Associate Director, M&A Corporate Development (San Diego/Hybrid)

Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 15 years of related experience leading or significantly contributing to M&A transactions, including evaluation, diligence, negotiation, and integration, with 7+ years of Management experience, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Must have advanced investment/acquisition modeling skills

Demonstrated track record of independently driving deal analysis and cross-functional workstreams at a leading investment bank, private equity/venture firm, or corporate development team.

Strong strategic thinking with the ability to translate scientific, commercial, and financial insights into actionable recommendations.

Global transaction experience strongly preferred.

Deep knowledge of the biotechnology, genomics, or diagnostics sectors, with familiarity across emerging technologies and competitive dynamics.

Inorganic Strategy and Target Landscaping

Lead and shape Illumina’s strategic opportunity pipeline by defining external growth strategy (build vs. buy vs. partner), priority spaces, unmet needs, and long-term growth themes. Establish clear investment theses, articulate where Illumina must play to win, and build forward-looking landscapes that integrate market trends, competitive dynamics, scientific innovation, and technology inflection points.

Deal Sourcing & Evaluation

Independently identify, source, and evaluate M&A and partnership opportunities across global markets. Conduct targeted assessments of companies and technologies—including competitive positioning, scientific and IP strength, commercial models, and financial implications—and translate insights into clear, actionable recommendations for senior executives.

Transaction Leadership

Independently lead transactions of varying scale and complexity. Develop investment theses, coordinate early-stage discussions, lead valuation, deal structuring, diligence planning and management, and complex deal structuring and negotiation, partner with Legal and Finance, and prepare executive- and board-level materials. Establish and drive diligence timelines, synthesize findings, identify risks, and develop mitigation plans. Provide clear, actionable conclusions to executive leadership. Act as a point of accountability for advancing deals through Illumina’s governance process.