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Scientist I, Benchtop and Pilot-Scale Fermentation - Decatur, IL
Decatur, IL, USA
USD 49k-91k / year
Posted on Oct 7, 2026
Scientist I, Benchtop and Pilot-Scale Fermentation - Decatur, IL
Decatur
IL - Illinois
Research & Development
Job Description
Scientist I, Benchtop and Pilot - Scale Fermentation - Decatur, IL
Position Summary
ADM is seeking a Scientist I, Benchtop and Pilot-Scale Fermentation to support fermentation research and development activities at the 7.5 L to 100 L scale within our Decatur-based R&D Center. This role will contribute to the validation of new production strains, as well as the scale-up, scale-down, optimization, and troubleshooting of fermentation processes across yeast, bacterial, and fungal systems.
The successful candidate will execute experimental plans, operate and maintain fermentation systems, collect and analyze process samples, document results, and communicate findings to technical leaders and project teams. This position requires strong aseptic technique, attention to detail, a commitment to safety, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative R&D environment.
Job Responsibilities
- Execute benchtop and pilot-scale fermentation experiments at the 7.5 L to 100 L scale in support of R&D and process development projects
- Set up, operate, monitor, sample, clean, and maintain fermentation systems and related laboratory equipment
- Follow experimental protocols, standard operating procedures, and safety requirements to ensure consistent, high-quality execution
- Apply strong aseptic techniques during media preparation, inoculation, sampling, transfers, and equipment handling to minimize contamination risk
- Record experimental conditions, process parameters, observations, deviations, sample data, and results accurately in batch records, laboratory notebooks, experimental summaries, or other required documentation
- Perform routine sample analysis and support data interpretation to evaluate fermentation performance and process outcomes
- Troubleshoot fermentation processes, equipment issues, and operational challenges; recommend and implement corrective actions as appropriate
- Support the development, improvement, and documentation of fermentation protocols, SOPs, Job Safety Analyses, and best practices
- Perform basic maintenance, calibration checks, and routine inspections on fermentation and laboratory equipment
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory and pilot-plant workspace, including supply and material inventory management
- Interpret experimental results, draw conclusions, and provide recommendations to project technical leads
- Communicate progress, results, risks, and issues effectively with technical leaders, project teams, and cross-functional stakeholders
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives related to fermentation execution, process efficiency, data quality, documentation, equipment reliability, and laboratory safety
- Bachelor’s degree in fermentation science, microbiology, biochemical engineering, biotechnology, biology, chemistry, or a related scientific discipline; or equivalent hands-on fermentation experience
- 2–3 years of relevant laboratory, fermentation, bioprocessing, or pilot-scale experience preferred for candidates without a directly related degree
- Ability to execute detailed experimental protocols with accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail
- Working knowledge of aseptic technique and laboratory safety practices
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and timelines
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based, multidisciplinary R&D environment
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently under general technical direction
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work comfortably in a pilot laboratory environment
- Hands-on experience operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining benchtop and pilot-scale fermentation equipment
- Experience with industrial biotechnology, microbial fermentation, or bioprocess development
- Familiarity with media preparation, sterilization, inoculum development, fermentation sampling, process monitoring, and contamination control
- Experience working with yeast, bacterial, or fungal fermentation systems
- Familiarity with fermentation process parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, agitation, aeration, temperature, feed strategy, and foam control
- Experience contributing to scale-up, scale-down, technology transfer, or process improvement efforts
- Experience with laboratory documentation, batch records, SOPs, and data reporting
- Demonstrated ability to support projects that deliver technical and business value
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:113557BR
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.
REF:113557BR
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:
$49,000.00 - $91,000.00
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
113557BR
#LI-Onsite
Ref ID
#LI-DR3