Work ScheduleStandard Office Hours (40/wk)
Environmental ConditionsOffice
Job DescriptionThe Sr. Director, Research & Development (R&D) for the Single-Use Technologies Division (SUD) provides strategic and operational leadership for global R&D activities supporting existing and next-generation single-use technologies. This role leads a large global organization of engineers and technical professionals and is accountable for delivering product innovation aligned with SUD's long-term business strategy.
Reporting into division leadership, this role oversees the design and development of single-use technology systems, upstream and downstream bioprocess equipment, digitalization technologies, and automation solutions for pharmaceutical and biomanufacturing applications. The Sr. Director is a key member of the SUD leadership team, shaping product roadmaps, advancing intellectual property, and ensuring disciplined execution of regulated product development processes.
Strategic Leadership & Business Partnership- Serve as an integral member of the SUD leadership team, representing R&D in strategic planning (STRAP), portfolio prioritization, and Annual Operating Plan (AOP) processes.
- Own and execute the global R&D and product development strategy aligned with the business and market needs.
- Partner closely with Product Management, Market Development, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Commercial teams to drive end-to-end lifecycle execution.
- Engage directly with customers and commercial teams on complex technical programs
Innovation & Technology Development- Partner with the Bioproduction Group Innovation team, other business groups, and the Corporate Innovation Council to develop next-generation products, platforms, and differentiated intellectual property.
- Drive technology collaboration across divisions and business units to accelerate innovation and leverage enterprise capabilities.
- Translate customer and market requirements into differentiated products that meet cost, quality, performance, regulatory, and time-to-market expectations.
- Lead the advancement of digitalization, automation, and data-enabled technologies within single-use and bioprocessing systems.
R&D Execution & Process Excellence- Champion all aspects of regulated product development, ensuring compliance with design control and quality system requirements.
- Serve as process owner for New Product Introduction (NPI), Engineer-to-Order (ETO/customization), and product improvement processes.
- Establish, monitor, and continuously improve R&D metrics and operational performance to drive efficiency, scalability, and productivity.
- Lead technical diligence and assessment activities in support of mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships, including post-acquisition technology integration as needed.
External Engagement & Intellectual Property- Own and advocate for the division's intellectual property strategy; actively support invention disclosure, patent development, and IP portfolio growth.
- Lead technical engagement with key external collaborators, suppliers, and industry organizations (e.g., BPOG, ISPE, BPSA), serving as a thought leader and trusted partner.
- Maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders to ensure external insights and emerging trends are incorporated into the innovation pipeline.
People Leadership- Lead, develop, and inspire a diverse, global R&D organization; foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Build leadership capability, succession plans, and technical depth across the organization.
Minimum Requirements / Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in engineering, physical sciences, or chemistry required; Master's degree or Ph.D. preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive R&D leadership experience, preferably within bioprocessing, bioproduction, or regulated medical device environments.
- Demonstrated success leading global, multi-site teams and delivering complex products from concept through commercialization.
- Strong background in bioprocess systems and equipment; experience with single-use technologies strongly preferred.
- Experience with digital and data-enabled systems (automation, control systems, MES, ERP, historians, analytics) preferred.
- Ability to influence across functions and operate effectively in a matrixed, fast-paced environment.
- Ability to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally.
Compensation and BenefitsThe salary range estimated for this position based in Utah is $212,000.00-$317,000.00.
This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
- A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
- Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
- At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy
- Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
- Employees' Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount
For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards
