Lab Tech Milling & Grain Processing - Decatur, IL

Archer Daniels Midland • Decatur, IL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Lab Tech Milling & Grain Processing - Decatur, IL ADM Research Our Milling and Grain Quality capability research group is looking for a lab technician to enhance ADM’s grain processing and products capabilities. A new milling lab has been built and is growing rapidly with the need for highly motivated individuals to expand its capabilities and serve our business needs. The milling lab team functions to identify, develop, and implement new grain processing technologies for process improvements, for new products and processes, and provides troubleshooting to deliver best in class solutions. Under the direction of manager, project leader or senior scientist, this individual is expected to assist in the daily operations of the milling capabilities laboratory. Position Summary: This position will work with technical staff in executing on experiments, organizing and documenting data, including recording the results in a written/electronic lab notebook. In this role, they will collect and prepare samples for analyses, perform analytical testing using instrumental and wet chemistry procedures and are expected to assist with data interpretation. The individual will also participate in the operations of the milling laboratory, including development of standardized operating protocols, equipment maintenance, assist in supplies procurement, and housekeeping. The technician will also participate in method development and exploration of new experimental approaches and be expected to document and assist with standardization of techniques and development of standard operational procedures. The individual will be expected to work simultaneously on multiple projects in support of operation’s needs, customer care, performance excellence, and growth projects. A good understanding of laboratory equipment and maintenance, methodology, and laboratory safety is required. Previous experience in laboratory or piloting experimental design and execution for process optimization is highly desired. A good understanding of grains and grain processing from both a chemistry and engineering/mechanical aptitude is also desired. This position will be focused primarily on laboratory scale work, but the position will be expected to sometimes work in an industrial plant environment and assist with piloting scaleup demonstration of experiments. The technician will occasionally be expected to collect samples from the plant and have a fundamental knowledge of our corn and wheat milling processes and will be expected to work in laboratory, pilot and plant environments safely.

Requirements

• B.S. Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, Milling Science, or related field with at least 1 year of laboratory experience in grain processing preferred
• Strong organization/planning and problem-solving skills
• Effective written/verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and support all aspects of laboratory and piloting experimental work.
• Ability to execute complex scientific experiments and document results
• Ability to design, set up, operate and maintain lab and pilot equipment
• Ability to maintain a written or electronic lab notebook
• Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve in a team environment
• Effective communication skills for translating data and observations to milestone driven results in a performance based environment
• Working knowledge of Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and Microsoft Office
• Understand and maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive information
• Candidate will need to work within established company and laboratory safety guidelines including knowledge of hazardous material and hazardous communications requirements and procedures
• Willingness to spend time in plant areas, tolerate extreme temperatures, walk long distances, stand, climb stairs and ladders and move through close spaces
• Physical requirements will include safely lifting and manipulating equipment up to 50 pounds, moving heavy pilot equipment, and using hand and power tools
• Must be willing to travel and have a valid driver’s license
• Communication, scientific aptitude, integrity, mechanical aptitude, problem solving, statistical aptitude, ability to work independently as well as in a diverse team, detail oriented, and safety commitment

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in laboratory or piloting experimental design and execution for process optimization is highly desired.
• A good understanding of grains and grain processing from both a chemistry and engineering/mechanical aptitude is also desired.

Responsibilities

• Perform all job functions in accord with company safety guidelines
• Ensure other lab technicians, contract employees, and other co-workers comply with ADM laboratory standards.
• Under the direction of manager, project leader or senior scientist, assist in the daily operations to support projects
• Conduct experiments in lab, piloting, and plant environment
• Understand and translate experimental results into prioritized data collections using ADM systems and principles such as 1ADM, A2E, and FEL0
• Document results of experiments, readings, and other technical work in either written or electronic lab notebooks
• Report on status of research activities through well organized and prioritized verbal updates, written reports, and presentations
• Prepare chemical solutions for use in lab and properly dispose of waste.
• Maintain and calibrate all lab equipment and field instrumentation as needed
• Order chemicals and supplies as needed
• Maintain an accurate chemical and equipment inventory
• Participate in safety reviews with colleagues on a variety of projects
• Maintain proper housekeeping and observes safety standards
• Work safely, productively and efficiently by being organized, prepared and supporting and assisting fellow team members whenever necessary

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level