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Research And Development Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MISSION STATEMENT The Development Director of Greater Waco serves as both an ambassador and ... website research preferred General clerical/secretarial/administrative experience preferred ...

Development Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

EPI's research influences national, state, and local economic policy debates and is widely cited in the media. Job Title: Development Director The Development Director will lead EPI's fundraising ...

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Research & Development Reports To: R&D Director Lead the Future of Premium Laminated Dough Innovation Bridor North America is a leader in premium European-style bakery products, supplying some of the ...

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Research & Development Reports To: R&D Director Lead the Future of Premium Laminated Dough Innovation Bridor North America is a leader in premium European-style bakery products, supplying some of the ...

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Research & Development Reports To: R&D Director Lead the Future of Premium Laminated Dough Innovation Bridor North America is a leader in premium European-style bakery products, supplying some of the ...

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Research & Development Reports To: R&D Director Lead the Future of Premium Laminated Dough Innovation Bridor North America is a leader in premium European-style bakery products, supplying some of the ...

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Development Director

Darien, CT · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Research, prepare, and manage grant proposals and funding opportunities from foundations ... Director of Development McGaw YMCA

Research & Development Reports To: R&D Director Lead the Future of Premium Laminated Dough Innovation Bridor North America is a leader in premium European-style bakery products, supplying some of the ...

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Research And Development Director information

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How much do research and development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development director in the United States is $162,707.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,000.00 and $194,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Research and Development Director, and how can you address them?

Research and Development Directors often encounter challenges balancing innovative exploration with practical business objectives, managing resource constraints, and leading teams with diverse technical backgrounds. Successfully addressing these challenges involves setting clear priorities, encouraging open communication, and staying agile in response to shifting market or regulatory demands. Effective R&D Directors also foster a creative, solution-oriented environment and collaborate closely with other departments like marketing, production, and finance to align projects with company goals. By navigating these complexities, you can contribute significantly to driving product innovation and organizational success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Research And Development Director position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Research And Development Director, you typically need a solid background in science or engineering, advanced degrees (often a master's or Ph.D.), and substantial experience leading multidisciplinary teams in innovation-focused environments. Familiarity with research management tools, project management software, IP management systems, and relevant industry certifications is highly valued. Outstanding communication, strategic thinking, and leadership skills help drive cross-functional collaboration and long-term vision. These competencies are essential for steering projects from concept to commercialization, ensuring organizational growth and competitive advantage.

What does a Research And Development Director do?

A Research and Development (R&D) Director leads innovation efforts within a company by overseeing the development of new products, technologies, or processes. They manage research teams, set strategic goals, and ensure projects align with business objectives. Additionally, they analyze market trends, collaborate with other departments, and allocate resources efficiently. Their role is crucial in maintaining a company’s competitive edge through innovation and continuous improvement.

More about Research And Development Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Research And Development Director jobs? Cities with the most Research And Development Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Research And Development jobs? The most popular types of Research And Development jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Research And Development Director jobs? The top employers for Research And Development Director jobs are:
What states have the most Research And Development Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Research And Development Director jobs include:
Senior Director Research & Development

Senior Director Research & Development

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Logan, UT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide strategic and operational leadership for global R&D activities supporting existing and next-generation single-use technologies.

  • Oversee the design and development of single-use technology systems, bioprocess equipment, digitalization technologies, and automation solutions for pharmaceutical and biomanufacturing applications.

  • Lead, develop, and inspire a diverse, global R&D organization to foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.


Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 407 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

Work Schedule
Standard Office Hours (40/wk)
Environmental Conditions
Office
Job Description
The Single-Use Technologies Division (SUD) is a global leader in the design and delivery of innovative single-use solutions that enable the biopharmaceutical industry to accelerate development, scale manufacturing, and ensure product quality. SUD technologies are deployed across the full bioproduction workflow-from buffer and media preparation to upstream and downstream processing, storage, and transport of critical biologics.
The 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 Benefits
The 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

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