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Fermentation Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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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 ...

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 ...

About the Role The Engineer 2 will support microbial fermentation and downstream processes at pilot and demonstration scales while driving process robustness, manufacturing readiness, technology ...

About the Role The Engineer 2 will support microbial fermentation and downstream processes at pilot and demonstration scales while driving process robustness, manufacturing readiness, technology ...

Engineer 2, iPROOF

Decatur, IL · On-site

$82.05 - $102.57/hr

The Engineer 2 will support microbial fermentation and downstream processes at pilot and demonstration scales while driving process robustness, manufacturing readiness, technology transfer ...

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Fermentation information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$13

$19

$24

How much do fermentation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for fermentation in Decatur, IL is $19.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.74 and $20.53 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 cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Fermentation jobs?

Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Fermentation job openings:

Infographic showing various Fermentation job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,287 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

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

Archer Daniels Midland

Decatur, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


ADM rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th 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
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:

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