Senior Director, R&D Bangalore

Overview

Lead a large R&D team of multiple engineering disciplines delivering research, product development and life cycle projects for bioprocessing applications, in partnership with global Cytiva Business Units. This is an on-site role reporting to the Chief Technology Officer – Cytiva Innovation, leading the team based in Bangalore, India.

What you'll do

• Partner with global Cytiva Business Units and senior technical leaders to deliver research, product development and life cycle programs, aligning priorities, resources and execution with customer and business needs.
• Establish robust systems engineering practices for complex instrument platforms integrating hardware, software and data analytics, including architecture, risk management, and system-level verification and validation.
• Apply scientific rigor and emerging technologies, including AI, machine learning, advanced sensors and computational modeling, to accelerate discovery and improve bioprocess outcomes.
• Partner with software teams to embed intelligent algorithms, predictive analytics and automation into platforms, and adopt AI tools for design, simulation and lifecycle management.
• Shape next-generation platform strategies with Business Units, identifying opportunities in data-driven bioprocess control, additive manufacturing and digital twins.
• Lead large, complex teams of scientists, systems engineers and technical leaders through change, sustaining engagement, accountability and predictable delivery while fostering curiosity and continuous improvement.
• Attract, develop and retain scientific and technical talent, building future capabilities and career paths aligned with organizational growth.
• Lead cross-Danaher India R&D Board charters aligned with strategic priorities and contribute to region-for-region initiatives as a Cytiva India Leadership Team member.
• Embed Danaher Business System (DBS) principles to deliver high-quality R&D programs efficiently and ethically.

What you'll need

• 15–20 years of R&D experience, including 10+ years of relevant industry leadership, particularly in systems engineering.
• Experience in bioprocessing or life sciences is preferred.
• Proven ability to lead large, complex, cross-cultural teams through change, fostering collaboration and high performance across global organizations.
• Demonstrated success in product or program delivery, systems engineering and scientific innovation, spanning new product development, lifecycle management and strategic programs with internal and external partners.
• Strong business acumen, translating strategy into investment and resource priorities, with expertise in structured development, toll-gate reviews and alignment across quality, manufacturing, supply chain and commercial functions.
• Ability to anticipate trends and navigate ambiguity, shaping technology strategies that apply AI, software and advanced analytics to bioprocessing challenges.
• Strong global influencing skills and enduring stakeholder relationships, translating customer needs and scientific challenges into impactful solutions and aligning priorities across geographies and Business Units.

Nice to have

• Advanced degree in engineering or a related scientific discipline.

Details

• Location: Bangalore, India.
• On-site role.
• Travel of 15–20% required across organization locations such as Sweden and USA, due to the global nature of the role.