Scientist II - Enzyme Assay Development - Decatur, IL

ADM; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ADM in Decatur, IL is seeking a Scientist II focused on enzyme assay automation to advance high-throughput screening and enzyme analytics.

Under supervision, you will develop automated assays, validate methods, and collaborate with Fermentation, Analytical, and IT teams to enable production-scale processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor9s degree in Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Microbiology or Cell Biology with relevant experience is required; Masters degree is preferred.
• Experience using, programming and maintaining liquid handling robots, particularly Beckman-Coulter Biomek platform instruments is required.
• Experience with bioanalytical instrumentation (UV-Vis, Thermo-Fisher Gallery Analyzer, YSI, etc.) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform all job functions in accordance with safety guidelines and ADM laboratory standards and participate in 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 in written reports/presentations.
• Work both independently and within a diverse team to support process and product development.

Skills

Lab automation

High-throughput screening

Biomek robots

Biochemistry background

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Beckman-Coulter Biomek

Gallery Analyzer

UV-Vis

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.

REF:113113BR