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Life Science Research Assistant Jobs in Sullivan, IL

D. in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related field5+ years of experience in plant protein ... This position offers a complete benefit package, including 401K/ESOP, pension, health, life, vision ...

This role owns projects from concept through commercialization, applying advanced food science and ... R&D projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring timelines and technical deliverables ...

Fermentation Scientist/Engineer - Decatur, ILADM Research & DevelopmentThis is an exempt level ... Assist with ethanol plant support requests, including plant visits, troubleshooting plant problems ...

Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, ILADM Research & DevelopmentThis is an exempt level position ... We are seeking an experienced fermentation scientist/engineer to lead the design, optimization, and ...

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Life Science Research Assistant information

What is a life science research assistant?

Life Science Research Assistants are professionals who support scientists and researchers in conducting experiments, collecting data, and maintaining laboratory equipment in fields such as biology, biochemistry, and medicine. Their duties often include preparing samples, recording and analyzing experimental results, and ensuring laboratory compliance with safety standards. They play a vital role in helping research teams advance scientific knowledge and contribute to discoveries in health and life sciences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a life science research assistant?

To thrive as a Life Science Research Assistant, you need a solid background in biology or related sciences, laboratory techniques, and often a bachelor's degree in a life science field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software (such as Excel or GraphPad Prism), and sometimes certifications in laboratory safety are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help ensure accuracy and collaboration within research teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for producing reliable research results and supporting scientific discovery.

What are some common challenges faced by life science research assistants, and how can they be overcome?

Life Science Research Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple experiments simultaneously, learning to use new laboratory technologies, and maintaining accurate records under time constraints. Adapting to rapidly changing project priorities and troubleshooting unexpected results are also common. Building strong organizational skills, staying proactive in learning new techniques, and maintaining open communication with supervising scientists and team members can help overcome these challenges and contribute to the success of research projects.

What is the difference between Life Science Research Assistant vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLife Science Research AssistantLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, or related fieldAssociate's degree or certification in laboratory techniques
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, biotech companiesClinical, industrial, or research laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech firmsHospitals, pharmaceutical companies, research facilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Life Science Research Assistant and a Laboratory Technician lies in their roles and qualifications. Research Assistants typically focus on experimental design, data analysis, and supporting research projects, often requiring a bachelor's degree. Laboratory Technicians usually handle routine lab procedures, maintenance, and sample processing, often with an associate's degree or certification. Both roles work in similar environments and are essential in advancing scientific research, but their responsibilities and educational requirements differ.

What job categories do people searching Life Science Research Assistant jobs in Sullivan, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Life Science Research Assistant jobs in Sullivan, IL are:

What cities near Sullivan, IL are hiring for Life Science Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Sullivan, IL with the most Life Science Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Life Science Research Assistant job openings in Sullivan, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Lipid Science & Applications Scientist I - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL • On-site


ADM
Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 366 rated logistics

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks


$49K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Description Lipid Science & Applications / Oil Processing - Scientist I - Decatur, ILThe ADM R&D Lipid Science & Applications Group (LS&A) & Oil Processing Group is seeking candidates for a scientist to work on a variety of projects to support ADM's Refined Oils business, with emphasis on running and maintaining the pilot plant equipment and laboratory oil processing equipment. This role will also require knowledge in lipids to support basic research, product development, lipid analysis, lipid modification and other areas of lipid product and process support. The candidate will have the responsibility in maintaining laboratory notebooks to effectively capture work done to support the Lipid Science & Applications / Oil Processing group, as well as strong written and verbal skill to report findings of supportive work. The candidate will need to work closely with the ADM LS&A team, Oil Processing team, ADM Refined Oils Sales & Technical Support and ADM Production personnel to support the ADM Oils business.Job Responsibilities:Assist in managing the LS&A lab to ensure wet chemistry and analytical equipment is calibrated and maintained appropriately with confidence that analytical information is accurate and reliable.Ability to follow approved methods and SOPs to support bench and pilot plant work.Ability to review, update and write SOPs and perform job safety assessments (JSA)Demonstrate the highest level of safety and consideration for others working in the pilot plantAbility to run benchtop and pilot enzymatic interesterification equipment to support ADM Oils, develop new products and optimize existing products.Ability to run bench top and pilot deodorization equipment to support ADM Oils, develop new products and optimize existing products.Ability to blend oils from the bench to the pilot area blending tanks (4000 lbs.)Ability to run and operate pilot plant scraped surface heat exchanger units.Assist in the design of experiments to study the impact of fat & oil modification techniques influence on the physical and chemical behavior of oils and fats in the neat state or in food systems.Assist in the design of experiments to evaluate the oxidative stability of oils and fats to better understand the role of antioxidants, storage conditions and processing parameters on the oxidative stability of oils.Submit oils samples to central analytical services to support LS&A and Technical Services and interpret the results.Evaluate and develop new methods to characterize the physical and chemical properties of oils and fats.MS Excel, PowerPoint and Word knowledge, and accurate electronic lab notebook reporting skills to support project work.Support R&D in the discovery, development, and scale up oilseeds production and refining processes.Support Operations in troubleshooting and optimizing current oilseeds related processes, including working with various feedstocks for manufacture, production, purification, stabilization, and packaging of vegetable oils, fats, and specialty oils to support customers and commercial teams .Desired Requirements and Qualifications:Bachelor of Science or Master's degree within food science, biological science, chemistry or material science curriculums.Experience with running and working with food ingredient processing equipment and strong mechanical aptitude.Knowledge of oils and fats fundamentals (lipid oxidation, lipid crystallization and function in food systems).Knowledge of analytical techniques used to characterize the physical and chemical characteristics of oils and fats.Academic or experience in the area of lipid science and applications or food applications. Ability to move 420 lb. drums of oil and 2000 lb. totes of oil via electric pallet jack.Knowledge of lipid nutrition and nutritional labeling regulation.Experimental design and monitoring skills.Strong colleague and customer interaction skills.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:110455BR 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: $49,000.00 - $91,000.00 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. #IncludingYouDiversity, 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 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.


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