Senior Microbiologist - Decatur, IL

ADM; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

ADM is seeking a Senior Microbiologist, Process Micro Team, in Decatur, IL. This exempt role emphasizes laboratory experimentation, analytical method development, and data-driven insights to support microbial process optimization and contamination control across ADM's production network.

The successful candidate will apply deep expertise in microbiology, molecular biology, and instrumentation to generate actionable scientific data, lead R&D initiatives, and collaborate with Research,

Qualifications

• BS degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioprocess Engineering, Food Safety, or related discipline.
• MS or PhD preferred.
• Experience in industrial microbiology or bioprocess development is required or strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret laboratory experiments focused on microbial process understanding and optimization.
• Develop and apply analytical and molecular biology techniques (qPCR, sequencing, flow cytometry, chromatography, spectroscopy) to characterize microbial systems.
• Lead R&D projects within the Process Micro team and coordinate timelines and resources.
• Support plant operations through data-driven insights and lab-based troubleshooting of process microbiology issues.
• Collaborate with plant and research teams to translate findings into scalable process improvements.
• Develop and maintain laboratory instrumentation methods and data analysis workflows.

Skills

Microbiology

Molecular biology

Data analysis

qPCR

Sequencing

Flow cytometry

Chromatography

Data visualization

Education

BS in Microbiology / related field

MS or PhD preferred

Tools

qPCR instruments

Sequencing platforms

Flow cytometry

Spectroscopy

Chromatography

Job description

Senior Microbiologist, Process Micro Team - Decatur, IL - Relocation Assistance Available

Research & Development

This is an exempt level role.

Position Summary

The Senior Microbiologist, Process Micro Team position requires an experienced and lab-focused individual to advance ADM's microbial process research and innovation capabilities. This role will emphasize laboratory experimentation, analytical method development, and data-driven insights to support process optimization and contamination control strategies across ADM's production network.

The successful candidate will apply deep expertise in microbiology, molecular biology, and instrumentation to generate actionable scientific data, lead R&D initiatives, and collaborate cross-functionally with colleagues in Research, Engineering, and Operations. This position will report to Jeanette Skaluba, R&D Director, Process Micro.

Job Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret laboratory experiments focused on microbial process understanding, optimization, and contamination control.
• Develop and apply advanced analytical and molecular biology techniques (e.g., qPCR, sequencing, flow cytometry, spectroscopic and chromatographic methods) to characterize microbial systems.
• Lead R&D projects and initiatives originating from the Process Micro team, coordinating timelines, resources, and communication across functional groups.
• Support plant operations through data-driven insights and lab-based troubleshooting of process microbiology issues.
• Collaborate with plant and research teams to translate laboratory findings into scalable process improvements and technology implementations.
• Develop and maintain laboratory instrumentation methods and data analysis workflows to ensure high-quality, reproducible results.
• Contribute to contamination control strategies and sanitary process design through experimental validation and risk-based approaches.
• Communicate findings, recommendations, and technical reports to stakeholders across R&D and Operations.
• Ability to travel to ADM locations approximately 15-20% of the time.

Education

• BS degree or higher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioprocess Engineering, Food Safety, or a related scientific discipline.
• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) preferred.

Experience

• With a BS, 10+ yrs of combined experience in industrial microbiology, bioprocess development, or related laboratory environments.
• With an MS, 7+ yrs of combined experience in industrial microbiology, bioprocess development, or related laboratory environments.
• With a PhD, 3+ yrs of combined experience in industrial microbiology, bioprocess development, or related laboratory environments.
• Demonstrated proficiency in molecular and analytical techniques relevant to microbial process characterization.
• Experience with experimental design, data analytics, and interpretation of complex biological datasets.
• Proven ability to manage projects and deliver results in cross-functional settings.

Skills and Proficiencies

• Strong technical expertise in microbiological and molecular analytical methods.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and software for biological and process data (e.g., statistical packages, visualization tools).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse, multidisciplinary teams and contribute to ADM's innovation strategy through research excellence.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in laboratory and project execution.

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.

REF:109553BR