Scientist II - Enzyme Assay Development - Decatur, IL

ADM; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental

Vision care

401(k) with matching

Life insurance

Disability

Employee stock purchasing program

Legal assistance

Identity theft protection

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

ADM’s Corporate Research Center in Decatur, IL seeks a Scientist II – Enzyme Assay Automation to advance high-throughput enzyme activity screening within the Process Chemistry & Catalysis Group. You will develop automated assays, troubleshoot, and generate data linking fermentations to process performance.

The role collaborates with Strain Engineering, Fermentation, Analytical, Research IT, and suppliers. A Bachelor's degree with relevant experience is required; Beckman-Coulter Biomek robotics

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Microbiology or Cell Biology is required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience using, programming and maintaining liquid handling robots (Beckman-Coulter Biomek) is required.
• Experience with bioanalytical instrumentation (UV-Vis, Thermo-Fisher Gallery Analyzer, YSI) is a plus.
• Experience in assay development, particularly high-throughput applications.
• Familiarity with enzyme kinetics or enzyme activity assays.
• Experience with statistical data analysis is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform all job functions in accordance with safety guidelines and ADM laboratory standards.
• Contribute to development of high-throughput enzyme assay platform and generate data to support fermentation and process development.
• Develop, validate, and implement new biochemical assays using lab automation and liquid-handling robotics.
• Act as SME for automated assay development in project teams.
• Train colleagues and transfer assays across teams and locations.
• Generate and analyze data accurately and in a timely manner.
• Communicate research status updates to stakeholders in writing and verbally.
• Work independently and in a diverse team to support process and product development.

Skills

Beckman-Coulter Biomek automation

High-throughput screening

Lab automation experience

Enzyme kinetics knowledge

Statistical data analysis

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Microbiology or Cell Biology

Tools

Beckman-Coulter Biomek

UV-Vis

Thermo-Fisher Gallery Analyzer

YSI

Job description

This is a full time, exempt position.

ADM has an opening for a Scientist II – Enzyme Assay Automation, in the Process Chemistry & Catalysis Group at our Corporate Research Center located in Decatur, IL.

Position Summary

The Enzyme Process Chemistry (EPC) group at ADM harnesses the power of enzymes to transform biological feedstocks into commercial products. Enzyme activity assays are at the heart of our research, linking fermentations with performance in commercial processes, which allow ADM to build innovative and sustainable new processes. We are seeking a scientist with experience in lab automation, particularly with high throughput enzyme activity screening.

Under the direction of a manager, project leader, or senior scientist, this team member will collaborate with a broad range of functions, including Strain Engineering, Fermentation, Analytical, Research IT, subject matter experts, production and ADM suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform all job functions in accordance with safety guidelines and ADM laboratory standards and participate in regular safety reviews
• Contribute to the development of our high-throughput enzyme assay platform, perform and troubleshoot routine assays, generate data to support fermentation, process development and support production plant operations
• Develop, validate, and implement new biochemical assays using lab automation/ liquid-handling robotics
• Act as subject matter expert for automated assay development in project teams
• Train colleagues and collaborators as assays are developed and transfer/validate assays across teams and locations
• Generate and analyze data accurately and in a timely manner
• Communicate research status updates to key stakeholders verbally and through written reports and presentations
• Work both independently and within a diverse team to support process and product development

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Microbiology or Cell Biology with relevant experience is required; Master’s degree is preferred
• Experience using, programming and maintaining liquid handling robots, particularly Beckman-Coulter Biomek platform instruments is required
• Experience with Bioanalytical instrumentation including UV-Vis, Thermo-Fisher Gallery Analyzer, YSI, etc. is a plus
• Experience in assay development, particularly for high-throughput applications or high-throughput screening
• Familiarity with enzyme kinetics or enzyme activity assays
• Experience with statistical data analysis is a plus
• Ability to execute sophisticated scientific experiments and document results
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems in a team environment
• Effective written and oral communication skills, strong interpersonal skills and strong organizational skills are required
• Be goal-focused in a performance-based environment

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:

$60,000.00 - $92,000.00

Benefits And Perks

Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well-being, including:

• 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).

*Benefits may vary for bargained locations, confirm benefit eligibility with your recruiter.

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.

#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 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.