Laboratory Director (Principal Officer)
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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.
We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always prioritized openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics. We are proud to confirm a zero-net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race. We also have several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences, increase cultural awareness, and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility. We are proud to be 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. Illumina prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the application and interview process. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact [email protected]. To learn more, visit: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected or the requisition has a sufficient number of qualified applicants. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
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