Senior Research Scientist, Process Chemistry - Decatur, IL

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Rx, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with matching contributions

Paid time off, including holidays

Tuition assistance

Job summary

ADM in Decatur, IL, is seeking a Senior Research Scientist in Process Chemistry to lead chemical research projects. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in chemistry or chemical engineering and 5-10 years of relevant experience. The role involves optimizing processes and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Key responsibilities include designing and executing experiments, mastering lab equipment, and ensuring safety compliance. The compensation package includes a salary range of $90,000 - $144,200 per year and various benefits.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in process scale-up in the chemical or pharmaceutical industry.
• Expertise in the design and execution of experimental plans for chemical processes.
• Knowledge of handling and communicating safe hazardous material procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead chemical process-related research projects in a collaborative environment.
• Develop experimental plans and apply optimization principles.
• Master maintenance and operation of laboratory reactor systems.

Skills

Organic reaction mechanisms

Process optimization

Analytical instrumentation (NMR, HPLC, etc.)

Experimental design

Effective communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in chemistry or chemical engineering

Tools

HPLC

GC-MS

Excel

PowerPoint

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 improvementsDesign 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

Excited about this role but don’t think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.

REF:109329BR

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

• 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

109329BR