Lab Scientist Intern (Undergraduate / Placement)

at  Illumina

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.
Lab Scientist Associate (Undergraduate / Placement) – 12 Months
Are you seeking a company that will offer you rewarding, challenging work and a chance to make a difference? Then you should consider Illumina’s Early Talent Programme. Our mission? To help improve human health by unlocking the power of the genome.
Please note you will need to be studying in the UK to be eligible for this position.
About us
We have established ourselves as the global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies through our focus on innovation, serving customers in the research, clinical and applied markets. We currently facilitate a myriad of processes in the life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, agriculture, and other emerging segments.
When you join the high-performing team at Illumina, your work takes on new meaning—to an exponential degree. Our growth, our positive culture, and the impact our products are having in the world will ignite the same passion in you that drives our people forward. And together, we accomplish things beyond expectations.
The role
This role is a 12-month placement starting in July 2025, ending in July 2026. Based at our offices in Granta Park, Cambridge. Our program focuses on meaningful project work, professional and personal development, in addition to providing networking opportunities.
Your team
The Illumina Solutions Centre lab in Cambridge is involved with a huge number of activities, supporting all of Illumina’s scientists and customers across Europe. Key services include preparation and sequencing of customer samples to assist with troubleshooting investigations and Workflow Design & Evaluation (WDE) studies. These studies involve liaising with Illumina scientists, Sales teams & customers and then testing customer samples with the latest technologies. Each WDE is run like a small research project, from experimental design, full processing, sequencing, and analysis.
This position will play a key role in supporting the activities of the Commercial Solution Centre labs. Candidates will receive training in use of state-of-the-art sequencing equipment & workflows and will also be responsible for helping with the upkeep of an ISO13485:2016 certified lab complex. Under the supervision of Illumina scientists, you will be involved in WDE studies and with the internal testing of other Next-Generation-Sequencing workflows.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Participating in weekly & monthly cleans of lab equipment & environment.
• Assistance with all lab processes required to maintain ISO13485 certification.
• Sequencing validation runs required on any Sequencers.
• Receiving, logging and storage of incoming samples & consumables.
• Support activities for lab users can include DNA quantification by Qubit or rtPCR & Bioanalyser traces.
• Sequencing samples and scanning bead array chips to support customer backlog & elevation requests.

Preferred experience and qualifications:
To apply for this position, you will be studying towards a degree in Molecular Biology, Biology, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, or a related field.
About the process

After initial screening, you will be interviewed by a member of our talent acquisition team, in order to talk you through the placement hiring process. This is an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. The steps after this are as follows:

• Manager Interview
• Panel Interview – Meet the Team!
• Offer

Applications close for this role Friday 7th February
If you have any questions you can email: EarlyCareers@illumina.com
Illumina believes that everyone has the ability to make an impact, and we are proud to be an equal opportunities 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

• Participating in weekly & monthly cleans of lab equipment & environment.
• Assistance with all lab processes required to maintain ISO13485 certification.
• Sequencing validation runs required on any Sequencers.
• Receiving, logging and storage of incoming samples & consumables.
• Support activities for lab users can include DNA quantification by Qubit or rtPCR & Bioanalyser traces.
• Sequencing samples and scanning bead array chips to support customer backlog & elevation requests