Scientist (I), Small Scale Fermentation - Decatur, IL

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Job Title: Scientist (I), Small Scale Fermentation - 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), Small Scale Fermentation - Decatur, IL

ADM Research & Development

This is an exempt level position.

Position Summary

The Research Cell Engineering team is recruiting a motivated scientist to execute bench-scale fermentation experiments supporting critical biotechnology projects for ADM. This role is lab-focused, and this scientist will be responsible for fermentations using several types of cutting-edge bench top bioreactors. As an important member of the small-scale fermentation (SSF) team, the successful candidate will participate in strain evaluations of genetically engineered cell factories and contribute to the earliest stages of fast-paced bioprocess development by providing critical feedback on strain performance and physiology. This scientist will collaborate with Cell Engineering scientists with expertise in strain engineering, biochemistry, automation and -omics technologies.

This team member will assist the small-scale fermentation team with the setup, execution, and troubleshooting of fermentation experiments. They will perform regular maintenance of laboratory equipment and will regularly engage with continuous improvement of fermentation processes, operational issues, and safety.

Job Responsibilities

Work within a team to execute fermentation experiments from 0.1L to 1.3L scale, including media preparation, vessel setup and operations, inoculation, sampling, and cleanup.
Maintain thorough documentation using an electronic lab notebook.
Conduct at-line analysis of fermentation samples, as necessary
Work using aseptic techniques and maintain a clean laboratory workspace
Conduct basic maintenance of fermentation and analytical equipment
Develop fermentation protocols and create corresponding documentation including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Job Safety Assessments (JSAs)
Contribute to continuous improvement efforts on execution of fermentations
Occasional weekend or evening work may be required. Must be able to safely lift 50lbs.

Skills and Proficiencies

The preferred candidate is self-motivated and driven by a strong sense of scientific curiosity and rigor.

Additional qualifications include:

MSc or BSc with 1-4 years of relevant experience in microbiology, fermentation science, or related field
Experience with lab scale industrial microbiology research, including with aerobic or anaerobic fermentation of bacteria, yeast, or filamentous fungi
Familiarity with benchtop fermentation equipment (Eppendorf Dasgip, Sartorius Ambr250, or similar) is preferred.
Experience with microbiology sample analysis (e.g. OD, CEDEX, pH, density, dry cell weight) preferred
Must have a strong safety mindset, and experience with biological and chemical laboratory safety protocols is a plus.
Ability to work collaboratively within a diverse, multidisciplinary team.

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:104671BR

#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: 01/07/26