Meat Applications Scientist - Decatur, IL

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Job Title: Meat Applications Scientist - 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

Meat Applications Scientist - Decatur, IL

Looking for someone that is heavy meat focused to add to the team.

Position Summary:

The Scientist will be responsible for working closely with internal stakeholders, North American Customers and ADM global colleagues in the formulation of plant-based protein ingredients and other functional food ingredients into processed meat and meat alternative systems. This includes knowledge of formulation methods to improve the cost structure of processed meat system while maintaining or improving product quality. This would entail working closely with customers to incorporate these plant-based proteins and other food ingredients into their processed meat systems as well as working with customers on product re-formulation, new product development, quality assessment and process enhancement. This individual would be responsible for assisting with technical trainings for our customers and distributors in the use of plant-based proteins and other functional ingredients in processed meat applications.

Requirements:

The individual holding this position is expected to have a working knowledge of plant protein ingredients, formula development, process enhancement, processing equipment operation, and ingredient functionality and usage optimization. This position will work closely and cross-functionally with Food Science, Culinary and Commercialization teams. The successful candidate will have strong presentation skills, be self-motivated, agile and team oriented. Prior experience with product development is required. Some knowledge of food regulations and labeling is preferred. This position would require approximately 30% travel and will be based in Decatur, IL.

Key Skills & Competencies:

M.S./Ph D. Degree Meat Science or Food Science and/or 3 or more years of experience
Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams on Research projects that involve the development and improvement of novel protein solutions
Ability to collaborate with and have good written and verbal communication skills when working with colleagues in Commercial, Research, and Operations groups
This individual should have a detailed understanding of the use of food ingredients in the formulation of processed meat systems
A sound understanding of equipment set up & SOPs used in the development of processed meats
Proficiency in basic protein analytic techniques & bench top/pilot development work
The successful candidate will have strong communication skills, be self-motivated and team oriented.
Be a good teammate with good interpersonal skills
Self-motivated and willing to work hands-on at the laboratory, pilot, and plant level

Job Duties:

Accountable for developing formulas for meat and alternative meat applications
Accountable for scale-up of product prototypes
Accountable for designing and running experiments
Responsible for leading complex and cross-functional projects
Responsible for developing and maintaining technical - to - technical relationships with customers
Responsible for supporting nutrition growth strategy initiatives
Be self-motivative to challenge and drive R&D efforts through innovation solutions

Knowledge & Skills:

Sense of urgency, acceptance of change, communication, technical knowledge, quality minded, collaboration, flexibility, teamwork, problem solving, dependability, curiosity, integrity and a commitment to safety.
MS or higher (Meat or Food Science,) and/or 3+ years product development experience.
Developed project management skills including a working knowledge of Microsoft office (Excel, PPT, WORD etc.)

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:101401BR

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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: 09/18/25