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 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.
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
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.
Why You
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
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 recognises 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.
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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 To learn more, visit: 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.