Job Title: Senior Research Scientist, Process Chemistry - Decatur, IL
Company Name:
Archer Daniels Midland
Location:
Decatur, IL United States
Position Type:
Full Time
Post Date:
06/01/2026
Expire Date:
07/01/2026
Job Categories:
Engineering, Legal, Manufacturing and Production, Science, Executive Management, Research & Development
Job Description
Senior Research Scientist, Process Chemistry - Decatur, IL Senior Research Scientist, Process Chemistry - Decatur, IL This is an exempt level position.
Position Summary: The Process Chemistry Group within the ADM Research and Development organization has an opening for a Senior Research Scientist. The qualified candidate will be expected to carry out and/or lead chemical process-related research projects within the ADM Research organization, located in Decatur, Illinois. Projects will relate to new and on-going products and process optimization. This position will interact with a broad range of functions, including production, engineering, other research interests, and ADM suppliers and contractors. The candidate must have a solid understanding of organic reaction mechanisms, organic structure elucidation, reaction optimization, and practical/scalable purification techniques that will positively impact existing programs and provide insight into new opportunities. This role provides potential opportunities to lead projects and expand into broader leadership responsibilities within the organization.
Essential Functions:
Perform all job functions in accordance with company safety guidelines
Ensure lab technicians, contract employees, and other co-workers comply with ADM laboratory standards
Develop experimental plans both independently, and in collaboration with the Process Chemistry Group Manager and project stakeholders to accomplish project goals
Apply process optimization principles to identify and implement process improvements
Design and execute Design of Experiments (DOE) studies
Synthesize, isolate, and purify compounds, intermediates, and derivatives using appropriate techniques
Acquire and interpret analytical and physical data to assess compound identity and purity
Conduct literature and patent research
Master set up, maintenance, and operation of laboratory reactor systems and data-acquisition software for continuous and batch reactions
Generate, analyze, and interpret experimental data using scientific and statistical methods
Communicate research progress through reports, presentations, and verbal updates
Maintain laboratory organization, cleanliness, and safety compliance
Collaborate across teams to develop and transfer processes to manufacturing
Communicate with ADM colleagues, contractors, and suppliers, sending clear, appropriate and concise messages that express ideas, interpretations, and feedback
Work collaboratively in a team setting, contributing to team cohesion and trust.
Work productively and efficiently by being organized and prepared while supporting and assisting fellow team members whenever necessary
Participate in safety reviews with colleagues on a variety of projects
Requirements:
Ph.D. in chemistry or chemical engineering, with 5-10 years of experience in process scale-up in the chemical or pharmaceutical industry
Demonstrated expertise in the design and execution of experimental plans for evaluation and optimization of diverse chemical processes
Experience in specialized and/or high pressure/temperature reactor design and operation is preferred
Ability to design and perform experiments including the selection of sampling procedures, analytical methods, and some routine analytical analysis
Ability to design, set up, operate and maintain lab and pilot equipment
Knowledge and experience with wide range of analytical instrumentation especially NMR, HPLC, GC, GC-MS, LC-MS, FT-IR, and UV-Vis
Knowledge of safe hazardous material handling and hazard communication requirements and procedures
Working knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Microsoft Office
Ability to function independently while interacting with ADM management, facility management, and ADM contract employees
Effective writing and oral communication skills, strong organizational skills, and meticulous attention to detail
Maintain confidential and highly sensitive information
Physical Factors:
Ability to sit, stand, or work in a laboratory environment for extended periods
Ability to safely lift and handle equipment up to 50 pounds
Capability to move gas cylinders and use hand and power tools
Ability to operate standard office and laboratory equipment
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.
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