Separations Scientist, Process Development – Decatur, IL

Company: Archer Daniels Midland
Location: Decatur
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Separations Scientist, Process Development – Decatur, IL ADM Research & Development This is an exempt level position. ADM has an opening for a Separations Scientist, Process Development at our Corporate Research Center located in Decatur, IL! Job Responsibilities We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a mindset to seek opportunities and implement changes. This individual has an opportunity to grow as a recognized technical expert in the field of separation processes within ADM Process Development Group at the Research & Development Center - Decatur. This is a chance to work with cutting-edge analytical tools with focus on delivering benefits to ADM’s existing processes as well as novel products in development. The Scientist/Engineer will be responsible for supporting or leading the development of various downstream separation processes involving crystallization, membrane or adsorption technologies, depending on previous experience. This will include supporting production troubleshooting and continuous improvement efforts as well as developing new process from bench to pilot demonstration and potentially to commercial scale production. The candidate will be expected to work with diverse technical project teams towards the timely completion of project goals which will require building strong relations with various groups including plant operations, business development and R&D. A B.S. Degree in a technical field (chemistry, chemical engineering, biological engineering) with a strong knowledge of chemistry and crystallization fundamentals is required. An advanced degree, Ph.D. or Master’s Degree in a technical field (chemistry or chemical engineering preferred), ideally in separations process development, is preferred. Preferred Qualifications and Key Roles A B.S. Degree in a technical field (chemistry, chemical engineering, biological engineering) with 10 years of industrial separations experience. A Ph.D. Degree in a technical field (chemistry, chemical engineering, biological engineering preferred) or a Master’s Degree in a technical field (chemistry or chemical engineering preferred), ideally with 10 years of separations process development experience is preferred. Firm understanding of chemistry and underlying thermodynamics and kinetics of separations processes. Execute bench/kilo laboratory experimentation to design and optimize separations processes. Experience using Process Analytical Tools on a lab scale systems. Process development may be directed to either benchtop or pilot scale processes. Work closely with Operations on troubleshooting and participate in optimization of existing processes. Requirements The candidate should thrive in the collaborative environment of a multi-disciplinary team. Strong knowledge of standard chemistry laboratory techniques. Laboratory skills, an awareness of analytical methods, and a commitment to safety. Support both troubleshooting and continuous improvement efforts. Support or lead diverse technical projects teams to evaluate, develop and transfer processes to production, depending on experience. Build strong relationships with plant operations and business units. Design and run experiments including the selection of sampling procedures, analytical methods and some routine analytical analysis. Train and potentially supervise other scientists, engineers and technicians. Design, set up, operate, and maintain lab and pilot separations equipment. Maintain housekeeping and observe safety standards in lab and pilot plant. Consolidate, interpret, and present data/conclusions/recommendations in both written and oral formats. Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DoE), Multivariate Analysis, and statistics preferred. Technical background with various lab equipment and instrumentation e.g. NMR, GC, HPLC, IR, UV, RI, etc Willing to learn project management skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Able to function within matrix project management environment Ability to travel up to 20% of time Physical requirements Ability to stand for extended periods of time Ability to handle moderately heavy tools and materials, e.g. pipe wrenches, five gallon buckets, and hand-carting 55 gallon drums Ability to work in a commercial plant environment to support operations as needed. Competencies Communication, curiosity, adaptability, integrity, mechanical aptitude, problem solving, independent judgment, teamwork, dependability, persistent, patient, detail focused, and commitment to safety. 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:105535BR About ADM 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. IncludingYou Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM’s efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments — environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together. We welcome everyone to apply. We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, language, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law Benefits and Perks Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. 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. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. If hired, employees will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. The pay range for this position is expected to be between:

Keywords: Archer Daniels Midland, Peoria , Separations Scientist, Process Development – Decatur, IL, Science, Research & Development , Decatur, Illinois