Scientist III, Fermentation - Decatur, IL

Job Description Scientist III, Fermentation - Decatur, IL

ADM Research & Development

This is an exempt-level position.

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.

• 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.

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.

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:

$82,800.00 - $

The total compensation package for this position will also include annual bonus.

• Physical wellness – medical/Rx, dental, vision and on‑site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as…