Head of Pharma Development

What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity? 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.

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 Bio Insight and serve as a critical bridge between internal teams and external pharma stakeholders.

• 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.

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

• 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.

The estimated base salary range for the Head of Pharma Development role based in the United States of America is: $295,400 - $443,200. 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,…