Job Title: Scientist III, Fermentation - Decatur, IL
Company Name:
Archer Daniels Midland
Location:
Decatur, IL United States
Position Type:
Full Time
Post Date:
01/05/2026
Expire Date:
02/18/2026
Job Categories:
Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical, Finance/Economics, Installation, Maintenance, and Repair, Science, Research & Development
Job Description
Scientist III, Fermentation - Decatur, IL 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.
Company Description:
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.
Please visit our employer showcase!
