Scientist I Fermentation - Decatur, IL

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Job Title: Scientist I 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 - Decatur, IL

Benchtop and Pilot Scale Fermentation

ADM Research & Development

This is an exempt-level position.

Position Summary:

This position is part of the Fermentation Team within the Biotechnology Research group at ADM. The team's focus includes validating new production strains and optimizing fermentation processes across multiple scales. This includes scale-up and scale-down efforts, as well as troubleshooting current fermentation methods. The team works with bacterial, yeast, and fungal fermentations and performs microbial identification, sample analysis, and data interpretation.

The candidate in this Scientist I role will be responsible for initiating, monitoring and sampling fermentations, maintaining detailed records, performing hands-on work in both laboratory and pilot plant settings, and making real-time decisions on process adjustments to ensure successful outcomes while adhering to enhanced safety protocols. This role also includes overlapping with night shift personnel to ensure continuous safety oversight and compliance with advanced safety systems.

Work Schedule: 2 options, 8-hour days vs 10-hour days

Sunday-Thursday, 3:30 pm-12:00 am (8 hours)

Monday-Thursday, 3:30 pm-2:00 am (10 hours)

Job Responsibilities:

Record, sample, and monitor fermentations in our bench scales laboratories and pilot plant areas.
Collaborate within a team to ensure successful fermentations at scales of 7.5 L, 100 L, and 1000 L.
Make decisions on real time process adjustments, troubleshoot issues as they arise and document data and observations.
Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Communicate effectively and relay information to other team members.
Read and comprehend fermentation protocols.
Perform basic maintenance on fermentation and analytical equipment.
Contribute to ongoing efforts for continuous improvement in fermentation execution and laboratory safety.
Work in an aseptic manner and maintain a clean workspace.
Be self-motivated and ambitious.

Job Requirements:

Required or Useful Skills and Experiences for the Candidate:

A Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, Fermentation Science, or a related field; or 2-3 years of experience in fermentation.
Familiarity with fermentation equipment, including troubleshooting and maintenance.
Understanding of general microbiological procedures and aseptic techniques.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of engaging with both technical and non-technical personnel.
Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
Must be able to lift to 50 lbs.

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:98432BR

#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 are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in our industry, as we strive to ensure our workforce represents the world that we help to feed: people of color, women, gender non-conforming, LGBTQIA+, veterans and persons with disabilities. For more information regarding our efforts to advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, please visit our website here: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion | ADM.

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Job Post Date: 06/12/25