Scientist (II) Small Scale Fermentation - Proteins, Decatur, IL

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

Benefits offered by this job

Physical wellness

Financial wellness

Mental and social wellness

Paid time off

Adoption assistance

Tuition assistance

Training and development

Job summary

ADM Research & Development in Decatur, IL is seeking a Scientist (II) for Small Scale Fermentation – Proteins. The role focuses on bench-scale fermentation across microbial hosts, contributing to early bioprocess development and strain evaluation.

You will work with multiple groups to accelerate process optimization and tech transfer discussions. Responsibilities include executing bench fermentations, preparing media, maintaining equipment, and documenting SOPs/JSAs.

Qualifications

• MSc or BSc with 3–5 years in microbiology or fermentation science.
• Experience with lab-scale industrial microbiology research and fermentation.
• Familiarity with benchtop fermentation equipment; fed-batch fermentation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute bench-scale fermentation experiments with bench fermenters.
• Prepare media, inoculate, sample, and clean up.
• Maintain fermentation and analytical equipment; keep a clean lab workspace.
• Develop SOPs and JSAs documenting procedures.
• Collaborate with strain engineering, analytics, and process development teams.
• Occasional weekend/evening work; must lift up to 50 lbs.

Skills

Scientific curiosity

Rigorous approach

Education

MSc/BSc 3–5 yrs

Tools

Benchtop bioreactors

Fermentation equipment

Analytical assays

Job description

Scientist (II) Small Scale Fermentation - Proteins, Decatur, IL

Decatur

IL - Illinois

Research & Development

Job Description

Scientist (II) Small Scale Fermentation - Proteins, Decatur, IL

ADM Research & Development

This is an exempt level position.

Position Summary

The Small Scale Fermentation – Proteins team, located within R&D headquarter at Decatur IL, is recruiting a motivated scientist to execute bench-scale fermentation experiments in supporting critical biotechnology projects with a heavy focus on Proteins fermentation processes.
This role is for lab-focused operational team, and the candidates will be responsible for carrying out fermentation operation using several types of cutting-edge bench top bioreactors. As member of this newly created team, the successful candidate will participate in strain evaluations of a variety of microbial hosts and contribute to the earliest stages of fast-paced bioprocess development by providing critical feedback on strain performance and physiology. The scientist will collaborate frequently with strain engineering group, analytical group, enzyme assay group and engage with process development group further with tech transfer, process optimization and scale up discussions.
This team member will assist the small-scale fermentation team with the setup, execution, and troubleshooting of fermentation experiments. They will perform regular maintenance of laboratory equipment and will regularly engage with continuous improvement of fermentation processes, expansion of lab capabilities, and addressing operational and safety issues.

Job Responsibilities

• Work within a team to execute fermentation experiments with bench scale fermenters, including media preparation, vessel setup and operations, aseptic inoculation, sampling, and cleanup, along with data organization.
• Conduct fermentation sample preparations for comprehensive analysis.
• Conduct basic maintenance of fermentation and analytical equipment while maintaining a clean laboratory workspace.
• Develop fermentation protocols and create corresponding documentation including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Job Safety Assessments (JSAs).
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts on execution of fermentations and building lab capabilities.
• Maintain thorough documentation using an electronic lab notebook.
• Occasional weekend or evening work may be required.
• Must be able to safely lift 50lbs.

Skills and Proficiencies

• The preferred candidate is self-motivated and driven by a strong sense of scientific curiosity and rigor.

Additional qualifications include:

• MSc or BSc with 3-5 years of relevant experience in microbiology, fermentation science, or related field.
• Experience with lab scale industrial microbiology research, including with aerobic or anaerobic fermentation of bacteria, yeast, or filamentous fungi.
• Familiarity with benchtop fermentation equipment and operation, hands-on experience with fed-batch fermentation is preferred.
• Experience with microbiology sample analysis (e.g. OD, CEDEX, pH, density, dry cell weight) is preferred.
• Must have a strong safety mindset, and experience with biological and chemical laboratory safety protocols is a plus.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a diverse, multidisciplinary team.

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).

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.

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

#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.

Req/Job ID

112592BR

#LI-Onsite

Ref ID

#LI-AS5