At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented team in advancing sequencing chemistry and drive impactful scientific innovation.
- Company: Illumina, a leader in genomic technology dedicated to improving human health.
- Benefits: Inclusive culture, global collaboration, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to making a real-world impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of healthcare by unlocking the power of the genome.
- Qualifications: PhD in biological sciences and proven leadership in complex scientific projects.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: Cambridge, UK (site-based leadership role with global collaboration). Flexibility required to support global stakeholders across time zones. At Illumina, we are driven by a single purpose: to unlock the power of the genome to improve human health. Achieving that mission means pushing boundaries every day—through scientific curiosity, disciplined execution, and technology innovation that can change what’s possible in healthcare worldwide.
This is a senior scientific and people leadership role with local site leadership impact and global influence, providing strategic and tactical oversight across reagent research, development, commercialisation, and support for our on-market portfolio. This is a unique opportunity to lead a talented team through meaningful innovation, stabilise and strengthen followership, and shape the future of Illumina sequencing chemistry.
Why this role matters
You will lead a team of ~15–20 scientists, spanning early-career to highly experienced professionals. Beyond management, you will define and communicate a clear scientific vision, align priorities across a matrixed organisation, and build trust and momentum in an environment that has seen leadership changes in recent years. Your leadership will help ensure we deliver reagents and chemistry innovations that are robust, scalable, and ready for real‑world impact—supporting Illumina’s sequencers and customers globally.
What you’ll do (Key Responsibilities)
- Drive scientific leadership and delivery: Provide direct technical and strategic leadership within Reagent Sciences, ensuring R&D goals are met through clear direction, rigorous execution, and measurable outcomes. Lead complex scientific programmes from early research concepts through late‑stage development and commercialisation, including multi‑year efforts with 20–30 contributors and multiple workstreams. Define technical scope, resource requirements, and execution plans; guide decision‑making across competing priorities.
- Grow and inspire a high‑performing team: Manage, coach, and develop a diverse group of scientists in a global, matrixed setting—building credibility, followership, and strong engagement. Strengthen team stability and morale by building trust quickly, creating clarity, and establishing continuity without slowing project momentum. Champion continuous improvement, team effectiveness, and a culture where people can do their best work.
- Shape strategy and technology direction: Contribute to departmental strategy, including technology roadmaps across multiple aspects of Illumina sequencing chemistry. Provide domain expertise and technical guidance across multiple projects and programmes, raising scientific standards and accelerating progress. Apply (or champion) AI/ML‑enabled approaches where appropriate to improve efficiency, insight generation, or innovation—scientifically or operationally.
- Partner globally and cross‑functionally: Build strong partnerships across Advanced Sciences, R&D, Operations, Quality, and Manufacturing. Work effectively across multiple sites (including the US and Singapore), aligning stakeholders across time zones. Participate in local Cambridge R&D leadership activities, supporting regional business objectives and representing the organisation through external engagement.
What you’ll bring (Requirements)
- Scientific and technical expertise: Deep expertise in development and optimisation of complex reagent formulations—ideally within sequencing systems and/or reagent‑surface interfaces. Strong experience with analytical characterisation methods to optimise performance, stability, and robustness. Comfort analysing large, complex datasets, including use of statistical methods. Strong technical credibility—this is a hands‑on scientific leadership role, not a pure project management position.
- Leadership and execution: Proven track record leading high‑impact technical teams through complex scope and ambitious timelines. Strong people leadership capability, ideally including leadership in matrixed organisations. Excellent programme/project leadership skills: scheduling, budgeting, resourcing, prioritisation.
- Communication and collaboration: Superior written, verbal, and presentation skills—able to communicate with a wide range of audiences, from scientists to senior leaders. Strong collaboration skills; ability to build trust and productive relationships across chemistry, engineering, operations, and beyond.
Education & experience
Typically requires a PhD in biological sciences (or equivalent). Significant years of applicable management experience. Demonstrated experience mentoring and leading senior PhD scientists across disciplines while delivering product development programmes. Broad knowledge across a corporate sub‑function and depth of technical knowledge built through non‑management and middle‑management roles.
We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Illumina is 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.
Director, Reagent Sciences - Sequencing Chemistry Leader in Cambridge employer: Illumina
At Illumina, we are committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in Cambridge, UK, where innovation thrives and employees are empowered to make a real impact on human health. As a leader in the Reagent Sciences Department, you will have the opportunity to guide a talented team of scientists, drive meaningful advancements in sequencing chemistry, and collaborate globally, all while benefiting from a culture that prioritises professional growth and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Reagent Sciences - Sequencing Chemistry Leader in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at Illumina or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Illumina's mission and recent innovations. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in reagent sciences and sequencing chemistry.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've inspired teams and driven scientific projects to success. We want to hear about your impact and how you build trust.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Illumina.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Reagent Sciences - Sequencing Chemistry Leader in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in reagent sciences and leadership. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Illumina, so don’t hold back on showcasing your scientific expertise!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about leading a talented team, so be sure to include examples of how you've successfully managed and inspired teams in the past. We’re looking for someone who can build trust and momentum, so let us know how you’ve done that before!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do—just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Illumina
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of reagent formulations and sequencing systems. Be prepared to discuss your experience with analytical characterisation methods and how you've optimised performance in past projects. This role is hands-on, so showcasing your technical expertise will be crucial.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead high-impact teams. Prepare examples of how you've managed diverse groups in matrixed organisations, built trust quickly, and inspired your team to achieve ambitious goals. Highlight your mentoring experience with senior scientists to show you're ready for this leadership challenge.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating complex scientific concepts in a way that's accessible to various audiences. You’ll need to communicate with both scientists and senior leaders, so think about how you can tailor your message. Strong presentation skills will set you apart, so consider rehearsing with a friend or colleague.
✨Be Ready for Global Collaboration
This role involves working across different time zones and locations, so be prepared to discuss your experience in global partnerships. Share examples of how you've successfully aligned stakeholders from various regions and how you’ve navigated the challenges of cross-functional collaboration.
