What it does: Illumina focuses on innovation in DNA sequencing and array-based solutions to advance drug development, disease research, and the development of molecular tests
Mission: To improve human health by unlocking the power of the genome
Size and presence: It has more than 9,100 employees globally
Best known for A big name in the DNA sequencing and biotech industry for clinical, research, and applied markets
The good bits: Cutting-edge technology for the products
The not-so-good bits: Extremely busy and fast-paced, which might not suit everyone
Headquartered in San Diego, California, USA, Illumina has developed a broad portfolio of array-based technologies and DNA sequencing that address a range of genomic complexity to enable researchers to decide the best solution for their scientific challenge.
Serving customers that include a broad range of academic, government, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and other leading institutions around the globe, their integrated systems enable studies that were not imaginable a few years ago and step closer to the realisation of personalised medicine.
Illumina has many locations worldwide, with California as the home to 65% of its employees. They also have a large presence in Singapore and the UK, with other growing offices in Europe, Australia, Asia, and the Americas. Their people and technology give contributions by pioneering advancements in life sciences, reproductive health, oncology, forensic genomics, agriculture, and much more.
They believe that the genome has the potential to improve lives and change the course of diseases globally. Therefore, there is an urgency to their work because today’s discoveries have the potential to help tomorrow’s patients.
With rapid changes in technology, they need to offer solutions that are not only innovative but also flexible and scalable. What they do is challenging, but it’s worth it because they are improving the future of health care.
They strive to meet this challenge by placing a high value on collaborative interactions and rapid delivery of solutions to their customers. You can find an open and collaborative environment that fosters teamwork and values team success. You will work shoulder-to-shoulder with a talented and dedicated team consisting of scientists, researchers, and engineers.
The team members should be energetic, optimistic, and dedicated to being the driving force behind their impact and innovation. You will also need to have creative minds with an “anything is possible” mentality, as well as be open for feedback that is positive and constructive to help you grow.
To apply for a role in the company, you need to access their Career page and select the job by location, full/part-time, job category, or job type. You need to create an account before submitting your resume and other application documents.
Every process from the application to the job offer is different, but generally, the hiring process includes the following steps: phone interview, digital interview, live video interview with the Hiring Team, and offer letter.
The company is known to have a rigorous recruitment process with several interview rounds lasting about 30 minutes to one hour each. Depending on the role you applied for, it may also include a technical interview.
Career growth can be learning a new skill set, moving to a different area of the company, or a more traditional promotion once the employees have mastered their current level. Classroom, virtual, and e-learning opportunities are provided to enable the employees to grow their technical aptitude and soft skills.
The company also encourages employees to further their professional growth by providing financial assistance for job-related education. By expanding their skill set and learning new things, they will have the power to shape their career path.
Their focus on improving human health also includes their support for the health and wellness of their employees through the following benefits:
Illumina Australia gives back through their corporate and foundation giving, as well as its employee engagement programs (Illumina Cares). For example, Illumina Australia’s employees built solar lights for those living in the darkness while learning about energy poverty and its effects on individuals and the environment.
Illumina had been involved in the research project that addresses a better understanding of the spread, behaviour, and evolution of COVID-19 in Australia. It further contributed more than AU$2 million worth of its genomic sequencing systems and related consumables.
Illumina also has a three-year partnership with the Minderoo Foundation that will leverage the power of genomics to conserve marine biodiversity, accelerate scientific understanding of marine systems, and help marine conservationists make informed decisions.
Supported by a grant from the Australian Government, as well as contributions from Illumina and other organisations, a new initiative to engage diverse communities in genomic research was launched. The Australian Genetic Diversity Database project, called OurDNA, will gather data to improve disease prediction, diagnosis, and treatment in underserved communities.
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