Laboratory Director (Principal Officer)

Laboratory Director (Principal Officer) 

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. 

Position Summary: 
Illumina Laboratory Services (ILS) is seeking a Laboratory Director (Principal Officer) to lead our Singapore-based clinical genomics laboratory. This is a leadership role at the forefront of clinical genomics, shaping how genomic medicine is delivered to patients across the region with the opportunity to work with global thought leaders in sequencing, bioinformatics, and clinical testing. 

This role provides strategic direction, operational excellence, and scientific leadership across high complexity‑ genomic testing services at the ILS – Singapore Site. The Laboratory Director will represent ILS to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring world‑class laboratory performance and regulatory compliance across all operational, clinical, and quality domains. 

The ideal candidate brings expertise in molecular biology, demonstrated leadership of clinical laboratory services, and a commitment to delivering accurate, timely, and impactful genomic results to patients. 

Responsibilities: 

Leadership & Operational Excellence 

• Provide strategic and scientific leadership for all laboratory operations in Singapore, aligning sample processing, sequencing, bioinformatics, quality, and testing workflows to other Illumina Lab Services sites, as applicable.  

• Drive a culture of operational excellence, continuous improvement, and innovation across laboratory teams. 

• Serve as the key operational representative for the Singapore site of Illumina Lab Services to internal partners (R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, Commercial, Medical Affairs) and external stakeholders (regulators, auditors, collaborators, customers). 

• Develop and execute operational plans, capacity strategies, and performance targets aligned with ILS global objectives. 

• In partnership with finance business partner leads financial oversight of operations, driving budget planning, cost efficiency, and profitability through data‑driven decision‑making 

• Ensure staffing models, training programs, and competency plans support high-quality clinical service delivery. 

Regulatory & Quality Management 

• Ensure full laboratory compliance with all applicable Singapore regulatory requirements (MOH, HSA, HCSA), ISO standards, and Illumina corporate policies. 

• Maintain overall responsibility for laboratory operations, including licensable healthcare services under the appointed licensee. 

• Implement and oversee the laboratory management system, including quality and risk management. 

• Partner closely with ILS Quality Assurance to ensure: 

• Robust document control 

• Effective deviation, CAPA, and risk management processes 

• Inspection readiness and coordinated responses to regulatory audits, proficiency testing, and accreditation activities 

• Conduct periodic review of quality metrics and nonconformities to drive continuous improvement. 

• Ensure the safe operation of all laboratory services and the technical validity of all tests offered. 

• Consult with the Clinical Governance Officer on decisions relating to clinical matters. 

• Ensure all staff are appropriately trained, competent, and supervised. 

Qualifications and Skills 

• Scientific qualification related to clinical testing and/or genomics 

• Experience overseeing and operating a laboratory testing service 

• Demonstrated experience managing operations in a regulated clinical laboratory environment (e.g., CAP, CLIA, ISO 15189, HSA/MOH). 

• Proven track record of building and leading high-performing multidisciplinary teams. 

• Deep understanding of next generation‑ sequencing technologies, bioinformatics concepts, and clinical genomics workflows. 

• Strong communicator with ability to represent Illumina Lab Services to regulators, collaborators, customers, and internal executive leadership. 

• Experience with risk management, incident investigation, and clinical governance frameworks preferred. 

• Ability to navigate a fast-paced, highly matrixed global organization with strong decision-making and strategic planning skills. 

Experience / Education: 

• Requires BSc or equivalent, with a strong foundation in relevant scientific disciplines such as Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics or related fields. 

• 10+ years of experience in clinical, molecular, or high-complexity laboratory settings.