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Scientist I – Benchtop Fermentation - Decatur, IL

ADM
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 23 Jul 2025
💰 $91,000/yr($49,000/yr$91,000/yr)

About the role

Job Description

Scientist I – Benchtop Fermentation - Decatur, IL
ADM Research & Development
This is an exempt-level position.

Position Summary:
The successful candidate will conduct fermentations at a 7.5 L scale for various processes aimed at producing ingredients such as proteins, amino acids, organic acids, hydrocolloids, and enzymes. In this role, the candidate will execute experimental plans and troubleshoot fermentation processes. 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:

  • Work in a team environment to ensure successful fermentations at a 7.5 L scale.
  • Follow experimental protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to perform detailed work.
  • Record experimental details, process data, and make observations for potential improvements.
  • Conduct troubleshooting activities to resolve or mitigate issues and risks.
  • Develop and enhance fermentation protocols and create associated documentation, including SOPs and Job Safety Analyses (JSAs).
  • Employ aseptic techniques to prevent or reduce contamination and utilize strong organizational skills to maintain a clean workspace and manage inventory.
  • Perform basic maintenance on fermentation and laboratory analytical equipment.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement efforts in the execution of fermentations and laboratory safety.
  • Summarize results in an Experimental Summary or Batch Record.
  • Interpret experimental results, draw conclusions, contribute recommendations, and communicate with the technical leader of the project.
  • Operate and maintain lab equipment.
Job Requirements:
Skills and Experience Needed:
  • BSc in fermentation or a related field, or 2-3 years of experience in fermentation.
  • 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.
Before applying for an exempt, non-exempt or hourly job opportunity, you are expected to initiate a discussion and share your intentions with your supervisor.  * If you’ve been in your current position for more than 18 months, supervisor approval is not required.  * If you’ve been in your current position for less than 18 months, verbal supervisor approval is required.  
​Hiring Manager-  Adam Fornear  ​
Recruiter-  Amy Schroeder

 

City

Decatur

State

IL - Illinois

Location Country

United States

About ADM

At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.

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:

$49,000.00 - $91,000.00

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Company

ADM

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