Head of Pharma Development

Illumina•San Diego, CA

About The Position

We are seeking a visionary and strategic Head of Pharma Development to lead our pharmaceutical partnerships, data commercialization efforts, and AI-driven initiatives. This role will be instrumental in shaping the future of our pharma collaborations, driving innovation through data and technology, and unlocking new value across the drug development lifecycle. The successful candidate will report directly to the SVP of BioInsight and serve as a critical bridge between internal teams and external pharma stakeholders.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical industry, ideally with AI-driven drug development or data science focus.
Proven track record of leading complex pharma deals and partnerships.
Deep understanding of data governance, commercialization models, and regulatory frameworks.
Knowledgeable in AI/ML applications in pharma and drug discovery pipelines.
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 20 years of related experience, with approximately 15+ years in an executive leadership role or equivalent experience.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in life sciences, business, or related field (PhD, MBA, or equivalent preferred).

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership Define and execute the pharma development and data strategy aligned with organizational goals.
Serve as the primary liaison for pharmaceutical partners, ensuring alignment on joint initiatives.
Lead our AI roadmap and strategy for pharma and drug discovery for both human genetic and biological data.
Data Partnerships & Commercialization Lead the structuring, negotiation, and execution of data generation and data licensing agreements with pharma companies.
Oversee compliance, governance, and value creation from data assets.
AI Integration & Innovation Lead the development and commercialization of AI products developed from our data generation and partnership assets.
Drive the adoption of AI technologies in pharma collaborations, including predictive modeling, drug discovery, and clinical trial optimization.
Partner with internal data science and engineering teams to build differentiated AI solutions and consulting services.
Collaboration & Alliance Management Manage strategic alliances with pharma partners, ensuring delivery of joint milestones and mutual value.
Identify and cultivate new partnership opportunities across the pharma, AI, and technology industries.
Cross-Functional Leadership Collaborate with business development, legal, product, and scientific teams to support deal execution and program delivery.
Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and partner meetings.