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- Tasks: Support lab operations and contribute to groundbreaking genomic research.
- Company: Join Illumina, a leader in DNA sequencing and genomic technology.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, professional development, and networking opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on human health while working with innovative technologies.
- Qualifications: Current undergraduate student in molecular biology or related field.
- Other info: 12-month placement starting July 2026 at Granta Park, Cambridge.
The predicted salary is between 1200 - 1800 £ per month.
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.
Granta Park, Cambridge (onsite)
Closing date: 25th February 2025
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 2026, ending in July 2027. 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 labs in Cambridge support a wide range of activities that enable our scientists and customers across Europe to achieve exceptional outcomes. These labs serve as a hub for hands-on discovery, technical learning, and customer partnership, reflecting our commitment to Innovate with Purpose and Make Customers Heroes.
Key services delivered by the Solutions Centre include instrumentation and workflow training for internal teams and customers, lab tours that showcase the depth of Illumina's technology, and support for internal scientific and operational requests. The team also prepares and sequences customer samples to assist with troubleshooting investigations, increase customer throughput capacity, and contribute to Workflow Design & Evaluation (WDE) studies. Each WDE is managed like a focused research project—from experimental design through to processing, sequencing, and analysis—requiring close collaboration with Illumina scientists, Sales teams, and our customers. This cross-functional approach embodies our Win Together mindset as we work to deliver insights that advance genomic exploration.
This position plays a central role in supporting the day-to-day operation of the Illumina Solutions Centre labs. You will receive training comparable to that of a Field Application Scientist and other technical support colleagues across the Illumina product portfolio. You will also contribute to the ongoing upkeep and compliance of our ISO13485:2016 certified lab complex, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and operational integrity in all aspects of laboratory practice.
Role And Responsibilities
- Participating in weekly & monthly cleaning of lab equipment & environment.
- Assistance with all lab processes required to maintain ISO13485 certification.
- Advanced duties could include testing of automated workflows and taking part in other on-demand projects.
- EHS documentation write-up (Risk Assessments and COSHH).
- Perform lab tours for internal and external stakeholders.
- Taking part in continuous improvement projects (process improvement and 6S).
- Stock management: ordering, receiving, logging in/out and storage of reagents & consumables for training and other lab activities.
- Support activities for lab users can include DNA quantification by Qubit & TapeStation traces, transferring reagents and consumables into the labs.
Preferred Experience And Qualifications
To apply for this position, you will be a current undergraduate student in molecular biology or related discipline.
Our Recruitment Process
After Initial Screening, You'll Participate In An Interview With a Talent Acquisition Partner To Walk Through The Placement Process And Ask Any Questions You May Have. Subsequent Steps Include Recorded Video Interview, Panel Interview – Meet the Team, Offer.
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. 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 us.
Lab Scientist in Cambridge employer: TargetJobs UK
Contact Detail:
TargetJobs UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lab Scientist in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Illumina on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by researching Illumina's latest projects and innovations. Show that you’re genuinely interested in their mission to improve human health through genomic technology. It’ll impress the interviewers!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions, especially those related to teamwork and problem-solving. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you articulate your experiences clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Illumina team and making a difference in the world of genomics.
We think you need these skills to ace Lab Scientist in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Lab Scientist role. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with Illumina's mission of improving human health through genomic technology.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for the field shine through! Share why you're excited about working in genomics and how you believe your contributions can make a difference in people's lives.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We want to see your qualifications without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our official website. This ensures it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at TargetJobs UK
✨Know Your Science
Brush up on your molecular biology knowledge and be ready to discuss how it relates to the role. Familiarise yourself with Illumina's technologies and recent advancements in genomic research, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of the field.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key at Illumina, prepare examples of how you've worked effectively in teams. Highlight any experiences where you contributed to group projects or supported colleagues, demonstrating your ability to embody the 'Win Together' mindset.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and technical knowledge. Think about scenarios where you had to troubleshoot lab processes or improve workflows, and be ready to explain your thought process clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or opportunities for professional development. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
