Scientist III, Fermentation - Decatur, IL

Company: Archer Daniels Midland
Location: Decatur
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

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. REF:104670BR 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. IncludingYou Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM’s efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments — environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together. We welcome everyone to apply. We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, language, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law Benefits and Perks Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well-being, including: Physical wellness – medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable). Financial wellness – flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers’ compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection. Mental and social wellness – Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares). Additional benefits include: Paid time off including paid holidays. Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave. Tuition assistance. Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs. *Benefits may vary for bargained locations, confirm benefit eligibility with your recruiter. 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:

Keywords: Archer Daniels Midland, Terre Haute , Scientist III, Fermentation - Decatur, IL, Science, Research & Development , Decatur, Indiana