Staff Scientist
Illumina, Inc.
October 15, 2026
Full-time
On-site
US - California - San Diego
Clinical Research and Development
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.
Illumina is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Staff Scientist to help advance molecular diagnostics and precision oncology through the development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays. In this role, you will serve as a technical leader within a multidisciplinary product development environment, driving the design, optimization, verification, and validation of innovative oncology assays intended for research and/or clinical applications.
The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in molecular biology, assay development, and NGS technologies with a proven track record of leading complex technical initiatives in a fast-paced product development environment. This individual will operate with a high degree of independence, influence cross-functional decision-making, mentor scientists, and contribute to the technical and business strategy of key oncology programs.
As a Staff Scientist, you will lead critical technical workstreams, provide subject matter expertise, and partner closely with teams across Quality, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Software Development, Operations, Product Marketing, and Commercial organizations to deliver high-impact products that improve patient outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Lead complex technical workstreams supporting the development of NGS-based oncology assays and products in a fast-paced environment in alignment with industry standards and regulatory expectations.
Serve as the scientific lead for study design, execution, analysis, troubleshooting, and interpretation of experimental results. Analyze large and complex datasets to identify technical risks, develop data-driven recommendations, and communicate tradeoffs and rationale to stakeholders and leadership.
Lead execution of verification and validation activities in accordance with CLSI guidelines and applicable quality system requirements.
Manage and mentor a team of junior scientists through technical coaching, scientific review, and guidance on experimental design, data analysis, and scientific documentation.
Present technical findings, project updates, risk assessments, mitigation plans, technology evaluations, and strategic recommendations to project teams and senior leadership.
Author and review technical documentation, including product development documentation, engineering studies, verification and validation protocols, technical reports, and risk assessments.
Document research activities and study outcomes within a Quality Management System consistent with ISO 13485 principles.
Contribute to technical strategy, roadmap development, and business decisions that influence future product capabilities and portfolio growth.
Qualifications
Required
Strong background in molecular biology, genomics, assay development, and next-generation sequencing technologies.
Demonstrated experience leading complex scientific projects and influencing technical decisions across multidisciplinary teams.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
Experience working in a cross-functional product development environment.
Proven ability to independently lead studies from planning through execution, analysis, and final reporting.
Preferred
Experience developing, optimizing, and validating NGS-based oncology assays and workflows.
Expertise in Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies and data-driven assay optimization approaches.
Experience with regulated product development and quality systems for NGS-based molecular diagnostic IVD products.
Demonstrated success partnering across functions such as Quality, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Operations, Software Development, and Commercial organizations.
Prior experience mentoring scientists and providing technical leadership across project teams.
Education & Experience
Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years of experience; or equivalent experience.
The estimated base salary range for the Staff Scientist role based in the United States of America is: $118,200 - $177,200. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. The range reflects long‑term growth in the role; therefore, most candidates are hired between the minimum and middle of the range. Placement depends on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. Additionally, all employees are eligible for one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package. We offer a wide range of benefits as innovative as our work, including access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off.
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. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
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.
Illumina is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Staff Scientist to help advance molecular diagnostics and precision oncology through the development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays. In this role, you will serve as a technical leader within a multidisciplinary product development environment, driving the design, optimization, verification, and validation of innovative oncology assays intended for research and/or clinical applications.
The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in molecular biology, assay development, and NGS technologies with a proven track record of leading complex technical initiatives in a fast-paced product development environment. This individual will operate with a high degree of independence, influence cross-functional decision-making, mentor scientists, and contribute to the technical and business strategy of key oncology programs.
As a Staff Scientist, you will lead critical technical workstreams, provide subject matter expertise, and partner closely with teams across Quality, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Software Development, Operations, Product Marketing, and Commercial organizations to deliver high-impact products that improve patient outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Lead complex technical workstreams supporting the development of NGS-based oncology assays and products in a fast-paced environment in alignment with industry standards and regulatory expectations.
Serve as the scientific lead for study design, execution, analysis, troubleshooting, and interpretation of experimental results. Analyze large and complex datasets to identify technical risks, develop data-driven recommendations, and communicate tradeoffs and rationale to stakeholders and leadership.
Lead execution of verification and validation activities in accordance with CLSI guidelines and applicable quality system requirements.
Manage and mentor a team of junior scientists through technical coaching, scientific review, and guidance on experimental design, data analysis, and scientific documentation.
Present technical findings, project updates, risk assessments, mitigation plans, technology evaluations, and strategic recommendations to project teams and senior leadership.
Author and review technical documentation, including product development documentation, engineering studies, verification and validation protocols, technical reports, and risk assessments.
Document research activities and study outcomes within a Quality Management System consistent with ISO 13485 principles.
Contribute to technical strategy, roadmap development, and business decisions that influence future product capabilities and portfolio growth.
Qualifications
Required
Strong background in molecular biology, genomics, assay development, and next-generation sequencing technologies.
Demonstrated experience leading complex scientific projects and influencing technical decisions across multidisciplinary teams.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
Experience working in a cross-functional product development environment.
Proven ability to independently lead studies from planning through execution, analysis, and final reporting.
Preferred
Experience developing, optimizing, and validating NGS-based oncology assays and workflows.
Expertise in Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies and data-driven assay optimization approaches.
Experience with regulated product development and quality systems for NGS-based molecular diagnostic IVD products.
Demonstrated success partnering across functions such as Quality, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Operations, Software Development, and Commercial organizations.
Prior experience mentoring scientists and providing technical leadership across project teams.
Education & Experience
Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years of experience; or equivalent experience.
The estimated base salary range for the Staff Scientist role based in the United States of America is: $118,200 - $177,200. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. The range reflects long‑term growth in the role; therefore, most candidates are hired between the minimum and middle of the range. Placement depends on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. Additionally, all employees are eligible for one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package. We offer a wide range of benefits as innovative as our work, including access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off.
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. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.