Lead Bioinformatics Scientist

Illumina
Cambridge
7 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Senior Scientist - Microbial Microbiology

Director, Research & Labs, Data Standards and Excellence

Director, External Digital Ecosystem Lead

Lead Clinical Site Ambassador (Remote)

Lead Engineer

Lead Engineer

What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know Or all of humanityAt 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.

Lead Bioinformatics Scientist

Cambridge UK

Hub and Hybrid or Onsite

As Lead (Staff) Bioinformatics Scientist here at Illumina you will work alongside engineering chemistry and assay teams on R&D projects delivering new sequencing platforms and technologies. In this role the Lead Scientist will represent bioinformatics in cross-functional programs:

  • defining bioinformatics milestones and requirements
  • supporting data analysis
  • developing novel tools and pipelines
  • contributing to experimental design and project strategy

In addition to strong bioinformatics and programming skills this position requires a high degree of initiative and cross-team collaboration as well as a thorough understanding of the product development process.

Ideally you will have experience with workflow management languages such as Nextflow WDL as well as familiarity with containerization tools such as Docker and similar technologies.

Responsibilities:

  • Participate in R&D projects across multiple sites for the design development and validation of new sequencing products
  • Represent bioinformatics in a product development team and be able to establish work priorities and communicate / delegate tasks to other sub-team members as needed
  • Contribute to the design and development of automated quality assessmentpipelines
  • Contribute to the planning and execution of a comprehensive strategy for assessing quality of data from novel technologies
  • Analyze integrate model and interpret experimental data
  • Support and troubleshoot existing processes and provide guidance on potential enhancements
  • Communicate and collaborate with scientific bioinformatics engineering and software teams across multiple sites to design develop and validate products
  • Translate analysis results into practical recommendations for technology development
  • Be a technical representative on cross functional initiatives

Requirements:

  • Strong understanding of next-generation sequencing technologies and their underlying principles.
  • Proficient programming skillswith experience in multiple programming languages including Python and R.
  • Experience working with Unix/Linux High Performance Computing (HPC) and cloud environments (e.g. AWS).
  • Proficiency with common bioinformatics algorithms and methods. Hands on experience of quality control and analysis of data generated from a variety of omics such as WGS scRNA somatic profiling proteomics methylation etc.
  • Solid understanding of statistical and biological concepts; strong data analysis and visualization skills.
  • Excellent communication skillsand a proven track record of collaborating with diverse teams.

Education:

Masters/PhD in bioinformatics computer science data science engineering mathematics or equivalent


Illuminas 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!


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 To learn more visit: The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected or the requisition has a sufficient number of qualified applicants. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.


Key Skills
Laboratory Experience,Immunoassays,Machine Learning,Biochemistry,Assays,Research Experience,Spectroscopy,Research & Development,cGMP,Cell Culture,Molecular Biology,Data Analysis Skills
Employment Type :Full-Time
Experience:years
Vacancy:1

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Biotechnology Job Applications (UK Guide)

Hiring managers in biotechnology do not start by reading your CV word for word. They scan for credibility, relevance and risk. In a regulated, evidence-driven sector like biotech, the first question is simple: is this person safe, competent and genuinely capable of contributing in this environment? Whether you are applying for roles in research, manufacturing, quality, regulatory, clinical, bioinformatics or commercial biotech, the strongest applications make the right signals obvious in the first 10–20 seconds. This in-depth guide explains exactly what hiring managers in UK biotechnology look for first, how they assess CVs, cover letters and portfolios, and why capable candidates are often rejected. Use it as a practical checklist before you apply.

The Skills Gap in Biotechnology Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Biotechnology sits at the intersection of science, innovation and real-world impact. From life-saving medicines and diagnostics to sustainable agriculture, industrial bioprocessing and personalised healthcare, biotech plays a critical role in the UK economy. Yet despite strong graduate numbers and world-class universities, employers across the biotechnology sector continue to report a growing skills gap. Vacancies remain unfilled. Graduates struggle to secure their first roles. Hiring managers cite a lack of job-ready candidates. The issue is not intelligence or academic ability. It is preparation. Universities are producing scientifically knowledgeable graduates who are often not ready for modern biotechnology jobs. This article explores the biotechnology skills gap in depth: what universities teach well, what is missing from many degrees, why the gap exists, what employers actually want, and how jobseekers can bridge the divide to build sustainable careers in biotech.

Biotechnology Jobs for Career Switchers in Their 30s, 40s & 50s (UK Reality Check)

Biotechnology is often portrayed as a young person’s game. White lab coats, fresh PhDs & long academic pipelines dominate the image. In reality, the UK biotechnology sector relies heavily on career switchers, mid-career professionals & people bringing experience from outside science. If you are in your 30s, 40s or 50s & thinking about moving into biotechnology, this article gives you a clear-eyed, UK-specific reality check. No hype. No Americanised career myths. Just an honest look at which biotech jobs are realistic, what retraining actually involves & how employers really think about age & background.