Optical Systems Associate (Undergraduate Placement) – 12 Weeks
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Posted on:
9 hours ago
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1 Vacancy
Job Summary
What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know Or all of humanityAt 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.
Please note you must be studying in the UK to be eligible for this placement.
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.
Optical Systems Associate (Undergraduate / Placement) Cambridge UK
Onsite at Granta Park Cambridge
Please note you must be studying in the UK to be eligible for this placement.
As an Optical Systems Associate here at Illumina in Cambridge you will join our cuttingedge Optical Systems Groupan R&D team advancing the optical technologies that power Illuminas worldleading DNA sequencing platforms including the worlds first superresolution DNA sequencer. Over your 12week placement starting in June 2026 youll contribute to meaningful technical work collaborate with experienced scientists and engineers and gain exposure to interdisciplinary research at the intersection of physics biology and engineering. This placement offers real responsibility professional development and the opportunity to be part of a team whose innovations directly impact global human health.
Illuminas 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 working towards an upperclass degree in a physical science such as Physics Engineering Mathematics or a related discipline. You bring a solid understanding of core optical principlesincluding ray and wave theoryand ideally some handson lab experience in optics or microscopy. Youll thrive in an interdisciplinary environment working at the interface of physics and biology and you enjoy applying problemsolving skills to real experimental challenges. Experience with simple scripting or modelling tools (MATLAB Python ImageJ Labview) is valuable alongside a collaborative mindset strong communication skills enthusiasm for learning and evidence of academic achievement. Experience with breadboard optical systems or biochemical systems is a bonus but not required.
Key Responsibilities Include
Technical & Analytical Support
- Apply basic problemsolving approaches to define and resolve routine technical issues
- Perform experimental tasks following established procedures and standard lab practices
- Support optical system design testing data collection and analysis
Project Contribution
- Assist with research activities that support development of advanced optical technologies
- Execute tasks aligned to project milestones under general guidance
- Document findings observations and data clearly for team review
Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with colleagues project leaders and your supervisor to exchange information and updates
- Build effective working relationships within the Optical Systems Group
- Contribute to team meetings discussions and collaborative problem solving
Learning & Development
- Seek guidance and training to deepen technical and professional skills
- Learn Illumina tools processes and methodologies while gaining exposure to R&D workflows
- Demonstrate initiative curiosity and enthusiasm for contributing to meaningful scientific work
Our Selection Process
After initial screening youll meet with our Talent Acquisition team for an introductory discussion about the placement process.
The remaining steps are:
The remaining steps are:
Recorded Video Interview
Manager Interview
Panel Interview Meet the Team!
Offer
Applications close Friday 20th February 2026.
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.
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 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.
Required Experience:
IC
Key Skills
- Business Continuity Planning
- Active Directory
- C
- Higher Education
- AC Maintenance
- Analytics
