Senior Director, R&D Bangalore Full Time

Are you ready to accelerate your potential and make a real difference within life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology?

At Cytiva, one of Danaher’s 15+ operating companies, our work saves lives—and we’re all united by a shared commitment to innovate for tangible impact.

You’ll thrive in a culture of belonging where you and your unique viewpoint matter. And by harnessing Danaher’s system of continuous improvement, you help turn ideas into impact – innovating at the speed of life.

Working at Cytiva means being at the forefront of providing new solutions to transform human health. Our incredible customers undertake life-saving activities ranging from fundamental biological research to developing innovative vaccines, new medicines, and cell and gene therapies.

At Cytiva you will be able to continuously improve yourself and us – working on challenges that truly matter with people that care for each other, our customers, and their patients. Take your next step to an altogether life-changing career.

Learn about the Danaher Business System which makes everything possible.

The Sr Director, R&D Bangalore is responsible for leading a large R&D team comprised of multiple engineering disciplines to deliver Research, Product Development and Life Cycle projects in support of Bioprocessing applications, in partnership with global Cytiva Business Units.

This position reports to the Chief Technology Officer – Cytiva Innovation and is part of the Global Cytiva CTO organization leading the team located in Bangalore, India and will be an on-site role. At Cytiva, our vision is, to advance future therapeutics from discovery to delivery.

What You Will Do

• Lead a multidisciplinary R&D organization driving scientific innovation and systems engineering excellence for Bioprocessing applications. Partner with global Cytiva Business Units and senior technical leadership to deliver research, product development, and life cycle programs that advance the science of bioprocessing.
• Systems Engineering Leadership: Define and implement robust systems engineering practices across complex instrument platforms, ensuring seamless integration of hardware, software, and data analytics. Drive architecture decisions, risk management, and system-level verification and validation.
• Science-Driven Innovation: Champion scientific rigor in bioprocessing solutions, leveraging emerging technologies in AI, machine learning, advanced sensors, and computational modeling to accelerate discovery and improve process outcomes.
• Software & Digital Integration: Collaborate closely with software development teams to embed intelligent algorithms, predictive analytics, and automation into instrument platforms. Foster adoption of AI-driven tools for design optimization, simulation, and lifecycle management.
• Technology Roadmaps: Identify breakthrough opportunities with Cytiva business units and establish technology strategies for next-generation platforms, including data-driven bioprocess control, additive manufacturing, and digital twins.
• Organizational Leadership: Lead a team of scientists, systems engineers, and technical leaders, ensuring high engagement and performance. Balance innovation with execution discipline, driving predictable delivery while cultivating a culture of curiosity and continuous improvement.
• Talent Development: Attract, develop, and retain top scientific and technical talent. Anticipate future capability needs and implement career development plans aligned with organizational growth.
• Regional Leadership: Lead and execute charters for cross Danaher India R&D Board in line with strategic priorities and participate actively in region for region as member of Cytiva India Leadership team
• Operational Excellence: Embed Danaher Business System (DBS) principles in R&D operations to deliver high-quality programs efficiently and ethically.

Who You Are

• 18–20 years of R&D experience, including 10+ years in leadership roles, preferably within bioprocessing or life sciences; advanced degree in engineering or related scientific discipline preferred.
• Proven ability to lead global, cross-cultural teams in product development and research, fostering collaboration and high performance in complex organizational structures.
• Demonstrated success in systems engineering and scientific innovation, driving new product development, lifecycle management, and strategic programs in partnership with internal teams and external innovation partners.
• Expertise in structured development processes, including toll-gate reviews, stakeholder alignment, and integration of engineering and scientific principles across business functions (quality, manufacturing, supply chain, commercial).
• Strong capability to anticipate trends, navigate ambiguity, and build technology strategies that leverage AI, software-driven solutions, and advanced analytics for bioprocessing applications.
• Deep understanding of customer needs and scientific challenges, with a track record of translating insights into impactful solutions and building enduring global stakeholder relationships.

Travel Requirements

• Due to the global nature of the role, 15-20% travel will be required across org locations such as Sweden, USA etc

Cytiva, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at Danaher Benefits Info.

Join our winning team today. Together, we’ll accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow’s science and technology. We partner with customers across the globe to help them solve their most complex challenges, architecting solutions that bring the power of science to life.

For more information, visit www.danaher.com.