Automation Scientist I - Decatur, IL
About The Position
ADM Cell Engineering is looking for a results-driven and detail-oriented High Throughput Screening (HTS) scientist to add to our team! In this role, the successful candidate will execute 96 well plate microfermentations, plate-based growth screens and perform enzyme assays to measure and rank genetically engineered strains. Contributions by this scientist will play an important role in advancing scientific discovery! Responsibilities include operating automated liquid handling systems, preparing and running assays, managing workflows that contain up to thousands of samples in 96 and 384-well plates, and generating high-quality phenotypic data. Success in this role comes from combining attention to detail with good organizational skills and a proactive mindset. This scientist will work closely with the automation and fermentation teams to identify potential sources of variability, help resolve experimental challenges, and support the generation of high-quality, reliable data. Those who enjoy working as part of a collaborative and results-driven team, and are passionate about conducting impactful research are encouraged to apply.
Requirements
- MSc or BSc with 1-4 years of relevant experience in biochemistry, chemistry, biotechnology or a related field
- Relevant hands-on laboratory experience through academic research, internships, or industry experience
- Experience growing microorganisms and monitoring their growth over time, in scales from 200 uL to 50 mL, and running metabolite/enzymatic/biochemical assays
- Good quantitative skills, and ability to perform basic scientific calculations and data quality checks
- Good aseptic practices with an important focus on preventing sample mix-ups and contamination
- Ability to use LIMS, ELNs and a track record of excellent documentation
- Great attention to detail and commitment to generating accurate, high-quality data
- Ability to notice and identify inconsistencies, question unexpected results, and participate in root cause investigations
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills
- Good written and verbal communication
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment
Nice To Haves
- Experience with automated liquid handling systems is preferred
Responsibilities
- Conduct end-to-end HTS workflows, including microfermentations, sample processing, and metabolite quantification using automated liquid handling systems
- Follow established protocols to help ensure high-quality, consistent results
- Help maintain the availability and readiness of consumables and reagents prior to workflow execution
- Contribute to the development, optimization, and implementation of HTS methods and processes
- Collaborate with team members on a variety of high-throughput activities
- Assist with liquid handler setup, tear down, and routine maintenance
- Promote a safe working environment by following safety practices and procedures
Benefits
- medical/Rx
- dental
- vision
- on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement
- flexible spending accounts
- health savings account
- 401(k) with matching contributions
- cash balance plan
- discounted employee stock purchasing program
- life insurance
- disability
- workers’ compensation
- legal assistance
- identity theft protection
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
- Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares)
- Paid time off
- paid holidays
- Adoption assistance
- paid maternity and parental leave
- Tuition assistance
- Company-sponsored training and development resources
- LinkedIn Learning
- language training
- mentoring programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
