Senior Microbiologist - Decatur, IL

ADM; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 144,200; Full time

Job summary

ADM is seeking a Senior Microbiologist to advance microbial process research across the production network. The role emphasizes lab experimentation, method development, and data-driven insights to optimize processes and contamination control. Travel up to 15–20% may be required.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in microbiology and molecular biology, plus 5+ years in industrial settings, with experience in cross-functional teams and data analysis to drive actionable improvements.

Qualifications

• BS degree or higher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioprocess Engineering, Food Safety, or related
• MS or PhD preferred
• 5+ years of experience in industrial microbiology or related lab 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

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.

Skills

Microbiology

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Instrumentation

Communication

Education

BS in Microbiology or related

MS or PhD preferred

Tools

qPCR

Sequencing

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

• 5+ years 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.

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:

$90,000.00 - $144,200.00

Salaried Incentive Plan

The total compensation package for this position will also include annual bonus.

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.