Industry PhD Student – Illumina Artificial Intelligence Lab – joint with NUS / NTU – Woodlands, Singapore

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.

Overview

Since 2001, the cost of DNA sequencing has dropped more than 100,000-fold, from $100,000,000 USD per human genome to less than $600 USD today. The explosive growth of human genetics data has created astounding new opportunities for combining ultra high throughput sequencing with bioinformatics and artificial intelligence to understand how the human genome contributes to health and disease.

Our Exceptional Multi-disciplinary Team Is Unlocking The Power Of The Genome

Illumina is recruiting for a unique industry PhD position sponsored jointly with National University of Singapore or Nanyang Technical University to work on the development of novel deep learning and computational biology algorithms for interpreting the human genome.  The position will have mentors both at the Illumina Artificial Intelligence Lab and the host academic institution, and will result in a PhD at the host academic institution upon completion. Research areas may include, but not be limited to, classification of human genetic variants as benign versus pathogenic, utilizing single cell and functional genomic data to understand the sequence determinants of gene expression, deep learning, and utilizing whole genome sequencing and population sequencing data to characterizing evolutionary constraint.

A key objective is to publish research results in peer-reviewed journals in order to improve the accuracy, throughput, and reproducibility of genome interpretation, thereby removing barriers to clinical adoption of whole genome sequencing.  In addition to strong analytical skills, this position will require a high degree of initiative, autonomy, and scientific collaboration.

Responsibilities:

• Develop novel statistical and deep learning algorithms for classifying variants of unknown significance by integrating information from detailed clinical phenotypes, functional genomics, selective constraint, and protein structure.
• Be the primary contributor for scientific collaborations with Illumina’s academic, nonprofit, and industry partners, and lead a multidisciplinary team focused on achieving these aims.
• Publish and disseminate methods and findings and incorporate them into software products to the benefit of the wider genetics community.

Requirements:

• Expert in machine learning, statistics, and genomics
• Possesses strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific ideas to clinical, scientific, and industry audiences.
• Be willing to work in a fast paced, competitive environment, and hold a strong record of successful delivery of complex scientific projects and publications under tight timelines.

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in computer science, computational biology, bioinformatics, or related field.

About Us

As a member of Illumina’s Artificial Intelligence Lab, you will be part of an international collaboration between AI researchers and bioinformaticians in the US, UK, and Singapore.

The role is based at Illumina’s purpose-built facility located in Woodlands, Singapore. Hours are flexible and requests for full or partial remote working will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Candidates wishing to work remotely may also be considered. You will collaborate closely with AI researchers as part of the global AI lab team in the US, UK, and Singapore.

At Illumina, you can expect a highly competitive salary accompanied by a market-leading benefits package. You will be part of the global leader in the DNA sequencing industry, where you will find robust growth opportunities and career development.
As
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 recognizes 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.

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 accommodations@illumina.com. 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.