Senior Scientist – Biophysics

Illumina•San Diego, CA

About The Position

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 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. You are excited to develop novel approaches to sequencing DNA. As a creative, first-principles experimentalist comfortable working at the interface between biochemistry and physics, this biophysics/biochemist candidate has experience working with DNA, and/or in the study of DNA-processing enzymes such as polymerases and helicases. Single-molecule biophysics experience preferred. The ideal candidate has an in-depth understanding of biomolecular dynamics, mechanics, and interactions at the single-molecule level and demonstrated expertise in developing novel assays, troubleshooting complex systems, and interpreting single-molecule data to discern underlying mechanistic properties of a molecular system from first principles. Experience scripting or programming is a plus, as is comfort with setting up, troubleshooting, and working with new/custom instrumentation.

Requirements

PhD in biophysics, bioengineering, biochemistry, protein chemistry or related field.
0-5 years of post-PhD hands-on experience with DNA-related biophysics experiments, DNA processing enzymes, or method development for DNA sequencing.
Understanding of single molecule biophysics; interdisciplinary experience combining biochemistry and biophysics to engineer biophysical systems and/or discern biophysical mechanisms.
Familiarity and comfort working with data collection systems, interpreting data sets, and troubleshooting experiments.
Exceptional data interpretation skills and ability to study data to propose next steps.
Highly creative and inventive problem solver with a can-do attitude.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Highly collaborative team player.

Nice To Haves

Ability to maintain custom equipment (training will be provided).
Ability to write scripts to process proprietary data.
Experience working with international cross site teams.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will design, execute and interpret single molecule experiments, utilizing an understanding of DNA, biochemistry and biophysics.
Effectively work within multidisciplinary and international teams and routinely interact with synthetic chemists, protein chemists, bioinformatics scientists, and engineers to solve problems and devise experimental plans.
Innovate and devise creative solutions to difficult biophysics problems.
Keep detailed lab notebooks, prepare reports, updates, and summaries for managers and team.
Write technical reports and prepare presentations for cross-functional and cross-site technical teams.