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Senior Scientist (Synthetic Chem & Analysis) Position at Illumina Singapore

Job Description

Headquartered in San Diego, California, Illumina (NASDAQ: ILMN), is a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of next generation life science tools and integrated systems for large-scale analysis of genetic variation and biological function. These systems are enabling studies that were not even imaginable just a few years ago and moving us closer to the realization of personalized medicine. With the innovative advances in our sequencing technologies, we are rapidly impacting the clinical market in areas such as reproductive health and oncology. The expanding Illumina oncology portfolio of next-generation sequencing NGS and microarray technologies is revolutionizing cancer genomics research. Our customers include a broad range of academic, government, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and other leading institutions around the globe.

 

We are seeking a Senior Scientist to join our Synthetic chemistry team. Ideal candidates are resourceful individuals with diverse scientific interests who thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative interdisciplinary research environment. As a member of our team, you will be responsible for developing, synthesizing and characterizing future sequencing reagents with enhanced biocompatibility, stability and sequencing performance.

Position Summary
As a Senior Scientist within Illumina’s Research and Development team, you will work as part of a multi-disciplinary research team to help create new sequencing methods. You will play an important role in the research and development of sequencing reagents and consumables with the world-class performance, stability and robustness characteristics that our customers require.

 

Analytical rigor is central to this role. You will develop and apply standard analytical methods, such as HPLC and LC-MS, to assess the purity, identity and stability of novel molecules and reagents. You will design and execute experiments, collect and analyze data, draw conclusions, and present them to key stakeholders.
 
Responsibilities:

• Lead innovative new projects in a fast-paced research and technology development environment. Identify, evaluate, plan, and optimize research ideas leading to new methods and chemistries for sequencing

• Design, implement, analyze and present experiments to demonstrate feasibility of new technology

• Develop, qualify, and run analytical methods, such as HPLC and LC-MS, to determine purity, identity, impurity profiles, and stability of synthesized compounds.

• Interpret analytical data, set specifications, and troubleshoot method issues such as peak shape, resolution, ionization, and reproducibility.

• Be both a strong individual contributor as well as a collaborative team member.
• Conduct clear and concise communication with colleagues (cross-functional) and supervisors through oral updates, written reports and technical meetings

Listed responsibilities are an essential, but not exhaustive list, of the usual duties associated with the position. Changes to individual responsibilities may occur due to business needs.

Requirements:

• Excellent skills in synthetic organic chemistry, small molecule synthesis, biomolecular bioconjugation
• Expertise in analytical techniques and methods such as HPLC (reverse-phase and ion-pair; method development and purification), LC-MS, and NMR for structural confirmation
• Ability to develop, validate, and troubleshoot analytical methods and to interpret chromatograms, and mass spectrometry data
• Excellent laboratory, experimental and organizational skills
• Proven track record of innovation and scientific creativity
• Passionate about research and goals-driven
• Design and execute experiments with limited instruction
• Ability to effectively troubleshoot, propose and prioritize next steps or suggest alternate strategies
• Perform data analysis; write reports and present results to the project team, draw conclusion and propose next steps
• Attention to detail and the ability to communicate effectively, taking initiative
• Analytical, organized, efficient, problem solver, easily adaptable, self-motivated, independent but also works well in a team
• A self-starter, positive, and driven with a “can do” attitude.
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills

All listed requirements are deemed as essential functions to this position; however, business conditions may require reasonable accommodation for additional tasks and responsibilities.

Preferred Skills and Experience: 

• Experience in organic synthesis
• Experience with chromatographic purification (flash, preparative HPLC, ion exchange)
• Experience with standard analytical techniques (HPLC/UPLC, UV-vis, spectroscopy – NMR, FTIR and LC-MS)
• Experience with chromatography data systems and method validation (precision, linearity, sensitivity, robustness)
• Experience with advanced analytical techniques (HRMS, Q-ToF, MS/MS, CAD, SEC-MALS, ICP-MS, field flow fractionation) is a plus
• Industrial experience is highly desirable

Education:

• PhD degree in chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry or materials science or
• BSc or Masters degree in chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry or materials science with 6+ years of industrial experience

Strong applicants with lesser experience will be considered for a position commensurate with the experience.

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 accommodations@illumina.com. 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.