Head of Pharma Development

Illumina
US - California - San Diego$295k – $443kPosted 9 April 2026

Tech Stack

Job Description

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. Head of Pharma Development Position Summary 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 BioInsight  and serve as a critical bridge between internal teams and external pharma stakeholders. Key Responsibilities 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. Qualifications 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). Experience/Education: 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 elig ... (truncated, view full listing at source)
Apply Now

Direct link to company career page

AI Resume Fit Check

See exactly which skills you match and which are missing before you apply. Free, instant, no spam.

Check my resume fit

Free · No credit card

Share