Biomimetic Membrane Scientist Full-time NEW

Biomimetic Membrane Scientist – Cambridge, UK

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.

As a Biomimetic Membrane Scientist here at Illumina in Cambridge, you will join our Advanced Science department, where you will play an integral role in developing next-generation sequencing and array technologies and related applications.

Illumina's employee benefits are industry-leading and include flexible time off, private medical insurance, compassion and care time off, leisure travel insurance, pension, employee stock purchasing program, volunteer time off, and much more!

The Role

As Biomimetic Membrane Scientist, you will work within an early-stage innovation environment whilst working closely with multidisciplinary scientists to explore new ideas, run prototype systems, and contribute to technology breakthroughs that improve human health.

This role is highly collaborative and hands-on, giving you the opportunity to work with cutting-edge experimental platforms while supporting senior scientists and project teams. Your curiosity and drive to learn will help us innovate with purpose and continue delivering technologies that make customers heroes.

Why You

You will bring a degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or an equivalent scientific discipline, with a strong interest in membrane chemistry and its application in biotechnology.

This position is well suited to a recent graduate with some membrane chemistry experience who is looking to begin their career as a Scientist 1, with a passion for chemistry and enthusiasm for shaping the future of genomics.

Industry experience in a laboratory environment is advantageous, but your foundation in core lab skills, data analysis, and hypothesis-driven experimentation is essential.

You will have familiarity with microfluidics, fluorescence-based assays, and DNA biochemistry fundamentals, along with exposure to analytical techniques such as cryo-TEM, AFM or confocal microscopy.

Success in this role comes from being self-motivated, organized, and eager to learn, while communicating clearly and collaborating with others and contributing to an environment where we Win Together.

You will be highly motivated, organized, and curious, you will be ready to learn and adapt within a dynamic research environment where accountability and collaboration are essential.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Running prototypes and supporting basic biochemistry experiments
• Contributing to early-stage development of sequencing and array technologies
• Collaborating within the Materials and Applied Surface Science group to explore new ideas and technical approaches
• Presenting experimental findings to management and at team meetings
• Supporting routine equipment upkeep and laboratory maintenance
• Providing assistance to senior scientists within the chemistry group when needed
• Conducting hypothesis-driven experimental design, execution, and data interpretation
• Applying analytical techniques such as cryo-TEM, AFM, and confocal microscopy to support project goals
• Working collaboratively and cross-functionally, aligned to Illumina's value of Win Together

Shape the future of genomics in a place where early career scientists thrive and innovation has purpose.

What You Can Expect

Our team members are bright, energetic, and dedicated – they are the driving force behind our innovation and impact. To attract the best and brightest, we offer a competitive employee benefits program. We view it as a smart investment in our people, one that recognizes the tremendous value they bring to our business every day. At Illumina, we push boundaries. We think beyond the conventional. We dream big. With the energy of so many bright and accomplished people, the opportunities are endless.