Senior Bioinformatics Scientist

Illumina; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 44,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible time off

Private medical insurance

Pension

Employee stock purchase program

Volunteer time off

Summer shutdown

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Illumina is seeking a Senior Bioinformatics Scientist to join the genomics team focused on DRAGEN and ICA integration. You will develop novel bioinformatics methods to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets and contribute to production-quality software using C/C++.

The role blends collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, strong scientific/technical communication, and the opportunity to advance human health through next-generation sequencing innovations.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in CS/Engineering/Statistics/Bioinformatics with relevant industry or research experience.
• Experience in genomic data analysis and sequencing technologies.
• Expertise in NGS data analysis including mapping, alignment, and variant calling.
• Strong software development skills in C/C++ or similar high-performance languages.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement computational and statistical algorithms to extract biological signal from sequencing data.
• Develop and optimize high-performance production software using C/C++.
• Analyze, model, and interpret complex genomic datasets to support product development.
• Collaborate with software engineering, FPGA, QA, QC, and clinical genomics teams to deliver end-to-end workflows.
• Support the DRAGEN platform across germline, somatic, DNA, RNA, SV, CNV, and targeted sequencing applications.
• Engage with external scientific and customer teams to define future product capabilities.
• Communicate technical approaches and results to diverse audiences.
• Prepare internal and external technical docs, publications, and presentations.
• Evaluate new technologies to improve scalability, accuracy, and customer experience.
• Demonstrate accountability and teamwork to help teams win together.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Genomics

C/C++

Software development

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree or PhD in CS/Engineering/Statistics/Bioinformatics

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.

Senior Bioinformatics Scientist (EMEALA Region)

Hybrid OR Remote working arrangement

As Senior Bioinformatics Scientist here at Illumina, you will join our world-class genomics team focused on advancing human health through innovative next-generation sequencing technologies. Working within the team responsible for the DRAGEN platform and its integration with Illumina Connected Analytics (ICA), you will develop novel bioinformatics methods that extract meaningful biological insights from complex genomic datasets.

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 are an accomplished bioinformatics scientist with a strong foundation in computer science, statistics, algorithms, and genomics. You have experience developing innovative yet practical computational methods that solve complex biological challenges and can translate those solutions into robust production environments. You bring expertise in next-generation sequencing technologies and secondary analysis methods, including mapping, alignment, and variant calling, alongside strong software development skills in C/C++ or similar high-performance programming languages.

You are motivated by solving difficult scientific problems and transforming large-scale genomic data into actionable insights. You thrive in collaborative environments, enjoy working with multidisciplinary teams, and communicate complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences. Your curiosity, scientific rigor, and commitment to innovation align strongly with Illumina's value of Innovate with Purpose, helping deliver meaningful advances that improve human health.

Candidates will typically hold a Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Bioinformatics, or a related discipline, combined with relevant industry or research experience. Expertise in genomic data analysis, sequencing technologies, and applications such as rare disease research, cancer genomics, and population genetics will be highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Design, prototype, and implement innovative computational and statistical algorithms to extract biological signal from sequencing assays.
• Develop and optimize high-performance production software using C/C++ and related technologies.
• Analyze, integrate, model, and interpret complex experimental and genomic datasets to support product development.
• Collaborate closely with software engineering, FPGA, quality assurance, quality control, and clinical genomics teams to deliver seamless end-to-end workflows.
• Support the development and advancement of the DRAGEN platform across germline, somatic, DNA, RNA, structural variant, CNV, and targeted sequencing applications.
• Engage with external scientific and customer teams to understand emerging needs and help define future product capabilities.
• Communicate technical approaches, experimental results, and scientific findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Prepare internal and external technical documentation, publications, presentations, and scientific marketing materials.
• Evaluate new technologies, methodologies, and data processing approaches to improve scalability, accuracy, and customer experience.
• Demonstrate accountability and ownership while contributing to a collaborative culture that helps teams win together and achieve shared objectives.

The estimated base salary range for the Senior Bioinformatics Scientist role based in United Kingdom is GBP 44,000 - 66,000. The range reflects long‑term growth in the role; therefore, most candidates are hired between the minimum and middle of the range. Placement depends on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. This salary range applies to the primary posting location listed above. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range will be updated accordingly. Compensation ranges for other locations will differ to reflect local market competitiveness and will be shared with candidates if applicable during the recruitment process. Additionally, all employees are eligible for one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package. We offer a thoughtfully designed benefits package that supports your wellbeing, flexibility, and life beyond work—combining globally differentiated offerings with locally tailored programs. This includes support during important life moments, flexible time off, opportunities to give back, and a weeklong company-wide summer shutdown. In the UK, we also offer flexible benefits, a company contribution of 10% into your pension, and private medical insurance, alongside additional benefits to support you and your family.

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.