Scientist III, Fermentation - Decatur, IL


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Job Title: Scientist III, 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 III, Fermentation - Decatur, IL

ADM Research & Development

This is an exempt-level position.

Position Summary:

The Fermentation team at ADM Research is dedicated to the development of fermentation processes in the areas of Human Nutrition, Animal Nutrition, and Sustainable Materials. The successful candidate will lead experimentation at the 7.5L scale for a range of processes aimed at producing ingredients such as proteins, amino acids, organic acids, hydrocolloids, and enzymes.

In this role, the candidate will be responsible for ideation and experimental design; contribute to the execution of experiments by leading a small team; perform troubleshooting, data analysis, and techno-economic analysis; and, in some cases, provide project management support. Additionally, the candidate is expected to contribute to the continuous improvement of fermentation processes, address operational issues, enhance safety measures, and perform basic maintenance on fermentation equipment.

Job Responsibilities:
  • Demonstrate comprehensive subject-matter expertise and work under limited supervision.
  • Develop projects targeting manufacture at larger scale and future growth opportunities for ADM, facilitating the development of globally competitive products used across a variety of industries.
  • Provide ideation and technical input in evaluating new production strains across a range of products, including bacteria, yeast, and filamentous fungi.
  • Develop experiments to optimize rate, titer, and yield for fermentation processes using an understanding of microbial physiology, process development, and economic models.
  • Design and lead the execution of fermentation experiments at the 7.5 L scale, including troubleshooting to resolve or mitigate issues.
  • Record experimental details, process data, and observations to identify potential improvements; operate and maintain laboratory equipment.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement efforts related to fermentation execution and laboratory safety.
  • Develop and enhance fermentation protocols and create associated documentation, including SOPs and Job Safety Analyses (JSAs).
  • Guide technical and equipment purchase decisions and support the technical development of colleagues.
Job Requirements:

Skills and Experience Needed:
  • Minimum educational background: BSc, MSc, or PhD
    • BSc 10+ years
    • MSc 5+ years
    • PhD 0+ years
  • Hands-on working knowledge of fermentation equipment, including troubleshooting and maintenance, is preferred.
  • Experience in industrial biotechnology is preferred, with a proven ability to deliver value to the business through the execution of projects.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential for effectively engaging with both technical and non-technical personnel.
  • Proven ability to work as a team player within diverse, multidisciplinary teams to coordinate knowledge transfer during scale-up processes to provide business value.
  • Must be self-motivated and highly detail oriented.
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs. and work comfortably in a pilot lab 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:104670BR

#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

To apply please click on APPLY TO THIS POSITION

Job Post Date: 01/07/26
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