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Plant Microbiologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ADM

Senior Microbiologist - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL

$90K - $144K/yr

Support plant operations through data-driven insights and lab-based troubleshooting of process microbiology issues.Collaborate with plant and research teams to translate laboratory findings into ...

Bunge

Senior Microbiologist

Chesterfield, MO · On-site

$71K - $95K/yr

... plant identified non-conformances to prevent re-occurrences of food safety/microbiology issues. * Works with Engineering, Operations, and R&D to ensure that any process changes in the facilities are ...

Bunge

Senior Microbiologist

Chesterfield, MO · On-site

$71K - $95K/yr

... plant identified non-conformances to prevent re-occurrences of food safety/microbiology issues. Works with Engineering, Operations, and R&D to ensure that any process changes in the facilities are ...

Bunge North America

Senior Microbiologist

Chesterfield, MO · On-site

$71K - $95K/yr

... plant identified non-conformances to prevent re-occurrences of food safety/microbiology issues.Works with Engineering, Operations, and R&D to ensure that any process changes in the facilities are ...

Bunge

Senior Microbiologist

Chesterfield, MO · On-site

$71K - $95K/yr

... plant identified non-conformances to prevent re-occurrences of food safety/microbiology issues. * Works with Engineering, Operations, and R&D to ensure that any process changes in the facilities are ...

Bunge Iberica SA

Senior Microbiologist

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$80 - $95/hr

... plant identified non-conformances to prevent re-occurrences of food safety/microbiology issues. * Works with Engineering, Operations, and R&D to ensure that any process changes in the facilities are ...

Archer Daniels Midland

$19 - $25.25/hr

Prepare plant tissue culture and microbiological media * Perform standard lab work and testing involving set-up, sample clean-up, and operation of basic lab equipment * Monitor cultures for ...

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Plant Microbiologist information

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How much do plant microbiologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant microbiologist in the United States is $70,647.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plant microbiologist?

A Plant Microbiologist studies microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that interact with plants. They research how these microbes affect plant health, growth, and disease resistance. Their work can involve developing biofertilizers, improving crop production, and identifying ways to control plant pathogens. They often work in labs, greenhouses, or agricultural fields for universities, government agencies, or private companies.

What does a plant microbiologist do?

Plant Microbiologists typically spend their days conducting experiments to study interactions between plants and microorganisms, preparing samples, analyzing data, and documenting results. You may also be responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment, cultivating microbial cultures, and collaborating with other scientists or agronomists on research projects. Regular team meetings, presenting findings, and writing reports or research papers are also common aspects of the role. Working hours can be standard, but sometimes flexibility is required for fieldwork or time-sensitive experiments. This diverse workflow offers a balance of hands-on lab work and scientific analysis, which can be both intellectually rewarding and impactful to agricultural or environmental advancements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plant microbiologist?

To thrive as a Plant Microbiologist, you need a solid background in microbiology, plant sciences, and laboratory research, typically supported by a relevant bachelor’s or advanced degree. Experience with molecular biology techniques, microbial culturing, PCR, and data analysis software like Bioinformatics tools is highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective written and verbal communication skills are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies enable accurate research, clear reporting of findings, and productive teamwork in both academic and industry laboratory settings.

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Cities with the most Plant Microbiologist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Microbiologist jobs?

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Plant Microbiologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Microbiologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,647 per year, or $34 per hour.

Senior Microbiologist - Decatur, IL

Archer Daniels Midland

Decatur, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design, execute, and interpret laboratory experiments focused on microbial process understanding, optimization, and contamination control.

  • Develop and apply advanced analytical and molecular biology techniques to characterize microbial systems.

  • Support plant operations through data-driven insights and lab-based troubleshooting of process microbiology issues.

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


Senior Microbiologist, Process Micro Team - Decatur, IL - Relocation Assistance Available
Research & Development
This is an exempt level role.
Position Summary
The Senior Microbiologist, Process Micro Team position requires an experienced and lab-focused individual to advance ADM's microbial process research and innovation capabilities. This role will emphasize laboratory experimentation, analytical method development, and data-driven insights to support process optimization and contamination control strategies across ADM's production network.
The successful candidate will apply deep expertise in microbiology, molecular biology, and instrumentation to generate actionable scientific data, lead R&D initiatives, and collaborate cross-functionally with colleagues in Research, Engineering, and Operations. This position will report to Jeanette Skaluba, R&D Director, Process Micro.
Job Responsibilities
  • Design, execute, and interpret laboratory experiments focused on microbial process understanding, optimization, and contamination control.
  • Develop and apply advanced analytical and molecular biology techniques (e.g., qPCR, sequencing, flow cytometry, spectroscopic and chromatographic methods) to characterize microbial systems.
  • Lead R&D projects and initiatives originating from the Process Micro team, coordinating timelines, resources, and communication across functional groups.
  • Support plant operations through data-driven insights and lab-based troubleshooting of process microbiology issues.
  • Collaborate with plant and research teams to translate laboratory findings into scalable process improvements and technology implementations.
  • Develop and maintain laboratory instrumentation methods and data analysis workflows to ensure high-quality, reproducible results.
  • Contribute to contamination control strategies and sanitary process design through experimental validation and risk-based approaches.
  • Communicate findings, recommendations, and technical reports to stakeholders across R&D and Operations.
  • Ability to travel to ADM locations approximately 15-20% of the time.
Education
  • BS degree or higher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioprocess Engineering, Food Safety, or a related scientific discipline.
  • Advanced degree (MS or PhD) preferred.
Experience
  • With a BS, 10+ yrs of combined experience in industrial microbiology, bioprocess development, or related laboratory environments.
  • With an MS, 7+ yrs of combined experience in industrial microbiology, bioprocess development, or related laboratory environments.
  • With a PhD, 3+ yrs of combined experience in industrial microbiology, bioprocess development, or related laboratory environments.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in molecular and analytical techniques relevant to microbial process characterization.
  • Experience with experimental design, data analytics, and interpretation of complex biological datasets.
  • Proven ability to manage projects and deliver results in cross-functional settings.
Skills and Proficiencies
  • Strong technical expertise in microbiological and molecular analytical methods.
  • Proficiency in data analysis tools and software for biological and process data (e.g., statistical packages, visualization tools).
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse, multidisciplinary teams and contribute to ADM's innovation strategy through research excellence.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in laboratory and project execution.

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:109553BR
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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