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Fungal Genetic Engineer (III) Strain Development - Decatur, IL
Decatur, IL, USA
USD 70,400-129k / year + Equity
Posted on Sep 17, 2026
Fungal Genetic Engineer (III) Strain Development - Decatur, IL
Decatur
IL - Illinois
Research & Development
Job Description
Fungal Genetic Engineer (III) Strain Development - Decatur, IL
ADM Research & Development
This is an exempt level position.
Position Summary:
ADM Cell Engineering is recruiting an experienced Fungal Strain Engineer to develop filamentous fungal expression strains for the bioproduction of industrial enzymes and proteins. This scientist will design, build and test filamentous fungal strains for projects that support the ADM Precision Fermentation strategy. The successful candidate will collaborate with subject matter experts in protein design, automation & high-throughput, genomics, and fermentation to achieve protein production KPIs at commercial scale. This scientist will participate in all phases of the Design-Build-Test-Learn cycle to maximize heterologous protein expression in one of ADM’s platform fungal strains. This position is highly impactful to ADM and strain improvements will be immediately applicable to commercial bioprocesses. This is an important role within the Biotechnology Group and scientists with experience genetically engineering industrial fungi are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities:
- Design, build and test fungal strains using state-of-the-art genetic engineering tools, bench-scale strain evaluation methods, and advanced molecular biology techniques.
- Execute a protein expression project through host selection and genetic engineering of a filamentous fungus protein cell factory.
- Leverage a deep understanding of fungal cell biology to design experiments and interpret data for improving strain performance.
- Deploy synthetic biology tools to generate improved production strains and demonstrate capability improvement by expanding the genetic toolkit.
- Use NGS (DNA-seq & RNA-seq) data to link genotype to phenotype for improving heterologous protein expression.
- Collaborate with fermentation teams to ensure the strain genetics and fermentation process conditions are co-developed to maximize recombinant 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.
These skills and experiences will be required for the candidate:
- Ph.D. in molecular biology, biotechnology, or biochemistry; or M.Sc. degree with with 5+ years of industry experience.
- Hands-on experience and deep knowledge of fungal genetics, molecular biology, genome editing, and construction of filamentous fungal strains for industrial protein production.
- Subject matter expertise in filamentous fungal biology and heterologous protein production.
- Understanding of fungal genetic engineering and 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 of fungi.
- Experience with rational design and/or directed evolution of enzymes a plus.
- Evidence of successfully delivering project goals; and communication 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 recombinant 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:113352BR
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.
REF:113352BR
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).
- 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.
#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
113352BR
#LI-Onsite
Ref ID
#LI-AS5