Sr. Director, R&D Engineering – Singapore

ThermoFisher Scientific; Singapore; On-site; SGD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in life sciences seeks a Sr. Director of R&D Engineering for its Singapore center. This pivotal role involves leading innovative platform development, mentoring teams, and expanding R&D capabilities while ensuring operational excellence and collaboration across functions. Ideal candidates will have 15+ years of experience in R&D leadership and possess strong expertise in genomics and proteomics technologies. Competitive compensation and strong leadership opportunities are offered.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of R&D leadership in life sciences, diagnostics, or high-tech fields.
• Proven record in leading global teams and delivering innovative platforms.
• Expertise in genomics and proteomics technologies is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and guide the vision for the R&D center in Singapore.
• Encourage, mentor, and grow R&D leaders.
• Drive development of instruments and software platforms.
• Act as a trusted partner across various teams.
• Secure conformity with quality systems.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Innovative thinking

Technical knowledge

Strategic insight

Education

MS/Ph.D. in Engineering, Life Sciences, or Applied Physics

Job description

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Office

Job Description

Join us as the Sr. Director of R&D Engineering at our Singapore R&D Center to lead in innovative platform development, team management, and strategic partnerships.

This pivotal leadership role calls for versatile thinking, technical knowledge, and strategic savvy to direct and expand our innovation hub in Singapore. You will harmonize innovation and operational excellence while nurturing a vibrant culture of integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

The key role centers on developing Singapore’s R&D capabilities, while collaborating with global leaders to seek strategic partnerships and future R&D expansion in Asia.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategically: Develop and guide the vision and future plan for Thermo Fisher's R&D center in Singapore, aligning with Divisional and Group goals while growing capacity to address regional and global requirements.
• People Development: Encourage, mentor, and grow the next generation of R&D leaders. Build organizational capability, succession pipelines, and a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and innovation.
• Innovation & Delivery: Drive the development of modern instruments, consumables, reagents, and software platforms for both RUO and IVD markets. Maintain a balance between operational rigor and innovation to ensure quality and timely delivery.
• Cross-Functional Influence: Be a model communicator and trusted partner across R&D, commercial, operations, regulatory, and global teams. Represent Singapore R&D internally at the executive level and externally with academic and industry customers.
• Collaborate with commercial leaders in Asia to find new opportunities for R&D expansion.
• Operational Excellence: Secure conformity with quality systems, product development routines, and operational criteria while advocating for continuous improvement in NPI and sustaining engineering.
• Inspiring Leadership: Act as a visible inspiring leader within Thermo Fisher and the broader life sciences ecosystem, using technical expertise, innovation networks, and external collaborations.

Minimum Qualifications

• MS/Ph.D. in Engineering, Life Sciences, or Applied Physics with 15+ years of R&D leadership in life sciences, diagnostics, or related high-tech fields.
• Proven track record in leading diverse global teams, delivering innovative product platforms (RUO & IVD), and navigating regulated environments (ISO13485, MGPP).
• Skilled in matrixed leadership, partner collaboration, and external representation, with strong communication, business strategy, and financial competence.
• Expertise in genomics, proteomics, and related technologies (software and instrument development) highly preferred.

Key Attributes

Leadership: Trusted, high-integrity leader who models accountability and inspires R&D teams.

Operations & Innovation: Balances disciplined NPI and operations with creativity, driving continuous improvement and transformative science.

Quality: Committed to product and process excellence; skilled in risk-based decision-making.

Communication: Open, influential communicator who connects across functions, cultures, and partners.

Strategic Insight: Growth-minded thinker with strong discernment, adept at seizing opportunities and building partnerships to deliver customer and business value.

Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.