Director, R&D

Bring more to life.

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

At Molecular Devices, 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.

Join Molecular Devices and help drive scientific discovery for life science customers in academia, biotech, pharma, and government. Our automated and AI-enabled technology empowers researchers to tackle complex questions and gain deep insights, accelerating the development of safer, more effective therapeutics. As part of our team—rooted in collaboration, authenticity, and innovation—you’ll ultimately contribute to groundbreaking science that enhances lives globally and shapes a healthier future for all.

Learn about the Danaher Business System which makes everything possible.

The Director, R&D is responsible for Leading the BioImaging Product Development Teams (Hardware and Software), based in San Jose, CA and Downingtown, PA, to develop advanced High Content Imaging instruments & software for life science research.

This position reports to the Vice President, R&D and is part of the R&D Department located in our Headquarters Office in San Jose, California and will be an on-site role – 5 days per week. 

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Lead the R&D BioImaging Portfolio teams, which develop leading edge instrumentation & software for advanced automated microscopy, to align with the strategy and growth projections for Molecular Devices
• Manage the performance of multiple related hardware and software development teams to ensure R&D efforts meet corporate quality objectives and launch targets, using objective metrics for Continuous Improvement
• Champion product development standard methodologies within the R&D department including but not limited to: Agile development processes, system design, architecture, re-use, performance, and quality
• Leverage the latest AI tools to drive productivity and innovation in both software and hardware engineering
• Maintain a technology roadmap with the product line delivery teams that combines organic development and open innovation opportunities
• Effectively communicate (verbal and written) new insights and ideas with multi-functional teams and to Leadership
• Use and apply the Danaher Business Systems approach to development technologies

The essential requirements of the job include:

• University degree (Bachelor of Science degree minimum) in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Life Science, Biology, Microbiology or related subject with hands-on knowledge of software, instrumentation and/or cell biology and cell analysis techniques and applications.
• 5+ years’ experience managing a team of on-site engineers, developing resource plans and timelines.
• 1+ years’ experience in product development for Life Science Research Market, customer and technology knowledge in the development of scientific and Life Sciences instruments.
• Experience in developing customer-facing products and services as well as partnering with product management
• Outstanding communicator, able to span from technical detail to vision and also explain sophisticated technical issues in a way that non-technical people and senior leaders will understand
• Proven leadership skills – ability to collaborate, leading through influence across a global organization to drive direction
• Results oriented – track record for delivering results, taking ownership and being accountable

Travel, Motor Vehicle Record & Physical/Environment Requirements:

• While the role is based in San Jose, CA, the software teams are located in the Philadelphia area and cross-country travel is expected at a minimum quarterly

It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:

• Agile and comfortable leading with AI to drive breakthrough productivity
• Technically sound in software development and Agile practices
• Strong technical expertise in product architecture and design

Molecular Devices, 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 flexible time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at Danaher Benefits Info.

The annual salary range is $210,000 -260,000 USD This is the range that we in good faith believe is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future.

This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay.

We offer comprehensive package of benefits including flexible time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

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.

Danaher Corporation and all Danaher Companies are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics protected by law.

The U.S. EEO posters are available here.

We comply with federal and state disability laws and make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact:1-202-419-7762 or applyassistance@danaher.com.