Scientist 1 – Material-Biomimetic Membrane Scientist

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.

Scientist I – Material-Biomimetic Membrane Scientist

Location: Onsite, Cambridge, United Kingdom

Level: Early career scientist

As a Scientist I within Illumina's Materials and Applied Surface Science group in Cambridge, you will play an integral role in developing next-generation sequencing and array technologies, helping to drive innovation at the forefront of biological assay surface chemistry. Working within a highly collaborative global team, you will contribute to the development and maturation of novel technologies, supporting their progression from early-stage concepts through to product development. This position offers exposure to cutting-edge tools, advanced hardware, and close collaboration with colleagues in the US through regular communication and occasional travel. It is an outstanding opportunity for an early-career scientist or recent graduate looking to make a meaningful impact in a world-leading biotechnology organisation.

Why You

You are a curious, innovative scientist with a Master's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Molecular Science, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline. You are excited by the opportunity to work in a fast-paced research and development environment where scientific discovery and technology innovation are central to success.

Experience working with lipidic or biomimetic membrane systems would be highly advantageous, as would exposure to biological assays, surface chemistry, materials characterisation, or polymer-based technologies. You enjoy solving complex scientific challenges, are adaptable to learning new techniques and methodologies, and thrive when working across multidisciplinary teams.

To be successful in this role, you will possess strong experimental skills, excellent communication abilities, and the enthusiasm to contribute to both technology innovation and the successful transfer of new developments into product-focused environments. You will be comfortable collaborating with global colleagues and contributing to projects that have significant impact on future sequencing and array technologies.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Design and execute experiments to support the development of next-generation sequencing and array technologies, with a particular focus on materials science, surface chemistry, biomimetic membrane systems, and biological assay applications.
• Contribute to the generation, evaluation, and maturation of innovative technologies, advancing concepts from early-stage research through development and supporting their transfer into product-focused environments.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data, troubleshoot technical challenges, communicate scientific findings, and maintain accurate documentation to ensure high-quality and reproducible research outcomes.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary and global teams, including regular engagement with US-based colleagues and occasional international travel, to share knowledge, drive project progress, and deliver technological innovations.
• Continuously build expertise in relevant scientific fields and adopt new methodologies, techniques, and technologies to support a fast-paced and evolving research environment.

What Can You Expect

Our team members are bright, energetic, and dedicated, and they are the driving force behind our innovation and impact. At Illumina, we are guided by values that inspire us to be bold, think differently, collaborate openly, and act with integrity as we work to improve human health through genomics. You'll join an environment where curiosity is encouraged, diverse perspectives are valued, and innovation is part of everyday work.

The estimated base salary range for the Material-Biomimetic Membrane Scientist role based in United Kingdom is GBP 25.400 - 38.200. 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 [email protected]. 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.