Senior Scientist - Polymer Chemist

Job content

Senior Scientist – UK (Consumables Development) – Polymer Chemistry

Why Us

As Illumina technology continues to enter the diagnostic space, within a multidisciplinary team, you will work in a dynamic, team-oriented environment to create genomic analysis consumable devices that enable leading-edge medical research. Based at our European Headquarters just south of Cambridge on Granta Park.

Leadership and peers will count on your biomolecular expertise within multidisciplinary teams to solve complex problems and work on integration challenges.

Why You

You will be a key contributor within integrated and multidisciplinary teams developing and improving nucleic acid sequencing and sample preparation technology platforms through materials innovation.  You will work on new ideas, cutting edge technology, early stage development, and much more. Weekly communication with the US and occasional travel to the US are expected for this role.

If you want to push boundaries and join a culture fueled by innovation, collaboration and openness, this role could be for you. If you want a brilliant, fast-paced, mission-driven environment then Illumina is the place for you.

The role

We are looking for a Senior Scientist with experience in Polymer Chemistry to contribute to a team within Consumables Development. We are looking for a driven individual with experience in polymer synthesis and characterization. Focus areas could include hydrogels, plastics, laminates, membranes, adhesives, macromolecules, stimuli responsive polymers, resist design, and the analytical characterization techniques associated with these areas.

Responsibilities Will Include

• Develop and optimize new and existing polymeric materials for Illumina’s sequencing and sample preparation platforms. Experience with a wide range of polymer synthesis, purification, and characterization techniques would be beneficial.
• Explore structural property relationships at the materials-biochemistry interface.
• Perform in-depth analyses using techniques such as NMR, FTIR, GPC, ellipsometry, DMA, DSC, TGA, rheometry, Raman, SEM, XPS, TOF-SIMS, AFM, high resolution spectroscopy, and microscopy to characterize materials
• Mentor junior level scientists with opportunities to manage functional teams, lead projects, and guide technical areas.
• Present clear and concise written and oral communications to colleagues and supervisors, lead and/or participate in technical meetings, and provide recommendations based on technical results.
• Develop new products in a dynamic environment, with capabilities in evaluating, planning, optimizing and executing research.
• Foster new relationships with outside vendors and organizations. Occasional travel to Illumina labs and suppliers, supplier trade shows, and conferences might be required.
• Application of development techniques such as critical parameter management and design of experiments methodologies.
• Work collaboratively with chemists, biochemists, engineers, and bioinformaticians developing new components for DNA analysis platforms.
• Actively participate in RUO and/or IVD product development projects, including product design, requirements, specifications, risk management, verification, validation, and support regulatory submissions including (IVD, FDA or other geographies).
  

Preferred Background, Skills And Experience

• The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Polymer chemistry, Chemistry, Material Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field with considerable relevant experience
• In addition, candidates will possess many (but not necessarily all) of the following traits:
• Considerable experience in commercial product development. Experience in product development in the biotechnology field is highly desired. Experience in consumable product design and development a plus.
• Candidates with experience in stimuli responsive polymers, hydrogels, plastics, macromolecules, polymeric nanoparticles, resist design, and related are encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrated ability in mentoring and leading junior staff and collaborating with a diverse technical staff would be highly desirable desired.
• Developed polymer chemistry or organic chemistry reactions in the context of materials, adhesives, and/or membranes. This could include methods for bioconjugation and cross functionalization of materials.
• Demonstrated experience solving challenging, interdisciplinary problems at the interface of biology, chemistry and materials science.
• Understanding of microfluidics, fluorescence-based assays, and fundamentals of DNA (bio)chemistry.
• Experience with statistical analysis and DOE techniques is preferred.
  

What Can You Expect

With Illumina you can expect a highly competitive salary accompanied by a market leading benefits package. You will be part of the global leader in the Sequencing industry where you will find robust growth opportunities and career development within Illumina.

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 recognizes 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.

INDHP

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.