Scientist (Synthetic Chemistry)

As a Scientist in Illumina's Research and Development team, you will contribute to creating new sequencing methods within a multi-disciplinary environment. This role involves developing, synthesizing, purifying, and analytically characterizing future sequencing reagents, including nucleotides, oligonucleotides, and peptides, to enhance biocompatibility, stability, and performance. You will perform experiments, communicate results, and maintain detailed records, operating autonomously with technical proficiency. Ideal candidates are resourceful, thrive in a fast-paced setting, and are committed to advancing genomic technology for global health equity.

Must Have

• Develop, synthesize, and characterize sequencing reagents
• Perform experiments and communicate results and conclusions
• Contribute to ongoing research projects
• Keep detailed lab notebooks and prepare reports
• Upkeep of lab equipment and maintain laboratory supplies
• 2 years’ relevant laboratory experience
• Excellent skills in synthetic organic chemistry or materials chemistry
• Experienced in NMR, HPLC and MS techniques
• Some experience in biochemistry and assay development
• Masters or Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or biochemistry

Good to Have

• Experienced in analytical techniques such as HPLC, NMR and MS
• Experienced in bioanalytical assays such as fluorescence-based assays
• Experience in organic synthesis
• Industrial experience

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.

We are currently seeking a Scientist to join our Synthetic chemistry team. Ideal candidates are resourceful individuals with diverse scientific interests who thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative interdisciplinary research environment. As a member of our team, you will be responsible for developing, synthesizing and characterizing future sequencing reagents with enhanced biocompatibility, stability and sequencing performance.

Position Summary

As a Scientist within Illumina’s Research and Development team, you will work as part of a multi-disciplinary research team to help create new sequencing methods. You are expected to be autonomous and technically proficient in executing tasks with minimal oversight as well as troubleshoot procedural problems that may arise. Primary responsibilities include research and development of new sequencing reagents; as well as the synthesis, purification and analytical characterization of molecules such as nucleotides, oligonucleotides and peptides.

Responsibilities:

• Perform experiments, communicate results and conclusions to aid in team decision-making
• Contribute to ongoing research projects in a fast-paced environment
• Keep detailed lab notebooks, prepare reports, updates, and summaries for managers and teams as directed
• Upkeep of lab equipment, maintain laboratory supplies and good housekeeping

Listed responsibilities are an essential, but not exhaustive list, of the usual duties associated with the position. Changes to individual responsibilities may occur due to business needs.

Requirements:

• 2 years’ relevant laboratory experience with excellent skills in synthetic organic chemistry or materials chemistry
• Experienced in NMR, HPLC and MS techniques
• Some experience in biochemistry and assay development
• Analytical, detail-oriented, organized, efficient, problem solver, easily-adaptable, self-motivated, independent but also works well in a team
• A self-starter, positive, and driven with a “can do” attitude.
• Strive for high standards, seek innovative solutions, drive continuous improvement of products and processes and demonstrate a high degree of intellectual curiosity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

All listed requirements are deemed as essential functions to this position; however, business conditions may require reasonable accommodation for additional tasks and responsibilities.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experienced in analytical techniques such as HPLC, NMR and MS
• Experienced in bioanalytical assays such as fluorescence-based assays
• Experience in organic synthesis
• Industrial experience is highly desirable

Education:

• Masters or Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or biochemistry

Strong applicants with lesser experience will be considered for a position commensurate with the experience.