Head of Innovation

MilliporeSigma; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 199,000 - 298,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

PTO

Retirement contributions

Perquisites

Job summary

MilliporeSigma in Rockville, MD seeks a Head of Innovation to lead BioReliance Testing Services R&D, owning budget decisions and shaping the 2030+ biosafety strategy. You will drive technology thought leadership and engage with customers and regulators.

The role builds a high-performance R&D team, forecasts capability needs, and partners with Operations, Quality, and Regulatory to advance digital lab transformation. External representation with FDA/EMA and scientific communities is key.

Qualifications

• PhD in Life Sciences (Cellular/Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Virology, Biochemistry, or related).
• At least 15 years of scientific R&D in Biotech/Life Sciences (10+ years beyond academia).
• Minimum 5 years at a senior level leading an R&D organization in GMP/FDA-regulated environment.
• Proven track record in testing/services with direct regulatory interaction (FDA/EMA).

Responsibilities

• Establish and drive the Global Biosafety Testing R&D strategy and 2030+ vision.
• Lead, develop, and grow the R&D organization with coaching and succession planning.
• Forecast testing capability needs and translate into R&D plans and budgets.
• Champion automation and digital lab transformation with Operations.
• Represent BioReliance with customers, regulators, and scientific communities.

Skills

Executive leadership

Regulatory engagement (FDA/EMA)

Strategic R&D planning

Stakeholder management

Education

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

Job description

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.

• 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.

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!