Senior Research Scientist, Process Chemistry - Decatur, IL

• Perform all job functions in accordance with company safety guidelines

• Ensure lab technicians, contract employees, and other co-workers comply with ADM laboratory standards

• Develop experimental plans both independently, and in collaboration with the Process Chemistry Group Manager and project stakeholders to accomplish project goals

• Apply process optimization principles to identify and implement process improvements

• Design and execute Design of Experiments (DOE) studies

• Synthesize, isolate, and purify compounds, intermediates, and derivatives using appropriate techniques

• Acquire and interpret analytical and physical data to assess compound identity and purity

• Conduct literature and patent research

• Master set up, maintenance, and operation of laboratory reactor systems and data-acquisition software for continuous and batch reactions

• Generate, analyze, and interpret experimental data using scientific and statistical methods

• Communicate research progress through reports, presentations, and verbal updates

• Maintain laboratory organization, cleanliness, and safety compliance

• Collaborate across teams to develop and transfer processes to manufacturing

• Communicate with ADM colleagues, contractors, and suppliers, sending clear, appropriate and concise messages that express ideas, interpretations, and feedback

• Work collaboratively in a team setting, contributing to team cohesion and trust.

• Work productively and efficiently by being organized and prepared while supporting and assisting fellow team members whenever necessary

• Participate in safety reviews with colleagues on a variety of projects

• Ph.D. in chemistry or chemical engineering, with 5-10 years of experience in process scale-up in the chemical or pharmaceutical industry

• Demonstrated expertise in the design and execution of experimental plans for evaluation and optimization of diverse chemical processes

• Experience in specialized and/or high pressure/temperature reactor design and operation is preferred

• Ability to design and perform experiments including the selection of sampling procedures, analytical methods, and some routine analytical analysis

• Ability to design, set up, operate and maintain lab and pilot equipment

• Knowledge and experience with wide range of analytical instrumentation especially NMR, HPLC, GC, GC-MS, LC-MS, FT-IR, and UV-Vis

• Knowledge of safe hazardous material handling and hazard communication requirements and procedures

• Working knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Microsoft Office

• Ability to function independently while interacting with ADM management, facility management, and ADM contract employees

• Effective writing and oral communication skills, strong organizational skills, and meticulous attention to detail

• Maintain confidential and highly sensitive information

• Ability to sit, stand, or work in a laboratory environment for extended periods

• Ability to safely lift and handle equipment up to 50 pounds

• Capability to move gas cylinders and use hand and power tools

• Ability to operate standard office and laboratory equipment