Senior Research Scientist, Process Chemistry - Decatur, IL

ADM; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

ADM's Process Chemistry Group in Decatur, IL seeks a Senior Research Scientist to lead chemical process research, develop scalable purification methods, and drive improvements from concept to pilot.

The role requires a PhD in chemistry or chemical engineering with 5–10 years of scale-up experience, strong data analysis, DOE design, and collaboration with production and engineering teams.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry or chemical engineering with 5–10 years of process scale-up experience.
• Proven ability to design and execute experiments for optimizing chemical processes.
• Experience with high pressure/temperature reactor design and operation preferred.
• Familiarity with wide range of analytical techniques (NMR, HPLC, GC, GC-MS, LC-MS, FT-IR, UV-Vis).

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead process chemistry research projects within ADM R&D in Decatur.
• Design and execute DOE studies to optimize processes.
• Synthesize, purify, and characterize compounds and intermediates.
• Interpret analytical data to assess identity, purity, and process performance.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, and suppliers to transfer processes to manufacturing.

Skills

Process scale-up

Experiment design

DOE studies

Data interpretation

Written and oral communication

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Safety compliance

Education

Ph.D. in chemistry or chemical engineering

Tools

NMR

HPLC

GC

GC-MS

LC-MS

FT-IR

UV-Vis

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Microsoft Office

Job description

Senior Research Scientist, Process Chemistry - Decatur, IL

This is an exempt level position.

Position Summary

The Process Chemistry Group within the ADM Research and Development organization has an opening for a Senior Research Scientist. The qualified candidate will be expected to carry out and/or lead chemical process-related research projects within the ADM Research organization, located in Decatur, Illinois. Projects will relate to new and on-going products and process optimization. This position will interact with a broad range of functions, including production, engineering, other research interests, and ADM suppliers and contractors. The candidate must have a solid understanding of organic reaction mechanisms, organic structure elucidation, reaction optimization, and practical/scalable purification techniques that will positively impact existing programs and provide insight into new opportunities. This role provides potential opportunities to lead projects and expand into broader leadership responsibilities within the organization.

Essential Functions

• Perform all job functions in accordance with company safety guidelines
• Ensure lab technicians, contract employees, and other co-workers comply with ADM laboratory standards
• Develop experimental plans both independently, and in collaboration with the Process Chemistry Group Manager and project stakeholders to accomplish project goals
• Apply process optimization principles to identify and implement process improvements
• Design and execute Design of Experiments (DOE) studies
• Synthesize, isolate, and purify compounds, intermediates, and derivatives using appropriate techniques
• Acquire and interpret analytical and physical data to assess compound identity and purity
• Conduct literature and patent research
• Master set up, maintenance, and operation of laboratory reactor systems and data-acquisition software for continuous and batch reactions
• Generate, analyze, and interpret experimental data using scientific and statistical methods
• Communicate research progress through reports, presentations, and verbal updates
• Maintain laboratory organization, cleanliness, and safety compliance
• Collaborate across teams to develop and transfer processes to manufacturing
• Communicate with ADM colleagues, contractors, and suppliers, sending clear, appropriate and concise messages that express ideas, interpretations, and feedback
• Work collaboratively in a team setting, contributing to team cohesion and trust.
• Work productively and efficiently by being organized and prepared while supporting and assisting fellow team members whenever necessary
• Participate in safety reviews with colleagues on a variety of projects

Requirements

• Ph.D. in chemistry or chemical engineering, with 5-10 years of experience in process scale-up in the chemical or pharmaceutical industry
• Demonstrated expertise in the design and execution of experimental plans for evaluation and optimization of diverse chemical processes
• Experience in specialized and/or high pressure/temperature reactor design and operation is preferred
• Ability to design and perform experiments including the selection of sampling procedures, analytical methods, and some routine analytical analysis
• Ability to design, set up, operate and maintain lab and pilot equipment
• Knowledge and experience with wide range of analytical instrumentation especially NMR, HPLC, GC, GC-MS, LC-MS, FT-IR, and UV-Vis
• Knowledge of safe hazardous material handling and hazard communication requirements and procedures
• Working knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Microsoft Office
• Ability to function independently while interacting with ADM management, facility management, and ADM contract employees
• Effective writing and oral communication skills, strong organizational skills, and meticulous attention to detail
• Maintain confidential and highly sensitive information

Physical Factors

• Ability to sit, stand, or work in a laboratory environment for extended periods
• Ability to safely lift and handle equipment up to 50 pounds
• Capability to move gas cylinders and use hand and power tools
• Ability to operate standard office and laboratory equipment

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.