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  4. Optical Systems Internship 2022
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Are you seeking a company that will offer you rewarding, challenging work and a chance to make a difference? Then you should consider Illumina's Internship Program. Our mission? To help improve human health by unlocking the power of the genome.

We have established ourselves as the global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies through our focus on innovation, serving customers in the research, clinical and applied markets. We currently facilitate a myriad of processes in the life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, agriculture, and other emerging segments.

When you join the high-performing team at Illumina, your work takes on new meaning—to an exponential degree. Our growth, our positive culture, and the impact our products are having in the world will ignite the same passion in you that drives our people forward. And together, we accomplish things beyond expectations.

The role

This role is a 12-week internship staring in July 2022. Based at our offices in Granta Park, Cambridge. Our program focuses on meaningful project work, professional and personal development, in addition to providing networking opportunities.

Your team

  • The optical systems group at Illumina performs research and development on advanced optical technologies to push the limits of DNA sequencing, including pioneering the world’s first “super-resolution” DNA sequencer. The resulting machines find application in medical diagnostics and cutting-edge genetic research.

Role and responsibilities

The intern will contribute to this research pipeline via:

  • Research, screening and testing of cutting-edge optical technologies.
  • Designing, and building and integrating optical breadboard systems.
  • Analysis, simulations, and algorithm development to process complex data-streams.
  • Integrate these systems with sophisticated biochemical processes, requiring complex problem solving at the interface of physics, engineering, and biochemistry.

About you

  • Working towards an upper-class degree in the physical sciences (Physics, Engineering, Mathematics etc).
  • Strong understanding of the basic principles of optics, including ray and wave theory.
  • Practical lab experience, ideally in optics.
  • An ability to work in an interdisciplinary context, on the border of physics and biology.
  • Simple scripting and mathematical modelling (MATLAB, Python, ImageJ, Labview etc.)
  • Strong inter-personal and collaborative skills.
  • An open, enthusiastic and independent individual with a desire to share experience and a willingness to learn from others.
  • Evidence of academic achievement.
  • Some experience with microscopy and biochemical systems is desirable but not essential.
  • Experience in designing, building and aligning breadboard level optical systems is desirable but not essential.

The Selection Process

  • Submit application before 10th December 2021 to be considered
  • Longlisted candidates will be invited to submit a video application
    • Shortlisted candidates must be available to interview 10th January 2022 onwards
  • Successful Applicants will be invited onsite to meet their teams April 11th, 2022 prior to starting in July 2022

Right to Work: We can accept applicants from UK/EU/EEA for this internship, we will assist with any visas required. We are not currently able to sponsor those applying from outside the EEA.

Concerns regarding COVID-19 continue as positive cases are experienced in the communities in which we operate. Please be aware that, as a condition of employment, Illumina may require proof of COVID vaccination in accordance with local statutory requirements (subject to limited exceptions) beginning November 1, 2021.Illumina believes that everyone has the ability to make an impact, and we are proud to be an equal opportunities 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.