Scientist III, Milling and Grain Science - Decatur, IL

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

Job Description:

Scientist III, Milling and Grain Science - Decatur, IL Research & Development Position Summary: Our Milling, Grain Quality, and Separations Processing focused research group is looking for an experienced scientist to enhance ADM’s grain and oilseed processing capabilities. This position will work simultaneously across multiple projects in support of operation’s needs, customer care, performance excellence, and growth projects. This role will be responsible for understanding business needs and aligning appropriate levels of technical work to meet those needs at the laboratory and pilot levels and will provide support for plant trials and gathering of plant samples. The holder of this position will be expected to develop experimental designs, execute those designs, analyze and report the results in a clear and concise manner. This position will provide daily management of the milling laboratory, equipment maintenance, safety reviews and supplies procurement, and assist technical staff on training and executing experiments. Interdepartmental interactions and networking with technical leaders and staff are required. Understanding and communication of experimental results to operational and business importance and application of experiments to the business environment is desired. Occasional domestic travel to other ADM locations will be required. Previous experience in laboratory or piloting experimental design and execution for new product development or process optimization is highly desired; a good understanding of laboratory equipment and maintenance, methodology, and laboratory safety are highly desirable. Cereal science, protein chemistry, starch chemistry and food applications experience is desirable. This position will be focused primarily on laboratory scale work, but the position will be expected to sometimes work in an industrial plant environment and assist with piloting scaleup demonstration of experiments. Responsibilities: Partner with Research project teams to identify, develop, and implement new grain and oilseeds processing technologies for new products and processes, process improvements, and troubleshooting to deliver best in class solutions before commercialization Lead where appropriate as an individual contributor and team member on matrix projects Evaluate production processes and develop the best methods for scale-down parameters and pilot testing required to make process changes that increase yield, purity, and/or capacity Design experiments for laboratory and piloting trials, collect and organize data, interpret data Write detailed reports and prepare comprehensive presentations and communicate at all levels of the organization Prepare mass balances of new or existing technologies to understand scale up/scale down Collaborate with plant engineers, vendors, and contractors to identify scale-up risks and then develop methods to mitigate Provide technical support to existing facilities Support pilot trials in industrial environments Work with subject matter experts and managers to ensure technical work is done with sound, scientific methods to provide high quality information in a resource efficient manner Assist junior team members in development, help develop standard operating procedures, and maintain safe laboratory practices Education: Degreed with demonstrated knowledge in Chemical Engineering, Grain Science, Food Science, Milling Science or related field. An advanced degree (MS) or equivalent experience is preferred. Experience: Two or more years of laboratory or piloting/production experience at a technical level BS with 10 years of industry experience or an advanced degree (PhD or MS) with 5 years technical experience Technical background in the areas of milling, cereal, food science or related area (knowledge of grain and oilseeds processing from agricultural sources preferred) Demonstrated knowledge and experience with unit operations of food processing or milling applications and ingredient manufacturing Skills: A strong engineering and mechanical aptitude with applied understanding of processing equipment and unit operations including, but not limited to centrifugation, grinding, filtration, dryers, mixers, sizing, dewatering, tempering, and steeping. Knowledge of developing basic mass balance and cost models Strong chemistry or cereal science/oil seeds science knowledge as applied to processing said materials and final products Strong communication, project management and organizational skills that drive timely experimental results Strong teamworking skills to encourage open collaboration, feedback and diverse project team members interactions in a matrix project management environment Good understanding of statistical analysis (JMP software), concepts, and principles Good time management skills Ability to lead and manage teams and individuals Requirements: Demonstrated ability to work independently and support all aspects of laboratory and piloting experimental work. Ability to manage working on multiple projects with a variety of Research teams in a highly multi-tasked environment. Candidate will need to work within established company and laboratory safety guidelines. A willingness to spend time in plant areas, tolerate extreme temperatures, walk long distances, stand, climb stairs and ladders and move through close spaces. Previous experience in the analysis of foods, biofuels, natural products, industrial fermentations and experience developing multivariate analysis models will be given added consideration. Must be willing to travel. Core Competencies: Communication, scientific aptitude, integrity, mechanical aptitude, problem solving, ability to work independently as well as in a diverse team, detail oriented, and safety commitment. 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:105525BR 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, Milling and Grain Science - Decatur, IL, Science, Research & Development , Decatur, Indiana