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Research Scientist III, Material Science - Decatur, IL
Decatur, IL, USA
USD 70,400-129k / year
Posted on Oct 3, 2026
Research Scientist III, Material Science - Decatur, IL
Decatur
IL - Illinois
Research & Development
Job Description
Research Scientist III, Material Science - Decatur, IL
ADM Research & Development
This is an exempt level position.
Position Summary
The Material Science R&D team is seeking an innovative and highly motivated Research Scientist III, Material Science to accelerate ingredient innovation across ADM's portfolio of food and non-food solutions. This role will leverage material science principles and advanced characterization techniques to establish structure-function relationships that enable differentiated products, process improvements, and new technology development.
The successful candidate will serve as a technical expert within cross-functional innovation teams and will apply scientific rigor, creativity, and data-driven approaches to solve complex technical challenges. This individual will drive research projects from concept through implementation while collaborating with colleagues across R&D, Operations, and Commercial teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, execute, analyze, and interpret experiments using advanced materials characterization techniques to understand ingredient structure-function relationships
- Utilize advanced analytical tools and characterization techniques including light and electron microscopy, particle characterization, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, rheology, and surface characterization techniques
- Apply advanced electron and light microscopy methods, including sample preparation, imaging, and microstructural analysis, to characterize food ingredients and materials, solve technical challenges, and support R&D and commercial projects
- Develop, validate, and implement analytical methods, procedures, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Perform routine instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, and coordination of external service activities as needed
- Apply statistical analysis and Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies to optimize experimental design and data interpretation
- Lead research projects independently and contribute to multidisciplinary teams using stage-gate innovation process
- Identify emerging technologies, scientific trends, and competitive opportunities through literature reviews, patent analysis, and technical scouting
- Effectively communicate technical results through reports, presentations, and stakeholder updates
- Collaborate across functional teams to drive project success and accelerate innovation
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance laboratory capabilities, efficiency, and scientific excellence
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and electronic documentation in accordance with company policies
- Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and policies
- Ph.D. in Materials Science, Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline with 0-3 years relevant industrial experience; or M.S. degree with 5+ years of relevant industrial research experience
- Demonstrated experience applying advanced characterization techniques to understand structure-function relationships in complex material systems
- Strong knowledge of material science characterization techniques and correlation with ingredient functionality
- Experience with image analysis software, advanced data analytics, multivariate statistical tools, DOEs, and data-driven experimental design
- Experience in food ingredients, biobased materials, proteins, carbohydrates, hydrocolloids, emulsions, or other complex ingredient systems
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced research environment.
- Strong problem-solving, organizational, and technical communication skills
- Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating across multidisciplinary teams
- Commitment to laboratory safety and scientific excellence
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:113492BR
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.
REF:113492BR
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
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
113492BR
#LI-Onsite
Ref ID
#LI-DR3