Senior Scientist – Protein Engineering

Illumina, Inc.

Posted on: February 4, 2026

Closing: March 06, 2026

Salary: 98,400.00 - 147,600.00 per year

Position Type: Full Time

Job Description

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.

We are seeking a talented and driven Sr Scientist - Protein Engineering to help us use the power of protein engineering to further revolutionize genomics and human health. This Scientist will join a dynamic interdisciplinary group that is responsible for the development of novel protein reagents for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). The successful candidate will initiate, execute and analyze research in the area of protein engineering applied to NGS.

Tasks and Responsibilities:
  • Plan, execute and analyze various laboratory experiments to engineer and/or characterize novel enzymes for NGS, with defined goals and timeframes.
  • Participate in multi disciplinarily protein engineering projects and interact with engineers, chemists, and protein scientists, to deliver protein variants with desired properties.

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

Preferred Experiential Background:
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in protein engineering and directed evolution.
  • Experience in the expression, purification and biochemical characterization of nucleic acid binding proteins (e.g. DNA repair proteins, ligases, polymerases, recombinases, etc.) is also an advantage.
  • Assay design experience is an advantage.
  • Sound understanding of the latest genomics technologies and methodologies.
  • Experience with computation protein design and/or ML/AI-assisted protein engineering
  • Good communication skills.

Experience/Education:
  • Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree in protein engineering or biochemistry; or 3 years and a Master's degree in protein engineering or biochemistry; or a PhD in protein engineering or biochemistry without experience; or equivalent work experience in protein engineering or biochemistry.

The estimated base salary range for the Senior Scientist - Protein Engineering role based in the United States of America is: $98,400 - $147,600. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. Compensation decisions are dependent on several factors including, but not limited to, an individual's qualifications, location where the role is to be performed, internal equity, and alignment with market data. 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 [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.

Illumina, Inc.

Posted on: February 4, 2026

Closing: March 06, 2026

Salary: 98,400.00 - 147,600.00 per year

Position Type: Full Time

Career Focus: Scientist

This role is part of a curated selection of life science opportunities featured on Xtalks. Employers may request edits or removal here.

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