Scientist III Small Scale Fermentation - Decatur, IL

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

ADM Research & Development

This is an exempt level position.

Position Summary

The Research Cell Engineering team is looking for an experienced and versatile scientist to carry out bench-scale fermentation and biochemistry experiments supporting a variety of critical projects for ADM. As a member of the small scale fermentation team, the successful candidate will have an opportunity to contribute to the earliest stages of fast-paced bioprocess development by providing critical feedback on strain performance and physiology. They will take a leading role in experiment planning, execution, and communication while being hands-on in the lab and mentoring junior scientists.

Job Responsibilities

Serve as a technical lead on fermentation experiments from wellplate to 1.3L scale.
Communicate with upstream and downstream scientists to understand their constraints, and provide solutions via experiment design.
Interpret experimental results, draw conclusions, contribute recommendations, and communicate results to relevant functional groups.
Document fermentation run plan, log sheet, and summary in an electronic lab notebook.
Contribute to experiment execution at the bench while using aseptic techniques.
Perform bench-scale assays as needed to provide physiological insight.
Develop protocols and create corresponding documentation such as SOPs and Job Safety Assessments (JSAs).
Conduct basic maintenance of fermentation and analytical equipment.
Contribute to continuous improvement efforts on execution of experiments and laboratory safety.
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:

Educational background: Bachelor or Master of Science, PhD in microbiology, fermentation science, or related field
Industry experience: BS 10+ years, MS 5+ years, PhD 0+ years' experience in an industrial biotechnology setting with aerobic or anaerobic fermentation of bacteria, yeast, or filamentous fungi.
Solid background in research and development with excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Experience with statistical design of experiments, data handling and analysis, and quantitative reasoning is required.
Experience with benchtop fermentation equipment (Eppendorf Dasgip, Sartorius Ambr, or similar) is preferred.
Familiarity with plate-based biochemical assay development is preferred.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to write clear and concise reports, and prepare well organized presentations to audience with different backgrounds
Preferred candidate will have industrial biotechnology experience, demonstrating delivery of value to the business through execution of projects
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 is required.

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:98891BR

#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: 06/18/25