As Senior Bioinformatics Scientist here at Illumina, you will join our world-class genomics team focused on advancing human health through innovative next-generation sequencing technologies. Working within the team responsible for the DRAGEN platform and its integration with Illumina Connected Analytics (ICA), you will develop novel bioinformatics methods that extract meaningful biological insights from complex genomic datasets.
This role combines scientific innovation, algorithm development, software engineering, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-impact solutions that support research, clinical applications, and customer success. You will work closely with software, FPGA, quality, clinical genomics, and customer-facing teams to help shape the future of genomic analysis.
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!
Why You:
You are an accomplished bioinformatics scientist with a strong foundation in computer science, statistics, algorithms, and genomics. You have experience developing innovative yet practical computational methods that solve complex biological challenges and can translate those solutions into robust production environments. You bring expertise in next-generation sequencing technologies and secondary analysis methods, including mapping, alignment, and variant calling, alongside strong software development skills in C/C++ or similar high-performance programming languages.
You are motivated by solving difficult scientific problems and transforming large-scale genomic data into actionable insights. You thrive in collaborative environments, enjoy working with multidisciplinary teams, and communicate complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences. Your curiosity, scientific rigor, and commitment to innovation align strongly with Illumina's value of Innovate with Purpose, helping deliver meaningful advances that improve human health.
Candidates will typically hold a Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Bioinformatics, or a related discipline, combined with relevant industry or research experience. Expertise in genomic data analysis, sequencing technologies, and applications such as rare disease research, cancer genomics, and population genetics will be highly valued.
Responsibilities:
Design, prototype, and implement innovative computational and statistical algorithms to extract biological signal from sequencing assays.
Develop and optimize high-performance production software using C/C++ and related technologies.
Analyze, integrate, model, and interpret complex experimental and genomic datasets to support product development.
Collaborate closely with software engineering, FPGA, quality assurance, quality control, and clinical genomics teams to deliver seamless end-to-end workflows.
Support the development and advancement of the DRAGEN platform across germline, somatic, DNA, RNA, structural variant, CNV, and targeted sequencing applications.
Engage with external scientific and customer teams to understand emerging needs and help define future product capabilities.
Communicate technical approaches, experimental results, and scientific findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Prepare internal and external technical documentation, publications, presentations, and scientific marketing materials.
Evaluate new technologies, methodologies, and data processing approaches to improve scalability, accuracy, and customer experience.
Demonstrate accountability and ownership while contributing to a collaborative culture that helps teams win together and achieve shared objectives.
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 [email protected]. To learn more, visit: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. 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.
Skills Required
- Master’s degree or PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Bioinformatics, or a related discipline
- Relevant industry or research experience
- Strong foundation in computer science, statistics, algorithms, and genomics
- Experience developing computational methods for complex biological challenges and translating them into production environments
- Expertise in next-generation sequencing technologies and secondary analysis methods, including mapping, alignment, and variant calling
- Strong software development skills in C/C++ or similar high-performance programming languages
- Expertise in genomic data analysis and sequencing technologies
- Experience with rare disease research, cancer genomics, or population genetics
Illumina Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Illumina and has not been reviewed or approved by Illumina.
-
Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes comprehensive medical (HMO/PPO), dental, vision, mental health, life, and disability insurance with options such as FSAs/HSAs and wellness resources. Offerings are described as robust across regions with customization in certain locations.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off programs include flexible schedules and remote work, PTO or flexible time off, paid holidays and sick leave, and volunteer time. Company-wide shutdowns during summer and winter add additional paid time away.
-
Parental & Family Support — Family-focused programs include fertility assistance, adoption assistance, and reproductive health support alongside family medical leave. Paid parental leave is provided, with specifics varying by country and employment status.
Illumina Insights
What We Do
Illumina is an innovative technology and revolutionary assays aiming the analyze genetic variation and function.








