Do you have a passion for innovative ideas and groundbreaking discoveries? With over $1 billion invested annually in R&D, at Thermo Fisher Scientific you’ll help solve some of the world’s toughest challenges, from giving cancer patients hope, ensuring safe drinking water and helping law enforcement solve cases through forensics. We empower our teams to put science into meaningful action and give our R&D colleagues the autonomy, resources, and tools they need to take science a step beyond.

When you join us, you’ll be part of a driven team that is passionate about automating sample preparation for researchers and scientists and simplifying and optimizing the purification process for clinical samples.

How will you make an impact?

The Global, Senior Director of Research & Development (R&D) oversees the R&D function for Sample Preparation. Set departmental technical strategy and prioritize execution of research and product development for approximately 100 staff based in Austin, Texas and Oslo, Norway. Drive growth through the development of products and solutions across three strategic segments: Clinical/Regulated, Research and Translational, and innovative Bead technologies. Additionally, this role is uniquely positioned to engaged and influence across product mixes (reagents, instruments and plastics) and cross-divisional. This position will also be part of the Divisional Innovation Council and will help define and execute on the divisional innovation strategy.

The Senior Director, R&D works closely with customers and KOLs, the Sample Preparation leadership team, and other Global R&D leaders to lead the successful execution of key technology, innovation and product development initiatives. Through collaboration, the individual will develop and be responsible for Sample Preparation Innovation and Roadmap.

This role requires an innovative approach and a strong leader with an understanding of the Sample Preparation market. The ideal candidate will have global experience with new product development, excellent written and verbal communication skills, a record of accomplishment of dedicated team leadership and development, and the proven ability to align the R&D strategy with the overall business strategy.

We need a passionate, independent and strategic leader.

What will you do?

• Direct management responsibility for 100+ research and product development staff activities; including prioritization of resources and exploration of new technologies that enables sustained growth for the business.

• Collaborate with business development and product management functions to develop the technology strategy ,product, innovation roadmap and identify & evaluate inorganic partnership opportunities

• Ensure product development is performed with a customer-centric focus. Developing solutions to customers’ challenges and needs.
• Support the Vice President and General Manager (VPGM) of Sample Preparation in formulating and carrying out critical initiatives. Support strategic programs and project initiatives of varying size, scope, complexity as needed.
• Build infrastructure and streamline processes through Practical Process Improvement (PPI) for R&D lab facilities across multiple sites to optimize existing processes and workflows.
• Maintain administrative responsibility, organization-wide for training and onboarding, laboratory operations including maintenance and procurement, regulatory compliance, standard operating processes, and laboratory staff development.
• Provide oversight and training as appropriate for using company-wide tools to supervise R&D performance. Provides mentorship to subordinate managers and staff.
• Own the Sample Preparation R&D and operations budget; work with finance to measure, improve upon, and report out on R&D performance, including quarterly R&D business review reporting and product vitality (PV) tracking.
• Maintain an industry presence through conference participation, technical presentations and publications, and relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs).
• Work across businesses, functions, sites and multiple stakeholder groups to help design and implement R&D strategies and planning.
• A change agent that encourages new ideas, processes and approaches, and enabling a culture of technical excellence, multidisciplinary problem solving, collaboration, consistency, flexibility, execution, quality and effective communication.

How will you get here?

Education

• Ph.D. and post-doctoral experience in Biochemical Engineering, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and/or Molecular Biology required

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• A minimum of 10+ years’ in a PD, PS and/or MS&T or highly technical leadership role.
• Demonstrated success leading large teams (50+) including proven leadership proficiency with excellent people management and organizational skills; ability to prioritize and manage through complex processes/projects.
• Demonstrated success working through influence across a cross-functional set of global partners and locations.
• R&D product development experience in the life sciences/bioprocessing using stage-gate product development processes.
• Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and developing products that meet relevant regulatory guidelines.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to interpret and summarize analytical results in clear, concise, and accurate manner.
• Ability to work autonomously, interact optimally with global/diverse audiences including senior leadership and deliver results in a highly matrixed environment.
• Think and act with a global attitude. Consider multicultural implications when communicating and in making decisions.
• Excellent organizational and critical thinking skills with high attention to details.
• Able to tackle diverse types of assignments in a focused, fast-paced organization, and possess the ability to make decisions as well as provide recommendations with incomplete information.
• Demonstrate effective program management skills, particularly in leading large-scale projects across multiple functions and businesses. PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is preferred.
• 30%+ Travel required

Benefits:

We offer competitive remuneration, annual incentive plan bonus scheme, healthcare, 401k with company match, and a range of employee benefits! Thermo Fisher Scientific offers employment with an innovative, forward-thinking organization, and outstanding career and development prospect. We offer an exciting company culture that stands for integrity, intensity, involvement, and innovation.

The salary range estimated for this position is $200k-$250k. This position will also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. Actual compensation will be confirmed in writing at the time of offer.