Bacterial Genetic Engineer (III) Strain Development - Decatur, IL

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Job Title: Bacterial Genetic Engineer (III) Strain Development - 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
Career Type: Engineering
Job Type: Full Time

Job Description: Job Description

Bacterial Genetic Engineer (III) Strain Development - Decatur, IL

ADM Research & Development

This is an exempt level position.

Position Summary:

ADM Cell Engineering is looking for a skilled Bacterial Strain Engineer to develop microbes for the bioproduction of industrial enzymes and proteins. The successful candidate will design, build and test bacterial strains to support ADM's Precision Fermentation product pipeline. This researcher will collaborate with cross-functional experts in enzyme engineering, protein production, automation & high-throughput, genomics, and fermentation to achieve commercial production KPIs. In this role, the scientist will contribute to all phases of the Design-Build-Test-Learn cycle to maximize heterologous protein expression in one of ADM's bacterial protein production chassis. This position is highly impactful to ADM and strain improvements will be used to drive the commercialization of new and existing products. This is an important role within the Biotechnology Group and candidates with industry experience in bacterial genetic engineering for recombinant protein production are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

Design, build, and test bacterial strains using state-of-the-art genetic engineering tools, high throughput strain evaluation methods, and contemporary molecular biology techniques.
Leverage a deep understanding of bacterial genetics to design experiments and interpret data for improving a strain's protein production performance.
Apply and develop synthetic biology tools to generate improved production strains and expand the genetic toolkit to other related species.
Use NGS (DNA-seq & RNA-seq) data to link genotype to phenotype for improving heterologous protein expression.
Collaborate with fermentation and assay teams to ensure the strain's genetics and fermentation process conditions are co-developed to maximize heterologous protein production.
Achieve project milestones and deliver improved strains by following a gated technology development process.
Provide regular technical updates with project stakeholders, collaborate with other ADM R&D groups, and engage with 3rd party technology providers.
Contribute to a team-oriented, positive and safe work environment.

Job Requirements:

These skills and experiences will be required for the candidate:

Ph.D. in molecular biology, microbiology, biotechnology, or biochemistry; or M.Sc. degree with 5+ years of industry experience.
Hands-on experience and deep knowledge of bacterial genetics, molecular biology, genome editing, and construction of bacterial strains for industrial protein production.
Subject matter expertise in bacterial biology and recombinant protein production.
Working knowledge of bacterial bioprocess development for producing a secreted protein or enzyme at high titers.
A track record of success with heterologous protein expression, and proficiency in working with industrial isolates.
Experience in successfully delivering project goals; and communicating with internal and external stakeholders.
Proven success working on complex projects within inter-disciplinary teams.
Experience in generating novelty (academic publications) and/or intellectual property (patent applications) for heterologous protein production.
Excellent written and oral communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences.

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:113351BR

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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: 09/18/26