Director, Scientific Research

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. Director, Scientific Research (Reagent Sciences) 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. We’re looking for a Director, Scientific Research to join our Reagent Sciences Department within Advanced Sciences, based in Cambridge, UK. 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—while living our values: Be accountable. Make customers heroes. Win together. Innovate with purpose. Commit to excellence. 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 Sc ... (truncated, view full listing at source)