At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop innovative bioinformatics solutions that advance precision medicine and solve complex scientific challenges.
- Company: Illumina, a leader in genomic technology with a mission to improve human health.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible time off, pension contributions, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Inclusive environment promoting diverse perspectives and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on human health while collaborating with world-class scientists and engineers.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and expertise in bioinformatics, algorithm development, and software engineering.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
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 realise 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.
Are you passionate about developing innovative bioinformatics solutions that advance precision medicine? Do you enjoy solving complex scientific challenges through algorithm development, statistical modelling, and software engineering? Do you want to work alongside world-class scientists and engineers on technologies that have a meaningful impact on human health? If so, you could be the perfect fit for our Bioinformatics Scientist / Engineer role within the DRAGEN Array team.
The DRAGEN Array team at Illumina is seeking a bioinformatics professional to drive innovation across algorithm development, statistical modelling, and production-quality software engineering for genotyping and genetics products. This role supports the development of new solutions that advance translational research and precision medicine, delivering scalable computational workflows and analytical capabilities for array and next-generation sequencing (NGS) applications.
Working closely with wet-lab scientists, bioinformaticians, product teams, and software engineers, you will develop and implement robust bioinformatics solutions, integrating established community tools alongside novel methods. You will also contribute to software engineering best practices, including testing automation, CI/CD, observability, and software lifecycle management, helping to ensure DRAGEN Array software is reliable, scalable, and ready for production deployment across local and cloud-based environments.
What You'll Do
- Lead the design and development of algorithms and probabilistic models for analysis of array and NGS data supporting genotyping and genetics applications.
- Apply statistical, computational, and machine-learning methods to large-scale genetic and epigenetic datasets (e.g., genotyping, sequencing, copy number, methylation).
- Design and develop production-grade software that automates analytical workflows and enables robust analysis at scale.
- Contribute to and help shape software testing automation, including unit, integration, and regression testing of bioinformatics pipelines.
- Define and maintain CI/CD workflows to support continuous integration, validation, and reliable delivery of DRAGEN Array software.
- Implement and evolve telemetry, logging, and monitoring to improve observability, diagnostics, and operational robustness.
- Execute and improve Software Lifecycle (SLC) practices, including requirements traceability, design documentation, verification, and validation.
- Use tools such as JAMA (requirements and traceability) and JIRA (planning and execution) to support structured, high-quality software development.
- Collaborate closely with wet-lab scientists, product management, and engineering teams to translate scientific needs into validated computational solutions.
- For staff level, provide mentorship and technical guidance to other scientists and engineers, and contribute to best practices in algorithm design, software engineering, and data analysis.
Why You
You will bring deep expertise in bioinformatics algorithm development, statistical modelling, and computational genomics, with experience developing production-quality software within scientific or commercial environments. You thrive working across multidisciplinary teams and are passionate about translating complex genomic data into impactful solutions that advance translational research and precision medicine.
You will have experience with array and NGS technologies, machine learning approaches, and scalable software development practices including testing automation, CI/CD, and software lifecycle management. For staff-level candidates, experience providing technical leadership, influencing scientific direction, and mentoring colleagues will be highly valued.
You’ll also bring:
- PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Biostatistics, Bioengineering, or a related field.
- Strong algorithm development and statistical modelling expertise.
- Experience with genomic data analysis at scale.
- Programming expertise in Python and/or R.
- Experience with production software development practices.
- Knowledge of testing automation, CI/CD and software lifecycle processes.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
What can you expect
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 recognises the tremendous value they bring to our business every day.
Living our values is central to how we work at Illumina. We are passionate about improving human health through genomics and believe that innovation happens when diverse perspectives come together to solve complex challenges. In this role, you will collaborate across scientific and engineering disciplines, act with integrity and accountability, and contribute to an inclusive environment where curiosity, continuous learning, and bold thinking are encouraged.
We are looking for individuals who are driven by impact, committed to excellence, and excited to help shape technologies that advance research and precision medicine worldwide.
The estimated base salary range for the Bioinformatics Scientist/Engineer – DRAGEN Array role based in United Kingdom is GBP 63.8.
If you have the right match for this opportunity, then make sure to apply today.
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 prioritised 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.
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Bioinformatics Scientist/Engineer – DRAGEN Array in Hemel Hempstead employer: Illumina
At Illumina, we are dedicated to transforming human health through genomic technology, making us an exceptional employer for those passionate about scientific discovery. Our Cambridge location fosters a collaborative work culture, offering industry-leading benefits such as flexible time off, private medical insurance, and a strong commitment to employee growth and inclusivity. Join us to be part of a mission-driven team where your contributions can make a meaningful impact on the lives of billions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bioinformatics Scientist/Engineer – DRAGEN Array in Hemel Hempstead
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Illumina. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Illumina!
We think you need these skills to ace Bioinformatics Scientist/Engineer – DRAGEN Array in Hemel Hempstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Illumina that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Illumina.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Illumina does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Illumina
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Illumina. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Illumina's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Illumina. This shows your passion for the industry!
