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Fermentation Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Archer Daniels Midland

Scientist (I) Small Scale Fermentation - Proteins, Decatur, IL ADM Research & Development This is an exempt level position. Position Summary The Small Scale Fermentation - Proteins team, located ...

Archer Daniels Midland

Scientist (II) Small Scale Fermentation - Proteins, Decatur, IL ADM Research & Development This is an exempt level position. Position Summary The Small Scale Fermentation - Proteins team, located ...

Archer Daniels Midland

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 ...

Archer Daniels Midland

We are seeking an experienced fermentation scientist/engineer to lead the design, optimization, and scale-up of commercial ethanol fermentation processes. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical ...

ADM

Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL

$90K - $144K/yr

We are seeking an experienced fermentation scientist/engineer to lead the design, optimization, and scale-up of commercial ethanol fermentation processes. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical ...

iProof

Scale-Up Engineer

Decatur, IL · On-site

Fermentation Development and Scale-Up: Scale fermentation processes through pilot and demonstration scales to de-risk the technology. Evaluate critical scale-up parameters including oxygen transfer ...

Iprooflabs

Scale-Up Engineer

Decatur, IL · On-site

$82.05 - $102.57/hr

The Scale-Up Engineer is responsible for transferring fermentation processes from laboratory and pilot scales into demonstration environments. This role serves as the technical bridge between R&D, ...

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How much do fermentation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for fermentation in Illinois is $19.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $20.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fermentation?

A fermentation job involves overseeing and managing the process of microbial or enzymatic conversion of substrates into desired products, such as food, beverages, biofuels, or pharmaceuticals. Professionals in this field may work in breweries, biotech firms, or food production facilities, ensuring that fermentation conditions are optimized for efficiency and quality. Responsibilities often include monitoring fermentation parameters, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining production standards.

What does a typical day look like for a professional working in fermentation?

A typical day for a fermentation professional often involves monitoring and adjusting fermentation processes, preparing culture media, collecting and analyzing samples, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. You may work closely with quality assurance teams, production staff, and R&D scientists to troubleshoot issues and improve yields. The work environment can range from laboratory settings to industrial production facilities, and you may need to follow strict protocols and documentation practices. Collaboration and adaptability are key, as priorities can shift based on production schedules or unexpected process changes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the fermentation position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Fermentation, you need a solid background in microbiology, biochemistry, and process engineering, often supported by a relevant science degree or technical training. Familiarity with bioreactor operation, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set top performers apart. These competencies are crucial for optimizing fermentation processes, ensuring product quality, and maintaining compliance in fast-paced production or research environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fermentation jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Fermentation jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Fermentation jobs in Illinois?

For Fermentation jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fermentation jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Fermentation jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Fermentation jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Fermentation job openings:

Fermentation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fermentation job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,248 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

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

Archer Daniels Midland

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

ADM rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 366 rated logistics

Job description

Scientist (I) Small Scale Fermentation - Proteins, Decatur, IL
ADM Research & Development
This is an exempt level position.
Position Summary
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.
Job 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
  • 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:
  • 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
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:112594BR

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