Scientist 1, OMSD

Illumina; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

At Illumina, a global leader in genomic technology, the Scientist 1 position in Cambridge plays a crucial role in supporting reproductive health product performance and development. This technical role requires expertise in molecular biology, hands-on experience with NGS workflows, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally, all within a dynamic and innovative environment.

Benefits

Flexible Time Off

Private Medical Insurance

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Volunteer Time Off

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in molecular workflows including NGS.
• Experience in regulated environments (CLIA, ISO 13485).
• Proficient in data analysis and communication of findings.

Responsibilities

• Support performance and continuous improvement of on-market products.
• Design and execute scientific studies for assay performance evaluation.
• Analyze data sets to guide technical decision-making.

Skills

Molecular Biology

Biochemistry

Biotechnology

Data Analysis

Troubleshooting

Organizational Skills

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

Liquid Handling Platforms

Job description

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, OMSD - Cambridge, United Kingdom As a Scientist 1 here at Illumina in Cambridge, you will be part of Illumina’s On-Market Support and Development (OMSD) team within the Assay Development organization. This role supports the continued success and evolution of our reproductive health portfolio, including the VeriSeq Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) solution. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to the sustained performance, troubleshooting, and optimization of on-market products, while helping to develop next-generation workflows. This position is ideal for a scientist with experience in automated assay development, molecular biology, or sample preparation workflows who is looking to grow their impact at a global leader in next-generation sequencing (NGS). Deadline: 13th June 2025 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! Why You You will have knowledge and expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a related field. You will be a motivated and skilled scientist with hands-on experience in molecular workflows, including NGS library preparation, sequencing, and sample extraction techniques. You will be proficient with liquid handling platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Eppendorf), and scripting experience is a plus. You will have a strong understanding of experimental design, data analysis, and troubleshooting within regulated environments (e.g., CLIA, ISO 13485, IVD). You will be comfortable working in a biosafety CL2 laboratory setting and have the proven ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team. You will have excellent organizational, communication, and documentation skills, with an ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced setting. You will be comfortable reprioritizing project work in response to changing needs of on-market products. Demonstrated participation in clinical or diagnostic product development is highly desirable. Key Responsibilities Include: Product Performance and Improvement

• Support the ongoing performance of on-market products through design changes, troubleshooting, investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Design, plan, and execute scientific studies to evaluate and enhance assay performance, identify gaps, and resolve system-level issues.

Workflow and System Optimization

• Contribute to workflow and system optimization, including verification and validation activities required by the applicable regulatory framework and Illumina product development procedures.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with teams including Quality, Software, Bioinformatics, Automation, Supply Chain, and Operations to develop and support robust, high-performance end-to-end workflows.

Data Analysis and Communication

• Analyze complex data sets and interpret results to guide technical decision-making and product enhancements.
• Optimize sequencing and non-sequencing assay conditions for increased stability, robustness, and commercial viability.
• Clearly communicate scientific findings, plans, and outcomes through reports, presentations, and documentation in compliance with quality standards.
• Participate in regular project reviews and collaborate across Illumina’s global sites to ensure alignment and knowledge sharing.

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. INDEUR
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 [e-mail]. 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.