Research Scientist III, Material Science - Decatur, IL
Archer Daniels Midland
Research Scientist III, Material Science - Decatur, ILADM Research & Development
This is an exempt level position.
Position Summary
The Material Science R&D team is seeking an innovative and highly motivated Research Scientist III, Material Science to accelerate ingredient innovation across ADM's portfolio of food and non-food solutions. This role will leverage material science principles and advanced characterization techniques to establish structure-function relationships that enable differentiated products, process improvements, and new technology development.
The successful candidate will serve as a technical expert within cross-functional innovation teams and will apply scientific rigor, creativity, and data-driven approaches to solve complex technical challenges. This individual will drive research projects from concept through implementation while collaborating with colleagues across R&D, Operations, and Commercial teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, execute, analyze, and interpret experiments using advanced materials characterization techniques to understand ingredient structure-function relationships
- Utilize advanced analytical tools and characterization techniques including light and electron microscopy, particle characterization, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, rheology, and surface characterization techniques
- Apply advanced electron and light microscopy methods, including sample preparation, imaging, and microstructural analysis, to characterize food ingredients and materials, solve technical challenges, and support R&D and commercial projects
- Develop, validate, and implement analytical methods, procedures, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Perform routine instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, and coordination of external service activities as needed
- Apply statistical analysis and Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies to optimize experimental design and data interpretation
- Lead research projects independently and contribute to multidisciplinary teams using stage-gate innovation process
- Identify emerging technologies, scientific trends, and competitive opportunities through literature reviews, patent analysis, and technical scouting
- Effectively communicate technical results through reports, presentations, and stakeholder updates
- Collaborate across functional teams to drive project success and accelerate innovation
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance laboratory capabilities, efficiency, and scientific excellence
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and electronic documentation in accordance with company policies
- Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and policies
- Ph.D. in Materials Science, Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline with 0-3 years relevant industrial experience; or M.S. degree with 5+ years of relevant industrial research experience
- Demonstrated experience applying advanced characterization techniques to understand structure-function relationships in complex material systems
- Strong knowledge of material science characterization techniques and correlation with ingredient functionality
- Experience with image analysis software, advanced data analytics, multivariate statistical tools, DOEs, and data-driven experimental design
- Experience in food ingredients, biobased materials, proteins, carbohydrates, hydrocolloids, emulsions, or other complex ingredient systems
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced research environment.
- Strong problem-solving, organizational, and technical communication skills
- Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating across multidisciplinary teams
- Commitment to laboratory safety and scientific excellence
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:113492BR
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.
REF:113492BR