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Research Development Food Scientist Jobs in Decatur, IL

ADM

Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL

$90K - $144K/yr

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 ...

Tekni-Plex

Join Our Talent Community

Clinton, IL

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

... food and beverage, beauty, and personal care. Here, your ideas count. You'll be encouraged to think ... science, engineering, manufacturing, quality, R&D, operations, or IT, where problem-solving ...

ADM

Analytical Chemist - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL

$49K - $91K/yr

Analytical Chemist - Decatur, IL This position is located in the ADM R&D Analytical Laboratory ... Scientists in this position work directly with internal and external teams to deliver innovative ...

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All JobsResearch Development Food Scientist JobsResearch Development Food Scientist Jobs in Decatur, IL

Research Development Food Scientist information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$49K

$126.2K

$168.8K

How much do research development food scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development food scientist in Decatur, IL is $126,209.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,300.00 and $167,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Research Development Food Scientists when working on new product formulations?

Research Development Food Scientists often encounter challenges such as balancing consumer preferences with technical and regulatory requirements during new product development. Creating innovative formulations may involve overcoming issues related to ingredient functionality, shelf-life stability, and sensory attributes. Additionally, collaborating with cross-functional teams—such as marketing, quality assurance, and production—requires effective communication to ensure that prototypes can be scaled up successfully while meeting cost and safety standards.

What does a Research Development Food Scientist do?

A Research Development Food Scientist is responsible for creating and improving food products and processes. They conduct experiments, analyze ingredients, and develop new recipes or formulations to enhance taste, nutrition, and shelf-life. These professionals often work closely with quality assurance, marketing, and production teams to ensure new products meet safety standards and consumer needs. Their role also includes staying updated on food trends, regulations, and technological advancements to drive innovation in the food industry.

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

To thrive as a Research Development Food Scientist, you need a strong background in food science, chemistry, and product formulation, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical testing methods, and food safety regulations, as well as certifications like HACCP, are commonly required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for innovating and refining food products. These capabilities ensure the successful development of safe, appealing, and market-ready food items that meet regulatory and consumer demands.

What is the difference between Research Development Food Scientist vs Food Technologist?

AspectResearch Development Food ScientistFood Technologist
CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in Food Science or related field; certifications varyBachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D facilities, product development settingsManufacturing plants, quality control labs, production lines
Industry UsageDevelops new products, improves existing recipes, conducts researchEnsures product quality, implements production processes, quality assurance

Research Development Food Scientists focus on creating and improving food products through research and experimentation, often working in labs. Food Technologists typically oversee production processes and quality control in manufacturing settings. Both roles require food science knowledge but differ in their primary responsibilities and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Research Development Food Scientist jobs in Decatur, IL? For Research Development Food Scientist jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Research Development Food Scientist jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Research Development Food Scientist job openings:
Research Development Food Scientist jobs near you
Product Manager Food Starch - Decatur, IL

Product Manager Food Starch - Decatur, IL

Archer Daniels Midland

Decatur, IL • On-site

$92K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Product Manager, Food Starch - Decatur, IL
This is a full time, exempt position
The Product Manager, Food Starch position works within the Starch Product team to manage the corn food starch product line and the buy/resell starch product line. Today the buy/resell starch product line is focused primarily on Tapioca. This role will be tasked with growing both corn and buy/resell starch in the future. This position must manage P&L responsibilities along with working alongside multiple functions of sales, planning, supply chain, operations, finance, and technical service to execute the daily business.
Role & Responsibilities
  • Lead Food Starch product management across North America, including contract and price administration.
  • Manage and expand the buy resell starch position which today includes Tapioca, with potential to expand starch types. Must coordinate closely with supply chain team on import of starch and subsequent SOPs.
  • Understand commodity markets, especially Corn including basic understanding of Chicago Board of Trade, basis, flat pricing and co-products.
  • Work with R&D, marketing and ADM sales teams and customers to identify our customer's strategies, challenges and needs.
  • Active use and implementation of CRM Tool (Salesforce.com)
  • Monitor and implement risk management procedures to ensure risk management guidelines are followed
  • Collaborate with cross-functional project teams which may include Business Unit Managers, Corporate Communications, General Managers, Marketing, Sales, R&D/Technical, Finance, and other key stakeholders to drive results
  • Collaborate within business unit functions on product line development of new ingredients
  • Works closely with other global Carbohydrate groups and business partners to ensure coordination of customers and import / export opportunities
  • Participate in intermodal logistics coordination to ensure customers' expectations are met for exported and imported products.
  • Oversees back office coordination within group, including month end reconciliations, customer service, FP&A reporting, and legal agreements.
  • Provide effective updates on activities using a variety of communication vehicles such as reports, PowerPoint presentations, etc.
  • Key member of the Carbohydrate team. Provides thought leadership to drive strategy. Supports the development of the overall strategic plan for starches.
  • Work between production and sales groups to coordinate efforts of plant with sales team.
  • Exhibit good communication skills and ability with others and work well within teams
Job Requirements
Every position in ADM requires commitment to integrity, safety, diversity, quality and the following:
  • Strong business acumen and analytical skills
  • Comfortable working in matrix and entrepreneurial environments
  • Professional demeanor with exceptional communication (written, verbal and presentation skills) and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to influence cross functional teams and to collaborate across many different disciplines
  • Commercial experience with a business focused mindset
  • Entrepreneurial with ability to work in a matrix environment
  • Ability to travel 25% - 30%; may include international travel

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:109260BR
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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