Head of Population Genomics

Illumina•San Diego, CA

13d

About The Position

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. Head of Population Genomics Position Summary Reporting directly to the SVP, BioInsight, the Head 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.

Requirements

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.
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.
Advanced degree required; PhD preferred, MBA a strong plus.
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.
MS/PhD in computer science.
Bioinformatics, statistics, or related mathematics or scientific field
20+ years product development experience in a complex systems environment
VP level leader who has led product conceptualization and informatics product development organizations in a high growth environment such as 1.58 to 38 plus revenue
10+ years in a senior leadership role managing global teams and directors who are geographically dispersed
A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a Vice President role or equivalent preferred

Nice To Haves

Experience leading product management and marketing teams is beneficial, supporting the broader goal of winning and delivering population scale programs, but not required.
Experience with multi-omics, AI/ML, and cloud-based platforms is a strong plus.

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 business development, 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, Regulatory Affairs, and other internal leaders to deliver integrated, world-class solutions.
Ensure the team leverages the latest advances in multi-omics, AI/ML, and cloud platforms through partnership with development teams.
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.