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Food Scientist Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

ADM

Scientist I Milling - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL

Cereal science, protein chemistry, starch chemistry and food applications experience is desirable. This position will be focused primarily on laboratory and pilot scale work, but the position will be ...

ADM

Scientist II - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL

$60K - $92K/yr

Scientist II - Decatur, ILAnalytical Chemistry / Chemometrics Support This position is located in ... PreferredExperience with food, feed, fermentation, or agricultural matrices.Interest in continued ...

ADM

Protein Research Manager - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL

$92K - $171K/yr

D. in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related field5+ years of experience in plant protein research Technical ExpertiseStrong expertise in ingredient development, from bench scale through pilot ...

Syngenta Seeds

Regulated Trialing Manager

Clinton, IL

$18.25 - $20/hr

Join our mission of revolutionizing food security and transforming agriculture. At Syngenta, our ... Minimum Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Weed Science, or related field. * At least 3 ...

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$35.9K

$88.2K

$155.2K

How much do food scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for food scientist in Decatur, IL is $88,229.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,000.00 and $97,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Scientist, you need a strong background in food chemistry, microbiology, and product development, usually supported by a degree in food science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, sensory analysis tools, and regulatory compliance systems like HACCP is essential. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills ensure the development of safe, high-quality food products and compliance with industry standards.

What is the difference between Food Scientist vs Food Technologist?

AspectFood ScientistFood Technologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Food Science, Chemistry, or related fieldBachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, product development, quality controlManufacturing facilities, quality assurance, production lines
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing, research institutions, government agenciesFood production companies, processing plants, quality assurance departments
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in food research and developmentExploring careers in food production and quality control

Food Scientists focus on research, product development, and improving food safety, often working in labs. Food Technologists typically work in manufacturing settings, applying scientific principles to produce and ensure the quality of food products. While their roles overlap, Food Scientists are more research-oriented, whereas Food Technologists are more involved in production processes.

How to Become a Food Scientist

A food scientist studies the taste, quality, processing, and production of food. You can become a food scientist by completing a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, dietetics and nutrition, or food science. You can then pursue a master’s degree to improve your job outlook, secure higher-ranking positions within the food industry, or specialize in a specific area of food science. You can also work toward a doctorate in food science and technology to do research in the field.

What does a food scientist do?

A food scientist studies the physical, biological, and chemical makeup of food to develop safe, nutritious, and flavorful food products. They work on improving existing food items, creating new products, and ensuring quality and safety standards are met. Food scientists also research ways to process, preserve, package, and distribute food efficiently. Their work helps ensure the food supply is safe, sustainable, and appealing to consumers.

What are some of the typical challenges a Food Scientist faces when developing new products?

Food Scientists often encounter challenges balancing consumer preferences, regulatory requirements, and production costs when developing new products. For instance, they must ensure that a product meets safety and labeling standards while also achieving the desired taste, texture, and shelf life. Additionally, working collaboratively with marketing, quality assurance, and production teams to bring a product from concept to launch can present logistical and communication hurdles. Staying current with emerging food trends and technologies is also crucial to remain competitive in the industry.
More about Food Scientist jobs
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What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Food Scientist jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Food Scientist job openings:
Food Scientist jobs near you
Food Scientist - Bakery - Decatur, IL area

Food Scientist - Bakery - Decatur, IL area

Archer Daniels Midland

Decatur, IL • On-site

$104K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Food Scientist - Bakery - Decatur, IL
The Food Scientist - Bakery will utilize their food science expertise to drive sales through the development of compelling, innovative and winning products. This position will work closely and cross-functionally with R&D, Technical Services, Technical Sales, and Sales & Marketing teams. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, agile and team oriented.
KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:
  • Provide technical leadership and strong project management for internal and external customer projects
  • Lead development of Bakery food products, including bakery mixes, and various flour based bakery and snack items
  • Provides thought leadership and technical expertise for innovation initiatives
  • Will consult with and participate in Flour and Baking industry based research projects
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Development and optimization of food product formulations
  • Responsible for designing and running test formulations
  • Identification and development of cost improvement opportunities
  • Supports manufacturing scale-up from bench to pilot plant and pilot plant to commercialization including partnering with R&D where appropriate
  • Project management - lead multiple product development and applications projects with expedited timelines, leads complex and cross-functional projects
  • Develops and maintains technical-to-technical relationships with customers
  • Conducts internal and external product demonstrations
  • Accompanies Account Managers on sales calls to serve as technical contact
  • Communicates effectively in both verbal and written forms, including presentation of products and technical information to peers, leadership and customers
  • Maintains awareness of industry trends and new ingredient innovations and offerings
  • May have direct report responsibility
  • Follows basic GMP, GLP and ISO procedures
  • Ability to travel up to 25% of time
CORE COMPENTENCIES:
  • Sense of urgency, acceptance of change, communication, technical knowledge, quality minded, collaboration, flexibility, teamwork, problem solving, dependability, curiosity, integrity and a commitment to safety.
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:
  • BS or higher (Food Science or related)
  • 3 to 5 years product development and applications experience
  • Industrial and/or retail bakery experience is valued
  • Hands on Baked goods category experience expected, (Bread, Buns, Snacks, Flatbreads, Ready Meals, Sweet Goods)
  • Knowledge of food industry, food ingredients, manufacturing processes and food regulations
  • Food product commercialization experience preferred
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:108534BR
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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