Scientist 1 Full-time

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

Based onsite in our Cambridge office

As Scientist 1 here at Illumina in Cambridge, you will join our Materials and Applied Surface Science group and contribute to the development of next-generation sequencing and array technologies.

You will operate in a fast-paced, innovative environment where you will apply a broad range of materials, polymer, surface science, and applied chemistry or biochemistry techniques to enable early-stage research and technology innovation.

You will work closely with global teams across the US and Singapore, collaborating to advance new approaches and helping transition maturing technologies into product development.

This role offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge tools, broaden your scientific expertise, and contribute directly to breakthroughs that impact human health.

This position is suited to a recent graduate with some laboratory experience looking to begin their career as a Scientist 1.

You will bring a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Materials or Biomaterials Science, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or a related field, along with experience in materials, polymer, or surface science.

You are comfortable working hands-on in a laboratory environment and adapting to a wide range of life-science and analytical techniques.

Experience in microfluidics, microscopy methods such as confocal or TEM, biomolecule handling including DNA or proteins, and scripting or programming skills will help you contribute quickly.

You thrive in collaborative teams, value accountability, and enjoy solving problems with curiosity and purpose—embodying our value to Innovate with Purpose as you help redefine what's possible in biological assay development.

Key responsibilities include:

• Apply problem-solving approaches to resolve routine scientific and technical challenges
• Follow established laboratory guidelines, documentation practices, and standard procedures
• Build effective working relationships with team members and exchange information with colleagues, supervisors, and project leaders
• Receive general instruction on new assignments and deliver work that is periodically reviewed
• Contribute to early-stage development, experimentation, and innovation of sequencing and array technologies
• Support the transition of maturing technologies into formal product development pathways
• Communicate weekly with teams in the US and Singapore and contribute to global collaboration efforts, with occasional international travel expected

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.