Scientist 1 – Materials/Surface Scientist – Cambridge

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.

Scientist 1 – Materials/Surface Scientist – Cambridge, United Kingdom

Based onsite in our Cambridge office

As part of the global Materials and Applied Surface Science group, you will contribute to the development of new sequencing and array technologies, along with related applications. This is a fast-paced, innovative environment requiring adaptability to a wide range of life-science techniques and methods.

This opportunity is ideal for a materials/polymer chemist with experience in synthesis or applied synthetic methods seeking to work at the forefront of biological assay development. The successful candidate will collaborate globally and have access to cutting-edge tools, hardware and training/development opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Follow established guidelines and standard procedures to determine appropriate actions.
• Apply basic problem-solving techniques to resolve routine issues.
• Build working relationships within the team and exchange standard information with colleagues, supervisors, and project leaders.
• Receive general instruction on new assignments; work is periodically reviewed.
• Contribute to early-stage development and innovation of sequencing and array technologies.
• Support the transition of matured technologies into product development.
• Communicate weekly with teams in the US and Singapore; occasional travel to these locations is expected.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree required; preferred fields include Chemistry, Materials Science or Biophysics.
• Experience in microfluidics, microscopy techniques (e.g., confocal, TEM), DNA/protein handling, and programming/script editing is desirable but not essential.
• Comfortable working in a collaborative, innovation-driven team environment.

What You Can Expect

At Illumina, we push boundaries, think beyond convention, and dream big. Our team is bright, energetic, and dedicated—driving innovation and impact. We offer a competitive benefits program that reflects the value our people bring. When you join Illumina, the opportunities are endless. All listed requirements are considered essential functions of this position; however, business conditions may require reasonable accommodations for additional tasks and responsibilities.

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 accommodations@illumina.com.

To learn more, visit: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected or the requisition has a sufficient number of qualified applicants. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.