Technical Applications Scientist

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.

Technical Applications Scientist - Dubai (META+ Region)

Office based in Dubai with flexibility to work from home twice per week

As a Technical Applications Scientist (TAS) here at Illumina, you will play a critical role within our META+ Service and Support team, delivering expert-level technical guidance and after-sales support across our full product portfolio, including Library Preparation, Sequencing Instruments, Analysis Software and Microarray technologies. Acting as a key customer-facing expert, you will work closely with customers, channel partners, and internal stakeholders to ensure issues are resolved efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of service excellence.

This position is central to enabling customer success and embodies our commitment to Make Customers Heroes by anticipating needs and delivering impactful solutions. You will also collaborate cross-functionally to improve processes, elevate service quality, and support continuous product and application innovation.

Why You

You bring a strong academic background in molecular biology, genetics or a related discipline, supported by hands-on laboratory experience and a deep understanding of techniques such as PCR, Next Generation Sequencing and Microarray technologies. Whether through a MSc or a bachelor’s degree with relevant industry experience, you are confident in applying scientific expertise to solve real-world customer challenges.

You thrive in a customer-facing role and are motivated by delivering high-quality service and support with language fluency in both English and Arabic. Your analytical mindset allows you to troubleshoot complex technical issues with precision, while your communication skills enable you to explain solutions clearly to diverse audiences. Experience with clinical applications such as NIPT or oncology further strengthens your profile, as does familiarity with library preparation workflows and assay optimization. Experience working with channel partners, particularly across the META or broader international regions, will be highly advantageous. Above all, you are adaptable, proactive, and committed to delivering excellence in every customer interactions.

Tasks And Responsibilities

• Quickly and accurately answer technical questions
• Professionally, efficiently and conclusively triage, troubleshoot and resolve customer complaints
• Assist customers with design and interpretation of Microarray and Next-Generation sequencing experiments
• Provide technical guidance regarding the choice and use of the appropriate Illumina product to existing and prospective customers
• Triage and dispatch issues requiring field support to Illumina or official Channel Partner Engineers and Applications Scientists
• Log and manage customer issues using Illumina’s issue-tracking database
• Manage and drive cases to ensure appropriate and timely action and resolution
• Conduct web based product trainings and application seminars for Illumina customers
• Provide oversight and feedback on channel service operations
• Reports problems trend, reagent and product quality issues to Regional/Global Product Support
• Performs additional duties as needed
  
  

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

Preferred Education

• M.S or B.S. plus some relevant lab experience in molecular biology, genetics or related field.
  
  

Preferred Experience

• Hands-on laboratory experience using, developing or troubleshooting a wide range of molecular biology protocols such as PCR, Next Generation Sequencing, and/or Microarray technologies is a plus
• Experience with NIPT, oncology or other clinical applications highly desired
• Experience in library preparation and optimization or troubleshooting
• Prior commercial experience with channels and distributors is a plus
• Excellent analytical, problem solving and interpersonal skills required
• Outstanding written and verbal communication and training skills a MUST
• Experience working in any service role desired
• Experience working with distributors in the Asia Pacific, Middle East or Africa region is a plus
• Must be willing to travel up to 10% for training, company meetings, etc
• Fluent in both English and Arabic language is essential
  
  

The estimated base salary range for the Technical Applications Scientist role based in United Arab Emirates is AED 170,200 - 255,400. The range reflects long‑term growth in the role; therefore, most candidates are hired between the minimum and middle of the range. Placement depends on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. This salary range applies to the primary posting location listed above. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range will be updated accordingly. Compensation ranges for other locations will differ to reflect local market competitiveness and will be shared with candidates if applicable during the recruitment process. 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 thoughtfully designed benefits package that supports your wellbeing, flexibility, and life beyond work—combining globally differentiated offerings with locally tailored programs. This includes support during important life moments, flexible time off, opportunities to give back, and a weeklong company-wide summer shutdown. In the UAE, we offer a 37.5% housing allowance and an 8% transportation allowance in addition to the salary listed above.

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 accommodations@illumina.com. 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.

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