Scientist II - Decatur, IL

Scientist II - Decatur, IL
Analytical Chemistry / Chemometrics Support 

Job Description
This position is located in the ADM R&D Analytical Laboratory, which provides analytical support across ADM’s global portfolio. This role may support both laboratory analyses and applied chemometric and statistical workflows, working closely with senior scientists and cross‑functional teams.
An ideal candidate will have strong hands‑on experience in analytical laboratory techniques, along with familiarity or applied exposure to chemometrics, statistics, or modeling concepts gained through academic coursework or professional experience. This position offers the opportunity to continue developing expertise across a variety of analytical and data analysis techniques through structured technical guidance and mentorship.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure safe work practices are applied for all tasks in the laboratory and throughout ADM facilities.
• Perform routine and non‑routine analytical testing using advanced techniques such as LC/MS, HPLC, GC/MS, GC, ICP, ICP‑MS, FTIR, and laboratory robotics.
• Support the development, optimization, and implementation of analytical methods to meet the needs of ADM business units and customers.
• Assist with chemometric and statistical workflows associated with routine analytical methods and process monitoring, including data preparation, exploratory analysis, model execution, and basic performance evaluation.
• Generate high‑quality laboratory data to support model development, validation, maintenance, and monitoring.
• Contribute to R&D projects requiring analytical data and applied modeling support under the technical direction of senior scientists.
• Collaborate with chemists, engineers, data scientists, and operations partners on cross‑disciplinary projects.
• Communicate results, observations, and potential issues clearly to project stakeholders.
• Perform routine instrument maintenance and basic troubleshooting.
• Prioritize assigned tasks to meet project timelines in a dynamic environment.
• Continue professional development through training, mentoring, and hands‑on experience.

Job Requirements
Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Statistics, Data Science, or a closely related field.
• 3–5 years of relevant hands‑on laboratory experience in analytical chemistry or spectroscopy.
• Strong practical experience with analytical laboratory techniques, including chromatographic and/or spectroscopic methods.
• Familiarity with chemometrics, statistics, or modeling concepts.
• Working knowledge of data analysis tools such as JMP, R, Python, Unscrambler, PLS Toolbox, or similar platforms.
• Ability to work independently on defined tasks while contributing effectively within a team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of laboratory safety practices and the safe handling of hazardous materials.

Preferred

• Experience with food, feed, fermentation, or agricultural matrices.
• Interest in continued growth in chemometrics, spectroscopy, or advanced analytics.