Senior Scientist, Analytical Chemistry; Maternity cover

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.

Senior Scientist (Analytical Chemistry), 1-Year FTC:
Cambridge Onsite position based at Illumina's European Headquarters in Cambridge, UK

As a Senior Scientist, Analytical Chemistry here at Illumina in Cambridge, you will play a key role in the development of next‑generation sequencing (NGS) products. Working within a highly collaborative product development environment, you will design and execute analytical studies, prepare and characterize samples, and generate high‑quality data using HPLC and LC‑MS. Your expertise will provide critical insights into the chemical processes that underpin Illumina's innovative technologies and contribute directly to advancing human health through genomic discovery.

You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams across research, development, and scientific functions to support the delivery of cutting‑edge solutions for our customers.

Illumina's 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!

You are a highly motivated analytical chemist with a passion for scientific discovery and the ability to translate complex analytical data into meaningful insights. You will hold a PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline, or alternatively possess a BSc together with substantial industrial or applied research experience. You bring significant hands‑on expertise in HPLC and LC‑MS, coupled with strong theoretical and practical analytical chemistry knowledge.

Experience with in a product development, manufacturing, or applied research environment will enable you to make an immediate impact. Knowledge of analytical method development and characterization of oligonucleotides would be highly advantageous, while experience using Agilent Open Lab or Mass Hunter software is desirable. You are comfortable working independently, highly organized, and capable of delivering high‑quality results within agreed timelines.

Most importantly, you will thrive in a collaborative environment where cross‑functional teamwork is essential. You embrace Illumina's Win Together value by building strong partnerships, sharing knowledge, and contributing to collective success while maintaining the highest standards of scientific excellence.

• Prepare and analyse samples using HPLC and LC‑MS
• Develop and optimize analytical methods for the characterization of materials and processes
• Contribute to scientific understanding through data interpretation and knowledge sharing
• Maintain analytical instrumentation, methods, and standard operating procedures
• Communicate experimental plans, results, and conclusions through written reports and presentations
• Collaborate effectively with cross‑functional project teams to support product development

• PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline; alternatively, a BSc with substantial relevant industrial experience
• Industrial experience in analytical chemistry within a product development, manufacturing, or applied research environment
• Expertise in HPLC and LC‑MS
• Experience of method development and analysis of oligonucleotides would be an advantage
• Experience with Agilent Open Lab or Mass Hunter software is advantageous
• Strong theoretical and practical analytical chemistry skills
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of…