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Scientist 1 Assay R&D

Illumina


Job Location:

Cambridge - UK

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer
Posted: 22 May 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 19 August 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy
The job posting is outdated and position may be filled

Job Summary

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 Title: Scientist - Assay R&D

Location: Cambridge (onsite)

Job Type: Full-time

Experience Level: earlycareer

Are you an earlycareer scientist with a strong foundation in molecular biology or biochemistry looking to develop your skills in an industry R&D environment while contributing to impactful genomics technologies If so this role offers the opportunity to grow your capabilities while working alongside experienced scientists on cuttingedge assay development.

Why Us

Guided by Illuminas commitment to integrity collaboration and impact you will work alongside experienced scientists across disciplines to turn scientific ideas into robust products that help advance biological discovery and improve human health. This is an exciting earlycareer opportunity to grow your technical and analytical skills in a supportive fastpaced R&D environment.

Why You

As a Scientist 1 you will conduct molecular biology and biochemistry experiments with guidance from senior team members as part of Illuminas global Assay R&D team. Your work will generate data to inform project decisions and help develop your analytical skills for independent analysis. This early-career role offers growth in a dynamic environment. We seek a candidate who is collaborative organized and communicates well.

Responsibilities will include

  • Execution of molecular biology and biochemistry lab-based experimentation
  • Experiments may include analysis of nucleic acids by electrophoresis quantitative PCR or fluorescence
  • Operation of state-of-the-art equipment including Illumina sequencers and high throughput liquid handling robots
  • Analysis and summary of experimental data
  • Communication and presentation of results to local and global project teams
  • Recording and documentation of procedures and results
  • Handling of biological hazards in a safe environment
  • Collaboration with other scientists including bioinformaticians and chemists

Skills and qualifications

We are looking for candidates who ideally have experience or exposure to the following skills:

  • A degree in Molecular Biology Biochemistry Genetics or related field with 0-2 years experience in a laboratory R&D environment
  • Sound laboratory skills and solid understanding of relevant scientific principles
  • Experience of molecular biology and handling of nucleic acids and/or proteins
  • Experience of preparing libraries for sequencing is desirable
  • Strong communication record keeping and presentation skills
  • A broad scientific knowledge (e.g. instrumentation biochemistry chemistry molecular biology software) is desirable

What Can You 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 programme. We view it as a smart investment in our people one that recognises the tremendous value they bring to our business every day.


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