Discover Jobs in the Decatur Area

  • Careers

    Look for jobs and resources in Decatur & Macon County here.

  • Benefits

    Find out the benefits of working here (besides a paycheck!).

  • Industries

    Up-to-date information on the industries located here.

  • Startup

    Ready to start your own business? Get started today.

Bacterial Genetic Engineer (III) Strain Development - Decatur, IL

ADM
ADM

Decatur, IL, USA

USD 70,400-129k / year

Posted on Sep 17, 2026
Apply now

Bacterial Genetic Engineer (III) Strain Development - Decatur, IL

Decatur

IL - Illinois

Research & Development

Job Description

Bacterial Genetic Engineer (III) Strain Development - Decatur, IL
ADM Research & Development
This is an exempt level position.

Position Summary:
ADM Cell Engineering is looking for a skilled Bacterial Strain Engineer to develop microbes for the bioproduction of industrial enzymes and proteins. The successful candidate will design, build and test bacterial strains to support ADM’s Precision Fermentation product pipeline. This researcher will collaborate with cross-functional experts in enzyme engineering, protein production, automation & high-throughput, genomics, and fermentation to achieve commercial production KPIs. In this role, the scientist will contribute to all phases of the Design-Build-Test-Learn cycle to maximize heterologous protein expression in one of ADM’s bacterial protein production chassis. This position is highly impactful to ADM and strain improvements will be used to drive the commercialization of new and existing products. This is an important role within the Biotechnology Group and candidates with industry experience in bacterial genetic engineering for recombinant protein production are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

  • Design, build, and test bacterial strains using state-of-the-art genetic engineering tools, high throughput strain evaluation methods, and contemporary molecular biology techniques.
  • Leverage a deep understanding of bacterial genetics to design experiments and interpret data for improving a strain’s protein production performance.
  • Apply and develop synthetic biology tools to generate improved production strains and expand the genetic toolkit to other related species.
  • Use NGS (DNA-seq & RNA-seq) data to link genotype to phenotype for improving heterologous protein expression.
  • Collaborate with fermentation and assay teams to ensure the strain’s genetics and fermentation process conditions are co-developed to maximize heterologous protein production.
  • Achieve project milestones and deliver improved strains by following a gated technology development process.
  • Provide regular technical updates with project stakeholders, collaborate with other ADM R&D groups, and engage with 3rd party technology providers.
  • Contribute to a team-oriented, positive and safe work environment.
Job Requirements:
These skills and experiences will be required for the candidate:
  • Ph.D. in molecular biology, microbiology, biotechnology, or biochemistry; or M.Sc. degree with 5+ years of industry experience.
  • Hands-on experience and deep knowledge of bacterial genetics, molecular biology, genome editing, and construction of bacterial strains for industrial protein production.
  • Subject matter expertise in bacterial biology and recombinant protein production.
  • Working knowledge of bacterial bioprocess development for producing a secreted protein or enzyme at high titers.
  • A track record of success with heterologous protein expression, and proficiency in working with industrial isolates.
  • Experience in successfully delivering project goals; and communicating with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Proven success working on complex projects within inter-disciplinary teams.
  • Experience in generating novelty (academic publications) and/or intellectual property (patent applications) for heterologous protein production.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences.
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:113351BR

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:

$70,400.00 - $129,000.00

Salaried Incentive Plan

The total compensation package for this position will also include annual bonus

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.

#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

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.

Req/Job ID

113351BR

#LI-Onsite

Ref ID

#LI-AS5

Apply now
See more open positions at ADM