Scientist 1 (Chemistry / Biochemistry)

Illumina Singapore Pte Ltd; Singapore; On-site; SGD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Illumina Singapore Pte Ltd invites applications for a Scientist 1 in the Materials Science and Surface Chemistry group. The role supports development of new materials and surface chemistries for future sequencing technologies, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced environment.

You will perform hands-on experiments, analyze data, and document results, contributing to cross-functional projects while maintaining detailed notebooks and communicating findings to project teams.

Qualifications

• B.Sc./B.Eng. in chemistry/biochemistry/biomaterials or related field.
• 0–2 years of relevant hands-on lab experience.
• Ability to execute experiments productively and accurately, with strong attention to documentation, data quality, and laboratory safety.
• Ability to design and execute experiments with appropriate controls under guidance, and to contribute to troubleshooting technical issues.
• Strong cross-disciplinary collaboration ability.
• Ability to communicate experimental results clearly through written updates, reports, and technical discussions.

Responsibilities

• Performs experiments of varying complexity across a broad range of techniques, identifies technical issues, and contributes to troubleshooting and resolution with appropriate guidance.
• Plans and conducts well-controlled experiments, summarizes results, and communicates data-driven conclusions to support team decision-making.
• Contributes to ongoing internal research projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Maintains detailed laboratory notebooks and prepares reports, updates, and summaries for managers and project teams as directed.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Surface chemistry

Bioconjugation chemistry

Fluorescence-based assays

Molecular biology (PCR/qPCR)

Collaborative/teamwork

Documentation accuracy

Education

B.Sc./B.Eng. in chemistry/biochemistry/biomaterials or related

Tools

PCR/qPCR techniques

Surface modification techniques

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.

Job Description

Illumina is the global leader in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Through relentless innovation, Illumina has helped dramatically reduce the cost of sequencing a human genome, enabling broader use of NGS in research and clinical applications, including cancer diagnostics and genetic testing. We invite you to join us in our effort to improve human health by unlocking the power of the genome.

We are currently looking for a Scientist 1 to join our Materials Science and Surface Chemistry group in Singapore. This role is well suited for a resourceful, hands-on scientist with broad scientific interests who enjoys working in a fast-paced, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research environment. As part of the team, you will contribute to the development and characterization of new materials and surface chemistries for future sequencing and library preparation technologies.

Position Summary

As a Scientist 1 within Illumina’s Research and Development team, you will work as part of a multidisciplinary research team to support the development of new sequencing methods. Primary responsibilities include hands-on experimental execution, optimization, data analysis, documentation, and analytical characterization of materials and surface properties, in collaboration with senior scientists and cross-functional partners.

Responsibilities

• Performs experiments of varying complexity across a broad range of techniques, identifies technical issues, and contributes to troubleshooting and resolution with appropriate guidance
• Plans and conducts well-controlled experiments, summarizes results, and communicates data-driven conclusions to support team decision-making
• Contributes to ongoing internal research projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Maintains detailed laboratory notebooks and prepares reports, updates, and summaries for managers and project teams as directed

Listed responsibilities are an essential, but not exhaustive, list of the usual duties associated with the position. Changes to individual responsibilities may occur due to business needs.

Position requirements

• B.Sc./B.Eng. in a relevant field such as chemistry, biochemistry, biochemical engineering, chemical engineering, biomaterials, or an equivalent discipline
• Approximately 0-2 years of relevant hands‑on laboratory experience in an academic or industrial research setting
• Ability to execute experiments productively and accurately, with strong attention to documentation, data quality, and laboratory safety
• Ability to design and execute experiments with appropriate controls under guidance, and to contribute to troubleshooting technical issues
• Strong ability to collaborate across disciplines with team members and internal partners
• Ability to communicate experimental results clearly through written updates, reports, and technical discussions

All listed requirements are deemed essential functions of this position; however, business conditions may require reasonable accommodations or additional tasks and responsibilities.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience in surface chemistry, including modification or functionalization of inorganic or polymer surfaces
• Knowledge or hands‑on experience in bioconjugation chemistry
• Experience with fluorescence‑based assays and fundamentals of DNA biochemistry
• Experience in molecular biology techniques such as PCR and qPCR
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and adapt to the requirements of new projects
• Good communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Positive, proactive attitude and willingness to take on new challenges
• Industrial research experience is preferable

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 @illumina.com. 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.