Job Title: Scientist (I), Small Scale 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:
Arts, Entertainment, and Media, Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical, Installation, Maintenance, and Repair, Science, Research & Development
Job Description
Scientist (I), Small Scale Fermentation – Decatur, IL Scientist (I), Small Scale Fermentation – Decatur, IL ADM Research & Development This is an exempt level position.
Position Summary The Research Cell Engineering team is recruiting a motivated scientist to execute bench-scale fermentation experiments supporting critical biotechnology projects for ADM. This role is lab-focused, and this scientist will be responsible for fermentations using several types of cutting-edge bench top bioreactors. As an important member of the small-scale fermentation (SSF) team, the successful candidate will participate in strain evaluations of genetically engineered cell factories and contribute to the earliest stages of fast-paced bioprocess development by providing critical feedback on strain performance and physiology. This scientist will collaborate with Cell Engineering scientists with expertise in strain engineering, biochemistry, automation and -omics technologies.
This team member will assist the small-scale fermentation team with the setup, execution, and troubleshooting of fermentation experiments. They will perform regular maintenance of laboratory equipment and will regularly engage with continuous improvement of fermentation processes, operational issues, and safety.
Job Responsibilities
Work within a team to execute fermentation experiments from 0.1L to 1.3L scale, including media preparation, vessel setup and operations, inoculation, sampling, and cleanup.
Maintain thorough documentation using an electronic lab notebook.
Conduct at-line analysis of fermentation samples, as necessary
Work using aseptic techniques and maintain a clean laboratory workspace
Conduct basic maintenance of fermentation and analytical equipment
Develop fermentation protocols and create corresponding documentation including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Job Safety Assessments (JSAs)
Contribute to continuous improvement efforts on execution of fermentations
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:
MSc or BSc with 1-4 years of relevant experience in microbiology, fermentation science, or related field
Experience with lab scale industrial microbiology research, including with aerobic or anaerobic fermentation of bacteria, yeast, or filamentous fungi
Familiarity with benchtop fermentation equipment (Eppendorf Dasgip, Sartorius Ambr250, or similar) is preferred.
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.
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!
