Automation Scientist I - Decatur, IL

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Job Title: Automation Scientist I - Decatur, IL
Location: Decatur, IL, Midwest United States, USA

Company: Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
Industry Sector: Agribusiness
Industry Type: Input Retail, Cooperative and Related Crop Services
Job Type: Full Time

Job Description: Job Description

Scientist (I), High-throughput screening - Decatur, IL

ADM Research & Development

This is an exempt level position.

Position summary

ADM Cell Engineering is looking for a results-driven and detail-oriented High Throughput Screening (HTS) scientist to add to our team! In this role, the successful candidate will execute 96 well plate microfermentations, plate-based growth screens and perform enzyme assays to measure and rank genetically engineered strains. Contributions by this scientist will play an important role in advancing scientific discovery!

Responsibilities include operating automated liquid handling systems, preparing and running assays, managing workflows that contain up to thousands of samples in 96 and 384-well plates, and generating high-quality phenotypic data.

Success in this role comes from combining attention to detail with good organizational skills and a proactive mindset. This scientist will work closely with the automation and fermentation teams to identify potential sources of variability, help resolve experimental challenges, and support the generation of high-quality, reliable data.

Those who enjoy working as part of a collaborative and results-driven team, and are passionate about conducting impactful research are encouraged to apply

Job responsibilities

Conduct end-to-end HTS workflows, including microfermentations, sample processing, and metabolite quantification using automated liquid handling systems
Follow established protocols to help ensure high-quality, consistent results
Help maintain the availability and readiness of consumables and reagents prior to workflow execution
Contribute to the development, optimization, and implementation of HTS methods and processes
Collaborate with team members on a variety of high-throughput activities
Assist with liquid handler setup, tear down, and routine maintenance
Promote a safe working environment by following safety practices and procedures

Desired qualifications:

MSc or BSc with 1-4 years of relevant experience in biochemistry, chemistry, biotechnology or a related field
Relevant hands-on laboratory experience through academic research, internships, or industry experience
Experience growing microorganisms and monitoring their growth over time, in scales from 200 uL to 50 mL, and running metabolite/enzymatic/biochemical assays
Good quantitative skills, and ability to perform basic scientific calculations and data quality checks
Good aseptic practices with an important focus on preventing sample mix-ups and contamination
Experience with automated liquid handling systems is preferred
Ability to use LIMS, ELNs and a track record of excellent documentation

Additional skills and attributes

Great attention to detail and commitment to generating accurate, high-quality data
Ability to notice and identify inconsistencies, question unexpected results, and participate in root cause investigations
Excellent organizational and time-management skills
Good written and verbal communication
Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment

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:113464BR

#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

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Job Post Date: 09/23/26