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Scientist Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

ADM

Extrusion Scientist - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL · On-site

$60K - $92K/yr

Extrusion Scientist - Decatur, ILPosition SummaryExtrusion Scientist II role is an independent technical contributor responsible for leading innovation in extrusion-based food systems, with a focus ...

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How much do scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for scientist in Decatur, IL is $48.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.12 and $49.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a scientist do?

A Scientist is a professional who conducts research to increase knowledge in a specific field, such as biology, chemistry, physics, or environmental science. They design and perform experiments, analyze data, and publish their findings to advance understanding and solve real-world problems. Scientists may work in laboratories, universities, government agencies, or private industry. Their work often contributes to technological advancements, public health, and policy development.

What does a scientist do?

Scientists work in a remarkably diverse array of industries. Companies employ scientists to develop and improve products. Universities hire scientists to teach and do research in different disciplines; healthcare companies have a team of scientists working on medications, vaccines, and new treatments; and governments employ scientists to help with public projects. Scientists not only perform their specific job duties, but they contribute to the broader scientific community to increase knowledge of the physical world.

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

To thrive as a Scientist, you need a solid background in your scientific discipline, strong analytical skills, and typically at least a bachelor's or advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software (such as MATLAB or R), and adherence to safety protocols are commonly required. Critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating and sharing findings. These skills ensure rigorous research, reliable results, and impactful contributions to scientific advancement.

What are some common challenges scientists face when working on multidisciplinary research teams?

Scientists often collaborate with experts from various fields, which can present challenges such as differing terminologies, research methodologies, and expectations. Navigating these differences requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from other disciplines. Successful multidisciplinary teamwork often leads to innovative solutions, but it also demands effective project management and regular coordination to ensure all team members are aligned toward shared goals.

What is the difference between Scientist vs Chemist?

AspectScientistChemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's, Master's, or PhD in science-related fieldsBachelor's, Master's, or PhD in chemistry or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, industry settingsLaboratories, manufacturing plants, research institutions
Industry UsageBroadly used across scientific research, academia, industryPrimarily in chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, quality control

While both Scientists and Chemists work in research and laboratory settings, Scientists have a broader scope across various scientific fields, whereas Chemists specialize specifically in chemistry. Chemists often focus on chemical reactions, compounds, and materials, while Scientists may work in multiple disciplines such as biology, physics, or environmental science. The roles overlap in credentials and work environments, but their specific focus areas differ based on industry needs.

What jobs can you get with a scientist?

A scientist can work in various roles such as research scientist, laboratory technician, data analyst, or environmental consultant. These positions often require strong analytical skills, knowledge of scientific methods, and proficiency with tools like laboratory equipment or data analysis software.

What jobs do scientists have?

Scientists work in various fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and medicine. They conduct research, analyze data, and develop new theories or products, often working in laboratories, research institutions, or academic settings. Many scientists also collaborate with other professionals and require specialized skills and certifications depending on their area of expertise.
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What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Scientist jobs?

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

Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scientist job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,372 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Lipid Science & Applications Scientist I - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL • On-site

Archer Daniels Midland
Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Archer Daniels Midlandexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Key responsibilities

  • Assist in managing the LS&A lab to ensure equipment is calibrated and maintained, supporting accurate analytical work.

  • Run benchtop and pilot plant equipment, including enzymatic interesterification, deodorization, and heat exchange units, to support product development and optimization.

  • Design and evaluate experiments related to oil modification, oxidative stability, and physical and chemical properties of oils and fats.

ADM rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


Lipid Science & Applications / Oil Processing - Scientist I - Decatur, IL
The 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 plant
  • Ability 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
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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