Senior Scientist (Synthetic Chemistry)

Illumina is seeking a Senior Scientist in Synthetic Chemistry to join its R&D team in Singapore. This role involves leading innovative projects to develop, synthesize, and characterize future sequencing reagents with enhanced biocompatibility, stability, and performance. The scientist will design and execute experiments, analyze data, and present findings to stakeholders, contributing to world-class sequencing methods and consumables for transforming human health.

Must Have

• Lead innovative new projects in a fast-paced research and technology development environment.
• Identify, evaluate, plan, and optimize research ideas leading to new methods and chemistries for sequencing.
• Design, implement, analyze and present experiments to demonstrate feasibility of new technology.
• Conduct clear and concise communication with colleagues (cross-functional) and supervisors.
• Excellent skills in synthetic organic chemistry, small molecule synthesis, biomolecular bioconjugation.
• Experienced in analytical techniques such as NMR, HPLC and MS.
• Ability to effectively troubleshoot, propose and prioritize next steps or suggest alternate strategies.

Good to Have

• Experience in organic synthesis
• Experience in nucleotide chemistry
• Experience in various chromatography purification techniques
• Experienced in bioanalytical assays such as fluorescence-based assays
• Industrial experience is highly desirable
• Experience in nucleotide and oligonucleotide synthesis

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.

Headquartered in San Diego, California, Illumina (NASDAQ: ILMN), is a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of next generation life science tools and integrated systems for large-scale analysis of genetic variation and biological function. These systems are enabling studies that were not even imaginable just a few years ago and moving us closer to the realization of personalized medicine. With the innovative advances in our sequencing technologies, we are rapidly impacting the clinical market in areas such as reproductive health and oncology. The expanding Illumina oncology portfolio of next-generation sequencing NGS and microarray technologies is revolutionizing cancer genomics research. Our customers include a broad range of academic, government, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and other leading institutions around the globe.

We are currently seeking a Senior 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 Senior 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 will play an important role in the research and development of sequencing reagents and consumables with the world-class performance, stability and robustness characteristics that our customers require.

You will be responsible for developing cutting edge technologies and related assays by designing and executing experiments, collecting data, performing analysis, drawing conclusions and presenting to key stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

• Lead innovative new projects in a fast-paced research and technology development environment. Identify, evaluate, plan, and optimize research ideas leading to new methods and chemistries for sequencing
• Explore new technologies and identify creative solutions to overcome current limitations
• Identify new opportunities for innovative products using the company’s core technologies
• Design, implement, analyze and present experiments to demonstrate feasibility of new technology
• Be both a strong individual contributor as well as a collaborative team member.
• Conduct clear and concise communication with colleagues (cross-functional) and supervisors through oral updates, written reports and technical meetings

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:

• Excellent skills in synthetic organic chemistry, small molecule synthesis, biomolecular bioconjugation
• Experience in nucleotide and oligonucleotide synthesis preferred
• Experienced in analytical techniques such as NMR, HPLC and MS
• Excellent laboratory, experimental and organizational skills
• Proven track record of innovation and scientific creativity
• Passionate about research and goals-driven
• Design and execute experiments with limited instruction
• Ability to effectively troubleshoot, propose and prioritize next steps or suggest alternate strategies
• Perform data analysis; write reports and present results to the project team, draw conclusion and propose next steps
• Attention to detail and the ability to communicate effectively, taking initiative
• Analytical, 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.
• Excellent verbal/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:

• Experience in organic synthesis
• Experience in nucleotide chemistry
• Experience in various chromatography purification techniques
• Experienced in bioanalytical assays such as fluorescence-based assays
• Industrial experience is highly desirable

Education:

• PhD degree in chemistry, biochemistry or materials science or
• BSc or Masters degree in chemistry, biochemistry or materials science with 6+ years of industrial experience

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

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.

About Us

The potential of genomics to change the world is unparalleled. At Illumina, we are leading the way. Our technology empowers researchers and clinicians globally to improve cancer treatments, change the course of diseases, protect the environment, and fight food insecurity. We are made up of dedicated professionals, all-in on creating a better world – and we need every skill set on our path to making genomics useful for all. Learn more about life at Illumina.

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