Closing Date: Tuesday 31st March 2026
As a Field Application Scientist here at Illumina in Santiago de Compostela, you will play a pivotal role in supporting our clinical customers across the North of Spain, providing deep technical expertise in sequencing technologies and ensuring the successful installation, operation, and optimisation of our platforms. You will work closely with a dedicated on‑site customer for approximately half of your time, while also supporting wider regional customers in partnership with Sales, Service, and other commercial teams.
Your work will directly contribute to customer success, helping laboratories deliver high‑impact insights in genomics, oncology, reproductive health, and emerging markets. In this role you will collaborate closely with colleagues across Europe and act as a trusted scientific consultant throughout the customer journey.
This is a full-time, permanent position to be based in commutable distance from Santiago de Compostela, and will require up to 60% travel across Galicia, Castilla y León, and Asturias, as well as providing support in other regions of Spain where required. It is essential for the role that you communicate clearly in both Spanish and English and hold a valid driving license within Spain.
Illumina's employee benefits are industry-leading and include, flexible time off, private medical insurance, compassion and care time off, leisure travel insurance, pension, employee stock purchasing program, volunteer time off, and much more!
Why You:
You will bring a strong scientific background, ideally holding an MSc in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. You will be motivated by hands‑on work with customers, applying your technical knowledge of NGS, Illumina workflows, laboratory instrumentation and data analysis to help them achieve high‑quality, reliable results. Experience with Illumina platforms, liquid handling systems, software tools or field-based technical support environments will be highly advantageous.
Responsibilities will include:
Provide technical expertise to optimize sequencing data output for both installed solutions and newly implemented platforms.
Monitor and analyze key sequencing quality metrics and other relevant performance indicators to ensure laboratory stability, reliability, and operational efficiency.
Troubleshoot issues related with Illumina applications, assay design, software applications, sequencers, and liquid handling systems.
Perform preventive maintenance and Level 1 repairs on sequencing instruments and liquid handling equipment.
Escalate application and instrument-related issues internally to ensure timely and effective resolution.
Coordinate new system installations, including facility readiness assessments, instrument validation, and customer training.
Review and approve the operational performance and quality of equipment and instruct customers on proper operation and routine maintenance.
Build, develop, and maintain strong, long-term relationships with customers within the assigned territory
Assess customer needs and determine appropriate internal ownership for support, coordinating with Sales, Engineering, or other internal teams as required.
Support the growth of product usage, contributing to key account management and strategic sales initiatives through technical presentations and demonstrations.
Collaborate with Sales and Marketing on strategic initiatives requiring strong technical expertise and market understanding.
Preferred background, skills and experience
MSc degree (or equivalent practical experience) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a related life‑science discipline.
Previous experience in the biotechnology industry, with knowledge of Illumina applications and instruments, considered a strong advantage.
Experience with laboratory instrumentation such as liquid handling robotics, optical scanners, and electronic devices is preferred.
Working knowledge of commonly used data analysis software and/or bioinformatics tools is advantageous.
Prior field-based experience supporting customers in a highly technical or scientific environment is advantageous.
Demonstrated ability to work independently on complex technical problems, requiring analysis of multiple variables and root‑cause identification.
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish.
Proven problem-solving, interpersonal, and account management skills within a commercial or customer-facing environment.
Excellent customer service orientation, with the ability to build trust and credibility with customers.
Willingness and ability to travel up to 60% of the time.
INDEUR