Research Scientist - Decatur, IL

Job Description

Research Scientist, Thermochemical Catalysis - Decatur, IL

This is an exempt level position

Position Summary

The Catalysis Research Group at ADM has an opening for a Research Scientist in thermochemical catalysis. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of advancing technology from bench scale catalyst discovery through lab scale flow reactor development and on to piloting and commercialization. A strong understanding of the chemistry, material science, and chemical engineering principles that enable successful commercial-scale catalytic processes is critical. The candidate's participation at ADM as both a technical contributor and project leader on multi-disciplinary teams will advance ADM's overall strategy in support of existing catalyst-enabled businesses and in several exciting growth opportunities. The colleague will serve as a role model and student of new ideas to continuously improve laboratory safety culture. The role includes technical project leadership expectations through development of clear project objectives, business case scenarios, and resource loaded timelines to meet milestones on time and budget. The position of Research Scientist, Thermochemical Catalysis reports to the Catalysis Research Group Manager.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate leadership and serve as a role model in safe laboratory practices and behaviors

• Function as a leader and/or individual technical contributor within cross-functional teams of chemists, engineers, technicians, and business-facing colleagues

• Provide project technical leadership by developing clear objectives, experimental plans, and timelines to accomplish project goals on schedule and on budget

• Synthesize, test, and characterize catalyst samples as needed

• Generate, interpret, and analyze data using statistically rigorous analysis techniques.

• Commission and review techno-economic analyses of chemical processes from the ADM Modelling Center to determine potential profitability and direct personnel and project resources to address the greatest identified technical risks

• Report on the status of research activities through verbal updates, written reports, and presentations to internal technical colleagues and business unit leaders

• Develop and manage relationships with external vendors and technical collaborators as required by projects

• Prepare invention disclosures to protect patentable discoveries and valuable intellectual property and know-how that advances project technologies

• Monitor and share within ADM key external technologies including relevant intellectual property disclosures and scientific publications

• Manage individual professional and project-related technical development including continuous advancement of knowledge, skill, and capabilities in the catalysis field

Requirements

• A degree in chemistry or chemical engineering or other relevant field with 3-10 years experience post-academia (degree or postdoctoral appointments) in catalyst discovery and catalytic process development

• A strong commitment to safety as the primary consideration for all work

• Experience leading projects by providing technical direction to colleagues, and assignment of technical resources is desired

• The ability to lead and execute project management plans with a diverse team of technicians, chemists, engineers, and analysts

• Strong and effective written and interpersonal communication skills and capabilities

• Hands-on experience in batch and flow catalytic reactor set-up, operation, and maintenance/repair

• Knowledge and experience with a wide range of analytical instrumentation including HPLC, GC, GC-MS, LC-MS, FT-IR, NMR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, physisorption, chemisorption, XRD, SEM, TEM, XAS, and other catalyst characterization methods

• Knowledge and experience in catalyst preparation and characterization methods

• Knowledge and experience in handling of hazardous materials and operations found in a laboratory or pilot scale chemical facility

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams) and the ability to learn and operate other computer software and automation tools, inclusive of Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) software.

• Minimal (less than 10%) travel required.

Excited about this role but don't meet every requirement listed? Studies show that often applicants will self-select out if they don't check every box. 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:87092BR