Optical Systems Associate (Undergraduate / Placement) – 12 Weeks
full-time•Cambridge
Summary
Location
Cambridge
Type
full-time
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About this role
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.
Please note you must be studying in the UK to be eligible for this placement.
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.
Optical Systems Associate (Undergraduate / Placement) – Cambridge, UK
Onsite at Granta Park, Cambridge
Please note you must be studying in the UK to be eligible for this placement.
As an Optical Systems Associate here at Illumina in Cambridge, you will join our cutting‑edge Optical Systems Group—an R&D team advancing the optical technologies that power Illumina’s world‑leading DNA sequencing platforms, including the world’s first super‑resolution DNA sequencer. Over your 12‑week placement starting in June 2026, you’ll contribute to meaningful technical work, collaborate with experienced scientists and engineers, and gain exposure to interdisciplinary research at the intersection of physics, biology, and engineering. This placement offers real responsibility, professional development, and the opportunity to be part of a team whose innovations directly impact global human health.
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 working towards an upper‑class degree in a physical science such as Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related discipline. You bring a solid understanding of core optical principles—including ray and wave theory—and ideally some hands‑on lab experience in optics or microscopy. You’ll thrive in an interdisciplinary environment, working at the interface of physics and biology, and you enjoy applying problem‑solving skills to real experimental challenges. Experience with simple scripting or modelling tools (MATLAB, Python, ImageJ, Labview) is valuable, alongside a collaborative mindset, strong communication skills, enthusiasm for learning, and evidence of academic achievement. Experience with breadboard optical systems or biochemical systems is a bonus but not required.
Key Responsibilities Include
Technical & Analytical Support
- Apply basic problem‑solving approaches to define and resolve routine technical issues
- Perform experimental tasks following established procedures and standard lab practices
- Support optical system design, testing, data collection and analysis
Project Contribution
- Assist with research activities that support development of advanced optical technologies
- Execute tasks aligned to project milestones under general guidance
- Document findings, observations, and data clearly for team review
Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with colleagues, project leaders and your supervisor to exchange information and updates
- Build effective working relationships within the Optical Systems Group
- Contribute to team meetings, discussions, and collaborative problem solving
Learning & Development
- Seek guidance and training to deepen technical and professional skills
- Learn Illumina tools, processes and methodologies while gaining exposure to R&D workflows
- Demonstrate initiative, curiosity and enthusiasm for contributing to meaningful scientific work
Our Selection Process
After initial screening, you’ll meet with our Talent Acquisition team for an introductory discussion about the placement process.
The remaining steps are:
The remaining steps are:
Recorded Video Interview
Manager Interview
Panel Interview – Meet the Team!
Offer
Applications close Friday 20th February 2026.
If you have any questions, you can email: [email protected]
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 recognises 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.
INDEUR
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.
Other facts
Tech stack
Optical Principles,Ray Theory,Wave Theory,Lab Experience,Optics,Microscopy,Scripting,Modelling Tools,MATLAB,Python,ImageJ,Labview,Problem-Solving,Communication Skills,Team Collaboration,Scientific Research
About Illumina
At Illumina, our goal is to apply innovative technologies and revolutionary assays to the analysis of genetic variation and function, making studies possible that were not even imaginable just a few years ago. These studies will help make the realization of personalized medicine possible. With such rapid advances in technology taking place, it is mission critical to have solutions that are not only innovative, but flexible, scalable, and complete with industry-leading support and service. As a global company that places high value on collaborative interactions, rapid delivery of solutions, and prioritizing the needs of its customers, we strive to meet this challenge. Illumina’s innovative, array-based solutions for DNA, RNA, and protein analysis serve as tools for disease research, drug development, and the development of molecular tests in the clinic.
Team size: 5,001-10,000 employees
Website: http://www.illumina.com
LinkedIn: Visit
Industry: Biotechnology Research
Founding Year: 1998
What you'll do
- The Optical Systems Associate will provide technical and analytical support, assist with research activities, and contribute to the development of advanced optical technologies. Responsibilities include performing experimental tasks, documenting findings, and collaborating with team members.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Optical Systems Associate (Undergraduate / Placement) – 12 Weeks do at Illumina?
As a Optical Systems Associate (Undergraduate / Placement) – 12 Weeks at Illumina, you will: the Optical Systems Associate will provide technical and analytical support, assist with research activities, and contribute to the development of advanced optical technologies. Responsibilities include performing experimental tasks, documenting findings, and collaborating with team members..
Why join Illumina as a Optical Systems Associate (Undergraduate / Placement) – 12 Weeks?
Illumina is a leading Biotechnology Research company.
Is the Optical Systems Associate (Undergraduate / Placement) – 12 Weeks position at Illumina remote?
The Optical Systems Associate (Undergraduate / Placement) – 12 Weeks position at Illumina is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.
How do I apply for the Optical Systems Associate (Undergraduate / Placement) – 12 Weeks position at Illumina?
You can apply for the Optical Systems Associate (Undergraduate / Placement) – 12 Weeks position at Illumina directly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process. You can also learn more about Illumina on their website.