Commercial Operations Undergraduate Associate (12 Month - Placement)

What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity?

At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients.

Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.

Start Date: July 2026 – July 2027

Location: Granta Park, Cambridge (Onsite)

Please note you will need to be studying in the UK to be eligible for this position.

In this 12 month placement, you will join our Field Service & Support organisation, contributing to the seamless delivery of exceptional customer experiences across the EMEA region. Working alongside Field Service Engineers, Field Application Scientists, and colleagues across the commercial organisation, you will help manage service activities, support pre‑ and post‑service administration, and ensure streamlined Work Order execution. This operations‑focused role is hands‑on and progressive, requiring strong coordination skills, clear communication, and the ability to stay organised in a fast‑moving environment.

You will play a key part in enabling our teams to Make Customers Heroes by anticipating needs, resolving issues efficiently, and driving service excellence. By collaborating closely across teams and solving challenges with an enterprise mindset, you will embody our Win Together philosophy and directly support our mission of improving human health by unlocking the power of the genome.

Fluency in English is required, and proficiency in German, French, or Spanish is a great advantage.

About the Role

In this role, you’ll work closely with Field Service Engineers and Field Application Scientists, supporting pre‑ and post‑service administrative activities and ensuring smooth Work Order management. You’ll also collaborate with colleagues across the wider commercial organisation to enhance customer satisfaction and uphold internal Quality Assurance standards. This is a progressive, relationship‑driven role requiring excellent communication skills, organisational ability, and the confidence to work effectively in a changeable environment.

Why You

You’re someone who communicates clearly, manages time well, and remains calm under pressure. You enjoy building solid partnerships across teams and are eager to contribute meaningfully to a high‑performing service organisation.

This 12‑month placement forms part of Illumina’s undergraduate programme, which offers:

• Real, impactful project work

• Professional and personal development

• Opportunities to learn beyond your assigned department

Qualifications

• Working toward a degree in a business‑related, biotechnology, or relevant field (other backgrounds considered).

• Fluent English, plus additional proficiency in German, French, or Spanish is beneficial.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide coordination and administrative support for Work Orders and Case Management, ensuring timely and accurate completion.

• Manage high‑priority escalations from Field Service Engineers, including routing requests and dispatching the appropriate field personnel in line with Service Level Agreements.

• Support Work Order execution, case tracking, parts and tool shipment monitoring, and resource allocation.

• Triage inquiries on behalf of Field Service Engineers, Field Application Scientists, and Technical Support.

• Build solid working relationships with:

  • European Service & Support teams

  • Global Service Operations

  • Technical Support

  • European Sales teams

  • Approved service providers

• Support field inventory management including spare parts, tools, and installed product records.

• Operate effectively within defined policies and procedures.

• Contribute to additional tasks as required.

Requirements

• Able to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Additional fluency in German, French, or Spanish is highly desirable.

• Ability to thrive in a fast‑moving, constantly evolving environment.

• Proven problem‑solving skills.

• High computer literacy.

• A commitment to delivering outstanding customer service.

• Onsite role based in Cambridge.

Our Recruitment Process

After initial screening, you’ll participate in an interview with a Talent Acquisition Partner to walk through the placement process and ask any questions you may have. Subsequent steps include:

• Recorded Video Interview

• Recruiter Interview

• Panel Interview – Meet the Team

• Offer

We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always prioritized openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics. We are proud to confirm a zero-net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race. We also have several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences, increase cultural awareness, and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information. Illumina conducts background checks on applicants for whom a conditional offer of employment has been made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Background check results may potentially result in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. The background check process and any decisions made as a result shall be made in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Illumina prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the application and interview process. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact us.