Scientist (I) Small Scale Fermentation - Proteins, Decatur, IL

Archer Daniels Midland • Decatur, IL

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Small Scale Fermentation – Proteins team, located within R&D headquarter at Decatur IL, is recruiting a motivated scientist to execute bench-scale fermentation experiments in supporting critical biotechnology projects with a heavy focus on Proteins fermentation processes. This role is for lab-focused operational team, and the candidates will be responsible for carrying out fermentation operation using several types of cutting-edge bench top bioreactors. As member of this newly created team, the successful candidate will participate in strain evaluations of a variety of microbial hosts and contribute to the earliest stages of fast-paced bioprocess development by providing critical feedback on strain performance and physiology. The scientist will collaborate frequently with strain engineering group, analytical group, enzyme assay group and engage with process development group further with tech transfer, process optimization and scale up discussions. This team member will assist the small-scale fermentation team with the setup, execution, and troubleshooting of fermentation experiments. They will perform regular maintenance of laboratory equipment and will regularly engage with continuous improvement of fermentation processes, expansion of lab capabilities, and addressing operational and safety issues.

Requirements

• MSc or BSc with 1-4 years of relevant experience in microbiology, fermentation science, or related field.
• Experience with lab scale industrial microbiology research, including with aerobic or anaerobic fermentation of bacteria, yeast, or filamentous fungi.
• Familiarity with benchtop fermentation equipment and operation, hands-on experience with fed-batch fermentation is preferred.
• Experience with microbiology sample analysis (e.g. OD, CEDEX, pH, density, dry cell weight) is preferred.
• Must have a strong safety mindset, and experience with biological and chemical laboratory safety protocols is a plus.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a diverse, multidisciplinary team.

Nice To Haves

• The preferred candidate is self-motivated and driven by a strong sense of scientific curiosity and rigor.

Responsibilities

• Work within a team to execute fermentation experiments with bench scale fermenters, including media preparation, vessel setup and operations, aseptic inoculation, sampling, and cleanup, along with data organization.
• Conduct fermentation sample preparations for comprehensive analysis.
• Conduct basic maintenance of fermentation and analytical equipment while maintaining a clean laboratory workspace.
• Develop fermentation protocols and create corresponding documentation including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Job Safety Assessments (JSAs).
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts on execution of fermentations and building lab capabilities.
• Maintain thorough documentation using an electronic lab notebook.
• Occasional weekend or evening work may be required.

Benefits

• medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
• 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree