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

Scientist (III) Small Scale Fermentation - Proteins, Decatur, IL
ADM Research & Development
This is an exempt level position.

Position Summary
The Small Scale Fermentation – Protein team, located within R&D headquarter at Decatur IL, is recruiting an experienced and motivated scientist to carry out bench-scale fermentation experiments in supporting a variety of critical biotechnology projects with a heavy focus on Proteins fermentation processes.

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. The scientist will take a leading role in experiment planning, execution, and communication while being hands-on in the lab and mentoring junior scientists.

Job Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical lead on fermentation experiments
• Communicate with upstream and downstream scientists to understand their constraints and provide solutions via experiment design
• Interpret experimental results, draw conclusions, contribute recommendations, and communicate results to relevant functional groups
• Document fermentation run plan, log sheet, and summary in an electronic lab notebook
• Contribute to experiment execution at the bench while using aseptic techniques
• Perform bench-scale assays as needed to provide physiological insight
• Develop protocols and create corresponding documentation such as SOPs and Job Safety Assessments (JSAs)
• Conduct basic maintenance of fermentation and analytical equipment
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts on execution of experiments and laboratory safety
• Occasional weekend or evening work may be required
• Must be able to safely lift 50lbs

Skills and Proficiencies

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

Additional qualifications include:

• Educational background: Bachelor or Master of Science, PhD in microbiology, biochemical engineering, or related field
• Industry experience: BS 10+ years, MS 5+ years, PhD 0+ years’ experience in an industrial biotechnology setting with aerobic or anaerobic fermentation of bacteria, yeast, or filamentous fungi
• Solid background in research and development with demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Experience with statistical design of experiments, data handling and analysis, and quantitative reasoning is required
• Hands-on experience with benchtop fermentation equipment operation is preferred
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to write clear and concise reports, and prepare well organized presentations to audience with different backgrounds
• Preferred candidate will have industrial biotechnology experience, demonstrating delivery of value to the business through execution of projects
• 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 is required