Job Description

Entry Level Lab Technician - Decatur, IL

Performs chemical and microbiological analysis, documentation, and data entry in a high-volume process control laboratory while ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, food safety, and quality programs. Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory instrumentation, including HPLC systems and other analytical equipment, to support production, product quality, and process improvement initiatives.

Essential Job Functions

• Analyzes process, production, environmental, and finished product samples to determine product quality, process performance, and food safety compliance.
• Performs analytical testing using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and other laboratory instrumentation in accordance with established methods and procedures.
• Conducts routine microbiological testing and monitoring to support quality assurance and food safety programs.
• Documents analytical results and laboratory activities, including food safety, product quality, housekeeping, and hazardous waste generation.
• Reviews analytical data for completeness, accuracy, trends, and product quality or food safety implications.
• Communicates laboratory results, quality concerns, and operational issues.
• Enters analytical and microbiological data.
• Performs routine calibration, verification, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repairs on laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Prepares samples, standards, reagents, and microbiological media according to established procedures.
• Assists with laboratory housekeeping, organization, inventory control, and compliance activities.
• Understands their role in food safety and quality systems, actively participates in food safety efforts, and ensures all activities conform to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), laboratory procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Works effectively across analytical, instrumentation, and microbiology laboratory areas to support plant operations and business objectives.
• Other task as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic math, computer, and problem solving skills.
• Ability to follow written procedures and accurately document laboratory activities.
• Ability to work safely around chemicals, laboratory equipment, and manufacturing processes.

Education / Experience

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Food Science, or a related scientific field preferred.
• Continuing education, technical certification, or laboratory coursework in a science-related field preferred.
• Previous laboratory experience in analytical chemistry, microbiology, manufacturing, food processing, or quality control preferred.
• Experience with HPLC systems, laboratory instrumentation, and microbiological testing methods preferred.

Working Conditions

• Respiratory Hazards:
  • Dust
• Hot/Cold Temperature Extremes:
  • Temperature and humidity controlled
  • Indoor
• Chemicals
  • Hazardous chemicals present
• Lighting
  • Indoor

Physical Requirements

• Lifts, carries, and transports up to 50 pounds.
• Ascends and descends stepladders.
• Positions self to access samples, supplies, and laboratory instruments.
• Opens, prepares, analyzes, and disposes of samples in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Handles laboratory supplies, instruments, sample containers, transfer vessels, and testing materials safely and efficiently.

Before applying for an exempt, non-exempt or hourly job opportunity, you are expected to initiate a discussion and share your intentions with your supervisor. * If you’ve been in your current position for more than 18 months, supervisor approval is not required. * If you’ve been in your current position for less than 18 months, verbal supervisor approval is required.
​Hiring Manager-Cody Sloat ​
Recruiter-Dolly Lamba

City

Decatur

State

IL - Illinois

Location Country

United States

About ADM

At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.

Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.

If hired, employees will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

The pay range for this position is expected to be between:

$49,000.00 - $87,300.00