Sr. Protein Research Scientist - Decatur, IL

ADM - Decatur, GA

Full-time - Mid Level

Decatur, GA

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

The Sr. Protein Research Scientist position at ADM in Decatur, IL, is a full-time exempt role focused on leading ingredient innovation initiatives in the field of protein solutions. As a global leader in human and animal nutrition, ADM is seeking a highly motivated scientist to collaborate closely with both external and internal partners, including ingredient and processing scientists, sensory and application specialists, as well as quality and operations leaders. This role is pivotal in driving the development, analysis, and optimization of protein ingredients, ensuring that the Specialty Ingredients business operates efficiently and effectively. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the generation of scientific and research data to ensure global protein ingredients compliance, fully aligned with regulatory and quality guidelines. This position also involves collaboration with various teams to support the Alternative Protein business, applying knowledge of individual and multi-ingredient systems to accelerate innovation. The role emphasizes productivity and process development research, generating scientific data and technical insights on finished ingredients to optimize technology. Cross-functional collaboration is essential for faster innovation, working alongside teams in ingredients, processing, nutrition, sensory applications, regulatory, marketing, and commercial sectors. This position requires a PhD in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Processing, or a related field, along with 2-5 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with 5-10 years of experience. A solid understanding of the use of proteins and other food ingredients in final food systems, their impact on human nutrition, sensory attributes, sustainability, and performance is crucial. The candidate should also possess knowledge of the chemistry and functionality properties of proteins and basic protein analytical techniques. Strong written and verbal communication skills, the ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams, and a self-motivated attitude are essential for success in this role.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the development, analysis, and optimization of protein ingredients.
• Support the Specialty Ingredients business by utilizing an understanding of structure-function ingredient evaluations for internal and external partners.
• Manage the generation of science and research data for global protein ingredients compliance in alignment with regulatory and quality guidelines.
• Collaborate with various teams to support the Alternative Protein business by applying knowledge of individual and multi-ingredient systems to accelerate innovation.
• Generate scientific data and technical insights on finished ingredients for technology optimization to enable productivity and process development research.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration for faster innovation with ingredients, processing, nutrition, sensory and applications teams, as well as regulatory, marketing, and commercial groups.

Requirements

• PhD in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Processing, or related field plus 2-5 years of experience, or MSc with 5-10 years of experience.
• Solid understanding of the use of proteins and other food ingredients in final food systems and their impact on human nutrition, sensory attributes, sustainability, and performance.
• Knowledge of the chemistry and functionality properties of proteins and basic protein analytical techniques.
• Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams on research.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as a good teammate.
• Self-motivated and willing to collaborate with cross-functional teams.