Staff, Program Liaison

Illumina•San Diego, CA

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. Program Liaison, Office of the CMO Position Summary The Program Liaison reports directly to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO). In this role, you will support planning and execution of the CMO’s strategic priorities by driving coordination across CMO-relevant programs and initiatives, improving operational effectiveness as it pertains to the CMO’s responsibilities, and ensuring strong communication to and from the CMO (both within and outside of Illumina). This position will involve serving as a key liaison and integrator of information on behalf of the CMO. Success in this role requires building collaborative partnerships across functions, supporting cross-functional programs, tracking progress on key initiatives, and helping translate strategic priorities into clear, actionable plans for the CMO. You will also serve as a trusted operational partner, helping identify areas of friction, risk, and opportunity, and bringing forward insights and recommendations to help the CMO be maximally successful. Primary Responsibilities To be successful, the Program Liaison must develop a strong understanding of the company’s Medical Strategy and how it connects to near-term priorities and longer-term objectives. You will build collaborative working relationships across functions and levels of the organization, helping surface key issues, organize and integrate information, and support development of data-informed insights and recommendations for the CMO. Being a strong and diplomatic liaison on behalf of the CMO will be critical. As a representative of the Medical leadership team, you will help communicate priorities and initiatives across the organization and to external stakeholders on behalf of the CMO, translating scientific, medical, and operational information into clear, business-relevant messaging. You should be comfortable working with both technical and business-focused stakeholders to ensure alignment and understanding of key goals. You will also support and coordinate change management efforts tied to the execution of the Medical Strategy. This includes helping plan and track strategic initiatives, monitoring progress, identifying gaps or risks, and ensuring follow-up actions are completed. Core Competencies Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills Ability to connect scientific, medical, operational, and business considerations Solid understanding of business drivers, financial considerations, and operational priorities within a life sciences environment Ability to synthesize complex information into clear presentations and written communications Ability to build trust and effective working relationships across functions and levels Comfortable working in cross-functional, matrixed environments Proactive, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities in ambiguous situations Exercises sound judgment and escalates appropriately Supports cross-functional initiatives by serving as an effective liaison, driving coordination, tracking milestones, and ensuring follow-through Handles sensitive information with discretion and professionalism Uses metrics, dashboards, and tracking tools to monitor progress and support accountability Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, program management, or a related field Master’s degree in life sciences, business administration, operations management, or related discipline preferred 6+ years of relevant experience in biotech, pharma, or life sciences Experience supporting senior leaders or complex functional teams in business operations, strategy, communications, or program/project management Demonstrated ability to coordinate and drive cross-functional initiatives Comfortable operating in environments with evolving priorities and moderate ambiguity Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage confidential information Strong written and verbal communication skills Diplomatic skills when interacting with varied internal and external stakeholders Collaborative, adaptable, and aligned with the company’s mission and values The estimated base salary range for the Staff, Program Liaison role based in the United States of America is: $107,700 - $161,500. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. Compensation decisions are dependent on several factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s qualifications, location where the role is to be performed, internal equity, and alignment with market data. 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. 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 [email protected]. 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. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Requirements

Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
Ability to connect scientific, medical, operational, and business considerations
Solid understanding of business drivers, financial considerations, and operational priorities within a life sciences environment
Ability to synthesize complex information into clear presentations and written communications
Ability to build trust and effective working relationships across functions and levels
Comfortable working in cross-functional, matrixed environments
Proactive, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities in ambiguous situations
Exercises sound judgment and escalates appropriately
Supports cross-functional initiatives by serving as an effective liaison, driving coordination, tracking milestones, and ensuring follow-through
Handles sensitive information with discretion and professionalism
Uses metrics, dashboards, and tracking tools to monitor progress and support accountability
Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, program management, or a related field
6+ years of relevant experience in biotech, pharma, or life sciences
Experience supporting senior leaders or complex functional teams in business operations, strategy, communications, or program/project management
Demonstrated ability to coordinate and drive cross-functional initiatives
Comfortable operating in environments with evolving priorities and moderate ambiguity
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage confidential information
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Diplomatic skills when interacting with varied internal and external stakeholders
Collaborative, adaptable, and aligned with the company’s mission and values

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in life sciences, business administration, operations management, or related discipline preferred

Responsibilities

Support planning and execution of the CMO’s strategic priorities by driving coordination across CMO-relevant programs and initiatives
Improving operational effectiveness as it pertains to the CMO’s responsibilities
Ensuring strong communication to and from the CMO (both within and outside of Illumina)
Building collaborative partnerships across functions
Supporting cross-functional programs
Tracking progress on key initiatives
Helping translate strategic priorities into clear, actionable plans for the CMO
Helping identify areas of friction, risk, and opportunity, and bringing forward insights and recommendations to help the CMO be maximally successful
Develop a strong understanding of the company’s Medical Strategy and how it connects to near-term priorities and longer-term objectives
Build collaborative working relationships across functions and levels of the organization, helping surface key issues, organize and integrate information, and support development of data-informed insights and recommendations for the CMO
Communicate priorities and initiatives across the organization and to external stakeholders on behalf of the CMO, translating scientific, medical, and operational information into clear, business-relevant messaging
Support and coordinate change management efforts tied to the execution of the Medical Strategy
Helping plan and track strategic initiatives, monitoring progress, identifying gaps or risks, and ensuring follow-up actions are completed