Head of Innovation

EMD GroupRockville, MarylandOn-siteFull-timePrincipal, 12–15+ yearsListed 3 hours ago

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About this role

Work Your Magic with us!  Start your next chapter and join MilliporeSigma.

Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you’ve got big plans – so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people’s lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.

Your Role:

The Head of Innovation will lead the Research & Development function for BioReliance Testing Services, holding full budgetary accountability and owning all R&D investment decisions. This senior leader establishes the Global Biosafety Testing R&D Strategy and Roadmap, drives technology thought leadership, and serves as the external innovation thought leader for the business — engaging with customers, regulatory authorities, and the broader scientific community.  You will:

- Establish and drive the Global Biosafety Testing R&D Strategy and 2030+ vision, incorporating new biological modalities, digitization, and evolving market dynamics.
- Lead, develop, and grow the R&D organization; build a high-performing, diverse team through talent management, succession planning, and coaching.
- Enable future business growth by forecasting testing capability needs and translating them into strategic R&D plans, milestones, and budgets.
- Champion automation, data integrity, and digital lab transformation in close cooperation with Operations.
- Shape business direction as a core member of the BioReliance Leadership Team, collaborating with Operations, Commercial, Quality, and Regulatory.
- Represent BioReliance externally as a scientific thought leader with customers, regulatory authorities (FDA, EMA), industry consortia, and the scientific community.

Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications:

- PhD in Life Sciences (Cellular/Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Virology, Biochemistry, or related discipline).

- At least 15 years of scientific R&D experience in Biotech/Life Sciences (10+ years beyond academia).
- At least 5 years at a senior level leading an R&D organization in a GMP/FDA-regulated environment.
- Demonstrated track record in a testing/services environment with direct regulatory interaction (FDA, EMA).
- Proven ability to bring new testing services from ideation through R&D to market launch.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience with new biological modalities (cell & gene therapy, mRNA, ADCs) is a strong advantage.
- Life Sciences Services experience, i.e. CROs, CDMOs, contract testing organizations (CTOs)
- Entrepreneurial mindset with strong scientific background and sound business acumen.

- Scientific credibility recognized by peers, customers, and regulatory stakeholders.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and executive-level stakeholder management skills.
- Strong knowledge of US and EU GMP regulations; experience driving digitalization in R&D.
- Proven track record building high-performing R&D teams; strong coaching and empowerment approach.

Pay Range:  $198,600-$297,800

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here .

What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!

Apply now and become a part of a team that is dedicated to Sparking Discovery and Elevating Humanity!