Lab Tech Milling & Grain Processing - Decatur, IL

ADM Research
Our Milling and Grain Quality capability research group is looking for a lab technician to enhance ADM’s grain processing and products capabilities. A new milling lab has been built and is growing rapidly with the need for highly motivated individuals to expand its capabilities and serve our business needs. The milling lab team functions to identify, develop, and implement new grain processing technologies for process improvements, for new products and processes, and provides troubleshooting to deliver best in class solutions. Under the direction of manager, project leader or senior scientist, this individual is expected to assist in the daily operations of the milling capabilities laboratory.

Position Summary:
This position will work with technical staff in executing on experiments, organizing and documenting data, including recording the results in a written/electronic lab notebook. In this role, they will collect and prepare samples for analyses, perform analytical testing using instrumental and wet chemistry procedures and are expected to assist with data interpretation. The individual will also participate in the operations of the milling laboratory, including development of standardized operating protocols, equipment maintenance, assist in supplies procurement, and housekeeping. The technician will also participate in method development and exploration of new experimental approaches and be expected to document and assist with standardization of techniques and development of standard operational procedures. The individual will be expected to work simultaneously on multiple projects in support of operation’s needs, customer care, performance excellence, and growth projects. A good understanding of laboratory equipment and maintenance, methodology, and laboratory safety is required. Previous experience in laboratory or piloting experimental design and execution for process optimization is highly desired. A good understanding of grains and grain processing from both a chemistry and engineering/mechanical aptitude is also desired.
This position will be focused primarily on laboratory scale work, but the position will be expected to sometimes work in an industrial plant environment and assist with piloting scaleup demonstration of experiments. The technician will occasionally be expected to collect samples from the plant and have a fundamental knowledge of our corn and wheat milling processes and will be expected to work in laboratory, pilot and plant environments safely.

Responsibilities:Perform all job functions in accord with company safety guidelinesEnsure other lab technicians, contract employees, and other co-workers comply with ADM laboratory standards.Under the direction of manager, project leader or senior scientist, assist in the daily operations to support projectsConduct experiments in lab, piloting, and plant environmentUnderstand and translate experimental results into prioritized data collections using ADM systems and principles such as 1ADM, A2E, and FEL0Document results of experiments, readings, and other technical work in either written or electronic lab notebooksReport on status of research activities through well organized and prioritized verbal updates, written reports, and presentationsPrepare chemical solutions for use in lab and properly dispose of waste.Maintain and calibrate all lab equipment and field instrumentation as neededOrder chemicals and supplies as neededMaintain an accurate chemical and equipment inventoryParticipate in safety reviews with colleagues on a variety of projectsMaintain proper housekeeping and observes safety standardsWork safely, productively and efficiently by being organized, prepared and supporting and assisting fellow team members whenever necessaryRequirements:
Education and Experience:B.S. Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, Milling Science, or related field with at least 1 year of laboratory experience in grain processing preferredStrong organization/planning and problem-solving skillsEffective written/verbal communication skillsSkills and Proficiencies:Ability to work independently and support all aspects of laboratory and piloting experimental work.Ability to execute complex scientific experiments and document resultsAbility to design, set up, operate and maintain lab and pilot equipmentAbility to maintain a written or electronic lab notebookAbility to troubleshoot and problem solve in a team environmentEffective communication skills for translating data and observations to milestone driven results in a performance based environmentWorking knowledge of Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and Microsoft OfficeUnderstand and maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive informationCandidate will need to work within established company and laboratory safety guidelines including knowledge of hazardous material and hazardous communications requirements and proceduresWillingness to spend time in plant areas, tolerate extreme temperatures, walk long distances, stand, climb stairs and ladders and move through close spacesPhysical requirements will include safely lifting and manipulating equipment up to 50 pounds, moving heavy pilot equipment, and using hand and power toolsMust be willing to travel and have a valid driver’s licenseCore Competencies:Communication, scientific aptitude, integrity, mechanical aptitude, problem solving, statistical aptitude, ability to work independently as well as in a diverse team, detail oriented, and safety commitment
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:105536BR