Home Invites Blogs Chat Events Groups Members News Photos Polls Videos
Home > Career Center > Job Seekers > Job Search
Job Title: Senior Microbiologist - Decatur, IL
Company Name: Archer Daniels Midland
Location: Decatur, IL United States
Position Type: Full Time
Post Date: 06/08/2026
Expire Date: 07/08/2026
Job Categories: Engineering, Manufacturing and Production, Science, Executive Management
Job Description
Senior Microbiologist - Decatur, IL
Senior Microbiologist, Process Micro Team – Decatur, IL - Relocation Assistance Available
Research & Development
This is an exempt level role.

Position Summary
The Senior Microbiologist, Process Micro Team position requires an experienced and lab-focused individual to advance ADM’s microbial process research and innovation capabilities. This role will emphasize laboratory experimentation, analytical method development, and data-driven insights to support process optimization and contamination control strategies across ADM’s production network.

The successful candidate will apply deep expertise in microbiology, molecular biology, and instrumentation to generate actionable scientific data, lead R&D initiatives, and collaborate cross-functionally with colleagues in Research, Engineering, and Operations. This position will report to Jeanette Skaluba, R&D Director, Process Micro.

Job Responsibilities
  • Design, execute, and interpret laboratory experiments focused on microbial process understanding, optimization, and contamination control.
  • Develop and apply advanced analytical and molecular biology techniques (e.g., qPCR, sequencing, flow cytometry, spectroscopic and chromatographic methods) to characterize microbial systems.
  • Lead R&D projects and initiatives originating from the Process Micro team, coordinating timelines, resources, and communication across functional groups.
  • Support plant operations through data-driven insights and lab-based troubleshooting of process microbiology issues.
  • Collaborate with plant and research teams to translate laboratory findings into scalable process improvements and technology implementations.
  • Develop and maintain laboratory instrumentation methods and data analysis workflows to ensure high-quality, reproducible results.
  • Contribute to contamination control strategies and sanitary process design through experimental validation and risk-based approaches.
  • Communicate findings, recommendations, and technical reports to stakeholders across R&D and Operations.
  • Ability to travel to ADM locations approximately 15–20% of the time.
Education
  • BS degree or higher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioprocess Engineering, Food Safety, or a related scientific discipline.
  • Advanced degree (MS or PhD) preferred.
Experience
  • 5+ years of combined experience in industrial microbiology, bioprocess development, or related laboratory environments.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in molecular and analytical techniques relevant to microbial process characterization.
  • Experience with experimental design, data analytics, and interpretation of complex biological datasets.
  • Proven ability to manage projects and deliver results in cross-functional settings.
Skills and Proficiencies
  • Strong technical expertise in microbiological and molecular analytical methods.
  • Proficiency in data analysis tools and software for biological and process data (e.g., statistical packages, visualization tools).
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse, multidisciplinary teams and contribute to ADM’s innovation strategy through research excellence.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in laboratory and project execution.
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:109553BR
Share |
Contact Information
Company Name: Archer Daniels Midland
Website:https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/home/HomeWithPreLoad?PageType=JobDetails&partnerid=25416&siteid=5998&jobid=3369900&codes=HBCU#
Company Description:
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.
Please visit our employer showcase!
Apply Now | Forward Job to a Friend | More Jobs From This Employer

(Advertise Here)
Latest Photos
>> more | add
Latest Member Activity
shantay crichlow just became a new member. 02:49PM
michelle hollinger just posted a blog entitled 'the remedy for lifting hbcu graduation rates rests with us!'. 12:31AM
michelle hollinger just became a new member. 11:45AM
ingrid jones just became a new member. 11:44AM
josiah sweeting just became a new member. 04:37PM
obioma richardson just edited her profile. 07:21PM
obioma richardson just became a new member. 07:10PM
bettie smith just became a new member. 03:07PM
t.d. faison just posted a blog entitled 't.d faison, robert townsend and trinese at event in atlanta... '. 12:09PM
t.d. faison just posted a blog entitled 't.d faison and anika noni rose in manhattan... '. 12:04PM
robbie ware just became a new member. 01:44PM
john silver just edited his profile. 02:46PM
>> more | invite friends