ADM

Scientist (III) Small Scale Fermentation - Proteins, Decatur, IL

ADM$100K — $120K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD or Master's in microbiology, biochemical engineering, or related field required.
  • 10+ years of industry experience with a BS, 5+ years with MS, or any experience with a PhD in industrial biotechnology.
  • Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills essential for research and development.
  • Experience with statistical design of experiments and data analysis required.
  • Hands-on experience with benchtop fermentation equipment preferred.
  • Excellent communication skills for report writing and presentations across diverse audiences.
  • Strong safety mindset with experience in laboratory safety protocols.

Responsibilities

  • Lead fermentation experiments as a technical authority.
  • Collaborate with upstream and downstream teams to address constraints and develop experimental solutions.
  • Analyze results, derive conclusions, and make recommendations for functional groups.
  • Document fermentation plans and results via an electronic lab notebook.
  • Conduct bench-scale experiments while adhering to aseptic practices.
  • Perform basic maintenance on fermentation and analytical equipment.
  • Contribute to the development and documentation of SOPs and safety assessments.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with on-site wellness options.
  • Financial wellness support including 401(k) matching, flexible spending accounts, and life insurance.
  • Mental health support through Employee Assistance Programs and resource groups.
  • Generous paid time off, including holidays and parental leave.
  • Tuition assistance and training resources for professional growth.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Scientist (III) Small Scale Fermentation - Proteins, Decatur, IL
ADM Research & Development
This is an exempt level position.

Position Summary
The Small Scale Fermentation - Enzyme team, located within R&D headquarter at Decatur IL, is recruiting an experienced and motivated scientist to carry out bench-scale fermentation experiments in supporting a variety of critical biotechnology projects with a heavy focus on Proteins fermentation processes.
As member of this newly created team, the successful candidate will participate in strain evaluations of a variety of microbial hosts and contribute to the earliest stages of fast-paced bioprocess development by providing critical feedback on strain performance and physiology. The scientist will collaborate frequently with strain engineering group, analytical group, enzyme assay group and engage with process development group further with tech transfer, process optimization and scale up discussions. The scientist 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.
  • 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, biochemical engineering, 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 demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience with statistical design of experiments, data handling and analysis, and quantitative reasoning is required.
  • Hands-on experience with benchtop fermentation equipment operation 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.

REF:112591BR

Benefits and Perks

Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well-being, including:
  • Physical wellness - medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
  • Financial wellness - flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers' compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.
  • Mental and social wellness - Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares).
Additional benefits include:
  • Paid time off including paid holidays.
  • Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
  • Tuition assistance.
  • Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs.
*Benefits may vary for bargained locations, confirm benefit eligibility with your recruiter.

Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.

If hired, employees will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

The pay range for this position is expected to be between:

About ADM

Archer Daniels Midland Company offers food ingredients, animal feeds and feed ingredients, biofuels, and other products. ADM transforms natural products into a complete portfolio of ingredients and flavors for foods and beverages, supplements, nutrition for pets and livestock, and more. It was formed in 1902 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

ADM Careers

There has never been a more exciting time to explore the job opportunities at ADM, a global leader in nutrition and agricultural processing. As a company committed to growth, innovation, and sustainability, ADM offers a unique platform for professionals to advance their careers in a dynamic and supportive environment. Work You’ll Do Join ADM’s industry-leading team to help address some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from food production to sustainable energy. At ADM, you can transform industries and foster a healthier future, leveraging our global scale and deep industry expertise. Lead with Innovation and Leadership At ADM, you are positioned to lead at the nexus of agricultural expertise and cutting-edge innovation. Our leadership in the market is driven by our commitment to innovation and diversity, ensuring that we meet global demands sustainably and efficiently. Engage with a Global Team Collaborate with over 33,000 dedicated professionals around the world who are united in their passion for delivering results and making a meaningful impact. ADM’s culture fosters a collaborative and inclusive workplace where diverse ideas lead to extraordinary outcomes. Introducing the ADM Professional Growth Pathways We are dedicated to nurturing the professional growth of our employees through unmatched training, leadership development programs, and diversity training. ADM’s commitment to professional development ensures that your career is future-proof, allowing you to evolve with the industry and our company. Do Meaningful Work Engage in work that matters with a team that values innovation and practical solutions. At ADM, your efforts contribute directly to creating a more secure and sustainable world, from improving global food supply chains to pioneering new bio-solutions. Be Part of a Great Team Experience the power of teamwork at ADM, where our collaborative environment is enhanced by diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to excellence. Our team’s unparalleled capabilities in agribusiness drive our ability to meet the needs of a growing world. Explore Career Opportunities From internships to full-time positions, ADM offers a variety of entry points for individuals at all stages of their careers. Whether you’re refining your skills or ready to lead, find the position that matches your career ambitions at ADM. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to make a difference. SEARCH ADM JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await you at ADM.
Learn more about ADM
Size
41,000 employees
Market Cap
$52 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.7 billion
Founded
1902
5 Year Trend
+6.5%
Revenue
$64.3 billion
NASDAQ

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