Onsite, based at our Europe Headquarters in Cambridge

Closing date - Thursday 19th February 2026

We are seeking a Scientist (Synthetic Chemistry) here at Illumina in Cambridge, where you will join our synthetic chemistry group within the global Research and Development organisation, contributing to the development of novel molecules that underpin the core chemistries of our world‑leading DNA sequencing technology.

Illumina's employee benefits are industry-leading and include flexible time off, private medical insurance, compassion and care time off, leisure travel insurance, pension, employee stock purchasing program, volunteer time off, and much more!

The Role

As a Scientist (Synthetic Chemistry) you will be working alongside experienced PhD‑level chemists, you will prepare and analyse samples, run experiments, and develop methods on Illumina instruments. Your work will directly support innovation across multidisciplinary teams and play an important part in advancing our mission to improve human health.

Full training will be provided, and in this role, you will collaborate closely with senior scientists, taking ownership of results and embodying our value of Innovate with Purpose.

Why You

You will bring a degree in Chemistry or a related field such as Biochemistry (BSc or MSc), with practical experience in synthetic or organic chemistry forming the foundation of your technical capability.

You will be confident with basic laboratory techniques and eager to deepen your skills in modern synthetic chemistry methods, analytical techniques including HPLC, Mass Spectrometry, and NMR, and experimental design.

You will be highly motivated, organised, and ready to learn in a fast‑moving environment where collaboration and accountability matter. Your strong communication skills and your ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams will help you thrive, contributing to an environment where we Win Together.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Synthesize target molecules independently using modern synthetic chemistry methods.
• Purify, analyse, and fully characterise isolated molecules using appropriate analytical techniques.
• Record and document synthetic procedures, analyses, and results accurately and in a timely manner.
• Present results regularly to management and at team meetings.
• Support routine equipment and laboratory maintenance activities.
• Collaborate with and provide support to senior scientists within the chemistry group as required.

What You Can 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. At Illumina, we push boundaries. We think beyond the conventional. We dream big. With the energy of so many bright and accomplished people, the opportunities are endless.

INDEUR