Principal Investigator, Early Target Discovery Biology at Illumina, Inc. in Foster City, California

Job Description:

Overview
Since 2001, the cost of DNA sequencing has dropped more than 100,000-fold, from $100,000,000 USD per human genome to less than $600 USD today. The explosive growth of human genetics data has created astounding new opportunities for identifying novel therapeutic targets using large scale cohorts, high throughput sequencing, and machine learning.

Our Exceptional Multi-disciplinary Team Is Unlocking The Power Of The Genome
Illumina is the worldwide leader in genome sequencing and deriving insights on the impact of the human genome on health and disease. We are currently seeking a highly motivated and talented Principal Scientist to lead a multi-disciplinary team working on experimental validation of novel drug targets directly identified from human genetics.

Illumina's leadership position in the generation and analysis of human genetic data enables us to pursue a unique human genetics-first approach to target discovery, supported by a multidisciplinary team of dedicated experimental scientists, statistical geneticists, and deep learning engineers working collaboratively to validate therapeutic hypotheses. The Principal Scientist will design, plan, and execute experiments in the laboratory in support of these early discovery efforts, and provide direct technical mentorship and supervision for lab-based staff. The successful candidate is expected to pursue novel approaches to study a broad range of different disease indications with a focus on identification and validation of therapeutic targets and next-generation biomarkers.

About Us
The role is based at the Illumina Foster City campus, our purpose-built facility centrally located in the San Francisco Bay Area, between San Francisco and Silicon Valley.

At Illumina, you can expect a highly competitive salary accompanied by a market-leading benefits package. You will be part of the global leader in the DNA sequencing industry, where you will find robust growth opportunities and career development.

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 recognizes 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.

Responsibilities

• Build the team and laboratory infrastructure for target identification, assay development, and validation of clinically-relevant biomarkers.


• Design, develop and validate quantitative cellular assays to credential novel targets.


• Design and manage in vivo pre-clinical studies.


• Work closely with academic and clinical collaborators to integrate innovative biology with data from large-scale human genetics and high throughput sequencing assays to develop new target hypotheses.


• Present results at scientific meetings and publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Requirements

• Ph.D in cell biology, molecular biology, or similar degree with a minimum of five (5) years of experience.


• Minimum of 4+ years of postdoctoral research experience in biotech/pharma, with established track record of successfully leading early discovery programs.


• Extensive expertise with genetic and pharmacological methods to study target biology, utilizing a diverse range of molecular biology techniques for target identification, target validation, and drug prioritization.


• Expertise in a wide range of molecular and cellular biology techniques including functional assay development and in vivo methods.


• Strong record of technical proficiency, innovation, and scientific rigor as demonstrated by publication in high-quality scientific journals.

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

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.

At Illumina, we strive to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace by cultivating an environment in which everyone contributes to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always been rooted in openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative views and 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 demonstrate our collective commitment to diversity and inclusion in the communities we live and work. 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. 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