Senior Director, Technical Operations and Innovation

Bring more to life.

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 Senior Director, Technical Operations & Innovation – Cell Culture Media will lead and integrate multiple critical functions including Research & Development, Cell Line Development, Manufacturing Technology, Engineering, Chemistry Services (MTEC), and Project Management. This role will be responsible for aligning scientific innovation with operational excellence to support the advancement of our product pipeline from early research through commercial readiness.

This position reports to the VP & GM, Cell Culture Media and is part of the Cell Culture Media business unit located in North Logan, Utah and will be an on-site role.

What you will do:

• Set strategic direction for R&D, Cell Line Development, Manufacturing Technology, and related functions to align with current and future pipeline goals.
• Drive innovation in process development, cell line engineering, and manufacturing platforms while fostering a culture of scientific excellence and collaboration.
• Oversee cross-functional execution, ensuring alignment with business strategy, regulatory standards, project timelines, and scientific milestones.
• Build and lead high-performing teams, promoting mentorship, accountability, and retention across multidisciplinary functions.
• Develop and manage budgets and resources, optimizing internal and external capacity to support program and business objectives.
• Coordinate partnerships with external stakeholders, including CROs, CMOs, and academic collaborators, to advance technical development programs.
• Implement operational excellence, including KPIs, risk management, and program oversight, to ensure continuous improvement and strategic alignment.

Who you are:

• PhD or equivalent advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology) & 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in life sciences R&D and technical operations OR MS degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology) & 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in life sciences R&D and technical operations OR BS in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology) & 20+ years of progressive leadership experience in life sciences R&D and technical operations.
• Proven success in leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing complex projects from research through commercialization.
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills.

Travel, Motor Vehicle Record & Physical/Environment Requirements: if applicable for role

• Ability to travel - 30% travel, mainly in the US and Europe regions but potentially globally as needed.

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

• Deep understanding of development including upstream/downstream processes, cell line development, and CMC requirements.
• Experience with regulatory submissions and interactions.

Cytiva, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whe