Senior Microbiologist - Decatur, IL

Illinois Ag; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Illinois Ag is seeking a Senior Microbiologist in Decatur, IL. This role involves laboratory experimentation and analytical method development to advance microbial process research. The successful candidate will apply expertise in microbiology and molecular biology to support process optimization and contamination control across ADM's production network.

The ideal individual will have a BS degree in a related field and at least 5 years of relevant experience. Advanced degrees are preferred. The position also offers relocation assistance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in industrial microbiology or bioprocess development.
• Strong technical expertise in microbial process optimization.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory experiments focused on microbial processes.
• Develop advanced analytical techniques for microbial characterization.
• Lead cross-functional R&D projects and communicate findings.

Skills

Microbiological methods

Molecular analytical methods

Data analysis tools

Project management skills

Communication skills

Education

BS degree in Microbiology or related

Advanced degree (MS or PhD)

Tools

qPCR

Sequencing methods

Flow cytometry

Statistical packages

Visualization tools

Job description

### Job Details#### Job Title:Senior Microbiologist - Decatur, IL#### Location:,, ,#### Company:#### Industry Sector:#### Industry Type:#### Career Type:#### Job Type:Full Time#### Minimum Years Experience Required:N/A#### Salary:### Get Job Alerts**Career Type:** Scientist**Country:** USAI agree to receive alerts from and to the .Your alert was created successfully.x## General Alert Saved* The listings below are jobs matching the criteria you've selected for your General Alert on.Criteria selected was:* General alert saved for .* General alert notifications will be sent weekly on Monday.* Please note that you can only have one general alert active at any given time. Creating a new general alert will override an existing general alert.* Visit the to manage your alerts# Senior Microbiologist - Decatur, IL| Number of Years Experience: | Minimum Education Completed: | || Education Major / Discipline Category: | Most Recent / Current Occupation: | |**Job Description****Senior Microbiologist, Process Micro Team - Decatur, IL - Relocation Assistance Available**Research & DevelopmentThis 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.REF:109553BR**#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 lawTo apply please click on APPLY TO THIS POSITIONJob Post Date: 06/06/26Here are some other jobs you may be interested in applying for.| | || - | - || Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) Decatur, Illinois | Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) Decatur, Illinois || Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) Decatur, Illinois | |2 people are interested in this job.