At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative scientific research and development in reagent sciences.
- Company: Illumina, a leader in genomic technology with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse team environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to innovation and global collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sequencing technology and inspire a talented team.
- Qualifications: PhD in biological sciences and proven leadership experience in complex projects.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
This senior scientific and people leadership role provides strategic and tactical oversight across reagent research, development, commercialization, and support for Illumina's on-market portfolio. The leader will manage a team of ~15–20 scientists, shape future sequencing chemistry, and drive global collaboration.
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 and measurable outcomes.
- Lead complex scientific programmes: from early research concepts through late-stage development and commercialization, 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: build trust quickly, create clarity, and establish 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.
- Apply or champion AI/ML-enabled approaches: where appropriate to improve efficiency, insight generation, or innovation.
- Partner globally and cross-functionally: build strong partnerships across Advanced Sciences, R&D, Operations, Quality, and Manufacturing; work effectively across multiple sites, aligning stakeholders across time zones.
- Participate in local Cambridge R&D leadership activities: supporting regional business objectives and representing the organisation through external engagement as appropriate.
Requirements
- Scientific and technical expertise: deep expertise in the development and optimisation of complex reagent formulations, ideally within sequencing systems and/or reagent–surface interfaces; strong experience with analytical characterisation methods; comfort analysing large, complex datasets including statistical methods.
- 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; ability to communicate with a wide range of audiences; strong collaboration skills; comfort operating in a global environment with flexibility for late-day/evening meetings.
- 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, broad knowledge across a corporate sub-function and depth of technical knowledge built through non-management and middle-management roles.
Equal Employment Opportunity
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. 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.
Director, Scientific Research employer: Illumina
Illumina is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of Cambridge, UK, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a leader in scientific research, we provide our employees with unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and the chance to shape the future of sequencing technology. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion, coupled with a supportive environment, ensures that every team member can thrive and contribute meaningfully to groundbreaking advancements in the field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Scientific Research
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the scientific community, especially those who might have insights into Illumina or similar companies. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s recent projects and innovations. Show us you’re not just familiar with their work but genuinely excited about how you can contribute to their future in reagent sciences.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for any upcoming events or webinars. Engaging with us directly can give you a leg up and show your commitment to being part of the Illumina team!
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Scientific Research
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in reagent sciences and leadership. We want to see how your background aligns with the specific responsibilities of the Director role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, emphasise your experience managing teams and leading complex scientific programmes. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and grow a high-performing team, so share examples that demonstrate your people leadership capabilities.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to communicate your achievements and how they relate to the role. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for the position. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Illumina
✨Know Your Science Inside Out
As a Director of Scientific Research, you need to demonstrate deep expertise in reagent formulations and analytical methods. Brush up on your knowledge of sequencing systems and be ready to discuss how you've applied this in past roles. Prepare to share specific examples of complex projects you've led.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong people leadership capabilities. Think about how you've managed diverse teams in the past. Be prepared to discuss your approach to coaching and developing scientists, and how you've built trust and engagement within your team.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Superior communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, whether it's in written form or during presentations. Be ready to explain complex scientific concepts in a way that resonates with various audiences, including non-scientists.
✨Prepare for Global Collaboration
Since this role involves partnering across multiple sites and time zones, think about your experience working in global teams. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated different cultures and time constraints to achieve project goals. Highlight any strategies you've used to align stakeholders effectively.
