Optical Systems Associate

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.

Optical Systems Associate (Undergraduate / Placement) – 12 Weeks

Are you seeking a company that will offer you rewarding, challenging work and a chance to make a difference? Then you should consider Illumina’s Early Talent Programme. Our mission? To help improve human health by unlocking the power of the genome.

Please note you will need to be studying in the UK to be eligible for this placement.

About us

We have established ourselves as the global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies through our focus on innovation, serving customers in the research, clinical and applied markets. We currently facilitate a myriad of processes in the life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, agriculture, and other emerging segments.

When you join the high-performing team at Illumina, your work takes on new meaning—to an exponential degree. Our growth, our positive culture, and the impact our products are having in the world will ignite the same passion in you that drives our people forward. And together, we accomplish things beyond expectations.

The role

This role is a 12-week placement staring in June 2025. Based at our offices in Granta Park, Cambridge. Our program focuses on meaningful project work, professional and personal development, in addition to providing networking opportunities.

Your team:

The optical systems group at Illumina performs research and development on advanced optical technologies to push the limits of DNA sequencing, including pioneering the world’s first “super-resolution” DNA sequencer. The resulting machines find application in medical diagnostics and cutting-edge genetic research.

This role will have the opportunity to gain real work experience and help solve problems and issues that are relevant to our dynamic business by contributing to various projects and initiatives within the organization. This role is designed to provide exposure to different aspects of our industry / company / department by collaborating with and supporting a team in day-to-day operations and assisting with research and analysis.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Applies basic problem-solving techniques to define and resolve routine issues.
• Determines a course of action based on guidelines.
• Works on assignments of limited scope where answers can be readily obtained and problem solving requires following standard practices/procedures.
• Develops working relationships internally.
• Exchanges standard/basic information with colleagues, immediate supervisor, project leaders and other professionals in the team/group.
• Requires guided leadership and receives general instruction on work/new assignments.
• Work is reviewed periodically based on a set of defined procedures or precedence.

Preferred experience and qualifications:

• Working towards an upper-class degree in the physical sciences (Physics, Engineering, Mathematics etc).
• Strong understanding of the basic principles of optics, including ray and wave theory.
• Practical lab experience, ideally in optics.
• An ability to work in an interdisciplinary context, on the border of physics and biology.
• Simple scripting and mathematical modelling (MATLAB, Python, ImageJ, Labview etc.)
• Strong inter-personal and collaborative skills.
• An open, enthusiastic and independent individual with a desire to share experience and a willingness to learn from others.
• Evidence of academic achievement.
• Some experience with microscopy and biochemical systems is desirable but not essential.
• Experience in designing, building and aligning breadboard level optical systems is desirable but not essential.

About the process

After initial screening, you will be interviewed by a member of our talent acquisition team, in order to talk you through the placement hiring process. This is an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. The steps after this are as follows:

• Manager Interview
• Panel Interview – Meet the Team!
• Offer

Applications close for this role Friday 7th February 2025

 If you have any questions you can email: [email protected]

Illumina believes that everyone has the ability to make an impact, and we are proud to be an equal opportunities 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.