Illumina Inc

Sr Director, Population Genomics

Illumina Inc$224K — $337K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 15+ years of executive-level experience in the genomics industry or similar fields.
  • Deep knowledge in sequencing technologies, population genomics, and lab operations.
  • Ability to engage with national health executives and C-suite partners.
  • Willingness to travel globally (30-50%) with flexibility for exceptional candidates.
  • Visionary, strategic, and collaborative leader with a focus on innovation and impact.
  • Advanced degree required; PhD preferred, MBA a strong plus.

Responsibilities

  • Set the global vision and strategy for population genomics to shape future initiatives.
  • Inspire a high-performing team to pursue and win large-scale genomics projects.
  • Develop a global playbook for engaging with national genomics opportunities.
  • Build and mentor a multidisciplinary team, fostering innovation and accountability.
  • Orchestrate collaboration across teams to deliver integrated solutions.
  • Serve as the organizational ambassador at high-profile forums to advance population genomics.
  • Cultivate relationships with government and health system leaders for expanded influence.
  • Guide proposals and RFP submissions to secure major partnerships.

Benefits

  • Access to genomics sequencing services.
  • Comprehensive family planning options.
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
  • Retirement benefits including 401(k) plans.
  • Generous paid time off policy.
Full Job Description
Reporting directly to the SVP, BioInsight, the Senior Director of Population Genomics is responsible for establishing our strategy and leading a team to pursue and deliver large national genomics initiatives (LNGI). This role combines strategic oversight with operational leadership, focusing on building effective partnerships and driving successful outcomes in large-scale population genomics programs. In addition, this leader will inspire, guide, and empower a multidisciplinary team to architect and deliver transformative solutions.

As the strategic force behind our population genomics ambitions, you will drive innovation, cultivate partnerships, and position the organization as the trusted partner of choice for governments, health ministries, and national programs. Your leadership will unlock new possibilities for genomic medicine at scale, driving both commercial success and societal impact.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

  • Set the global vision and strategy for population genomics, anticipating emerging trends and shaping the future of national genomics programs.


  • Inspire and lead a high-performing team across program management, product management, and product marketing to pursue and win large-scale initiatives.


  • Develop and continuously refine a global playbook for engaging with national genomics opportunities, ensuring repeatable success and market leadership.


Team Empowerment & Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Build, mentor, and empower a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence.


  • Orchestrate cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Development, Medical Affairs, and other internal leaders to deliver integrated, world-class solutions.


Market Engagement & Thought Leadership

  • Serve as the organization's ambassador in high-profile forums and conferences, shaping the narrative and advancing the field of population genomics.


  • Cultivate and nurture strategic relationships with government officials, health system executives, and academic leaders to expand our influence and impact.


  • Guide the team in developing compelling proposals, leading tender and RFP submissions, and securing multi-year, multi-million-dollar partnerships.


Program Stewardship & Impact

  • Oversee the successful implementation of national genomics programs, ensuring delivery excellence, stakeholder satisfaction, and measurable impact.


  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators to demonstrate program success and ROI to partners and internal stakeholders.


  • Champion ethical, inclusive, and innovative practices that advance health equity and scientific progress.


Qualifications

  • 15+ years of executive-level experience in the genomics industry, or similar


  • Deep domain knowledge in sequencing technologies, population genomics, and lab operations.


  • Executive presence and influence, with the ability to engage national health executives and C-suite partners.


  • Willingness and ability to travel globally (30-50%); role is ideally based in San Diego, with flexibility for exceptional candidates.


  • Visionary, strategic, and collaborative leader with a passion for driving innovation and impact at scale.


  • Advanced degree required; PhD preferred, MBA a strong plus.


Experience

  • Demonstrated success in either securing major LNGI contracts for an organization or in evaluating and selecting winning bids as a LNGI program leader.


  • Proven ability to apply operational, strategic, and technical expertise to the pursuit and delivery of LNGIs.


  • Experience leading product management and marketing teams is beneficial, supporting the broader goal of winning and delivering population scale programs, but not required.


  • Deep understanding of what it takes to operate, establish, or lead LNGIs, with the ability to translate this knowledge into successful business development strategies.


  • Public speaking and executive communication experience at industry conferences, policy forums, and board-level briefings.


The estimated base salary range for the Sr Director, Population Genomics role based in the United States of America is: $224,900 - $337,300. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. 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. 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 wide range of benefits as innovative as our work, including access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off.

About Illumina Inc

Illumina, Inc. is an American company incorporated in April 1998 that develops, manufactures and markets integrated systems for the analysis of genetic variation and biological function. The company provides a line of products and services that serves the sequencing, genotyping and gene expression markets. Its headquarters are located in San Diego, California.
Learn more about Illumina Inc
Size
9,800 employees
Market Cap
$30.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$656 million
Founded
1998
5 Year Trend
+13.5%
Revenue
$3.2 billion
NASDAQ

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