
• Able to safely lift and manipulate equipment up to 50 pounds and use hand or power tools as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Perform all job functions in accordance with safety guidelines and ensure lab staff follow ADM standards.
• Generate data to support enzyme process development programs for product pipeline.
• Develop experimental plans with a lead scientist to accomplish project goals.
• Perform enzyme activity assays to support multiple research projects and product development.
• Generate and analyze data using scientific and statistical techniques.
• Communicate status updates on research activities verbally and through reports and presentations.
• Maintain proper housekeeping and safety.
• Use and maintain equipment according to specifications and safety protocols.
• Work independently and within a diverse team to support development.
• Collaborate with internal colleagues, contractors, and suppliers and share ideas clearly.
• Participate in safety reviews with colleagues on various projects.

Skills

UV-Vis spectroscopy

Enzyme activity assays

Protein characterization

ELN documentation

Lab safety compliance

Independent work

Communication skills

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

SDS-PAGE

Bradford/BCA

FPLC

Liquid handling robots (Hamilton/Beckman-Coulter/Agilent/Opentrons)

Job description

This is a full time, exempt position.

ADM has an opening for a Scientist I - Enzyme Assay and Screening, in the Process Chemistry and Catalysis Group at our Corporate Research Center located in Decatur, IL

Position Summary

We are looking for a Scientist to assist in development and execution of enzyme assays and protein characterization. Experience with enzyme or protein characterization techniques and enzyme activity assays is essential. Projects will relate to new and ongoing product and process developments involving enzyme applications.

Under the direction of a manager, project leader, or senior scientist, this role will interact with a broad range of functions, including production, engineering, other Research teams, and ADM suppliers.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform all job functions in accordance with safety guidelines, and ensure that lab technicians, contract employees, and others follow ADM laboratory standards
• Generate data to support enzyme process development programs leading to advancement of product pipeline
• Develop experimental plans with a lead scientist to accomplish project goals
• Perform enzyme activity assays to support multiple research projects and product development
• Generate and analyze data using scientific and statistical techniques
• Communicate status updates on research activities verbally and through written reports and presentations
• Maintain proper housekeeping
• Use and maintain equipment according to experimental specifications and appropriate safety protocols
• Work both independently and within a diverse team to support process and product development
• Collaborate with internal colleagues, contractors, and suppliers and send clear, concise messages to share ideas, interpretations, and feedback
• Participate in safety reviews with colleagues on a variety of projects

Skills and proficiencies

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field
• Experience with analytical instrumentation, especially UV-Vis is required.
• Experience with enzyme activity assays or protein characterization methods such as SDS-PAGE, Bradford/BCA, or FPLC is highly desired.
• Experience with liquid handling robots such as Hamilton, Beckman-Coulter, Agilent or Opentrons is a plus.
• Ability to execute scientific experiments and document results in an ELN environment.
• Knowledge of safe hazardous material handling and hazardous communication procedures
• Experience using Microsoft Office software such as Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook
• Ability to function independently while interacting with leadership, facility management, and contract employees
• Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve in a team environment
• Effective written and oral communication skills, strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to maintain confidential information
• Able to safely lift and manipulate equipment up to 50 pounds and use hand or power tools as necessary.

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.