Head of Research & Development (R&D), Spatial Biology Division

Bio-Techne • Newark, CA

3d

About The Position

Bio‑Techne is seeking a Head of R&D to lead the Spatial Biology Division’s global R&D organization across Newark (CA) and Tolochenaz (Switzerland). SBD delivers an integrated portfolio of multi‑omic assays and reagents, automation and instrumentation, software and analytics, and applications. These are anchored by RNAscope™ in situ hybridization technologies and COMET™ sequential immunofluorescence instrumentation. This role is accountable for running SBD R&D as one operating system: a unified strategy and roadmap, clear portfolio priorities, disciplined governance, harmonized processes, and reliable execution. The Head of R&D will balance run‑the‑business (sustaining, customer enablement, applications support, reliability) with build‑the‑future (new products, platform evolution, workflow integration, and clinical expansion) to translate innovation into adoption, pull‑through, and sustainable growth. Bio‑Techne’s Spatial Biology Division has evolved to a single, integrated division with shared leadership and increased customer focus. This VP‑level role is a critical leadership position in that operating model, responsible for the end‑to‑end R&D portfolio and the systems that make delivery predictable, scalable, and impact‑driven. You will partner closely with Product Management, Marketing, PMO/Program Management, Operations/Quality, Clinical/Medical Affairs, and Commercial leadership - and work with other Bio-Techne cross-divisional leaders and technologies - to ensure SBD’s R&D investments create differentiated customer value and durable business outcomes.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in life science, engineering, or a related field (or equivalent combination of advanced degree and industry experience)
• 12+ years of industry experience in life science tools, diagnostics, or closely related instrumentation/reagent businesses
• 5+ years in senior leadership (Director/Sr. Director/VP) managing multi‑disciplinary R&D teams and leaders
• Demonstrated success taking integrated systems (instrument + consumables/reagents + software) from concept to commercialization
• Significant experience in spatial biology or pathology workflows (e.g., ISH, IHC, IF), including instrumentation and image analysis pipelines
• Experience operating within phase-gate product development systems and partnering effectively with Quality/Regulatory in QMS environments
• Portfolio owner: makes principled decisions from best evidence and clearly explains tradeoffs and “the why”
• Operator: advances governance and operating rhythms that drive predictable execution across sites
• Integrator: aligns teams and cultures across geographies and builds shared norms and accountability
• Customer‑centric leader: connects R&D investments to adoption, workflow fit, and measurable value
• Communicator: translates complex scientific/technical topics for audiences from bench teams to executive leadership to external KOLs and biopharma partners

Responsibilities

• Advance the SBD R&D strategy and own the portfolio
• Run a unified R&D operating system
• Lead, develop, and retain a world‑class cross‑site team
• Drive innovation that converts to adoption and growth
• Partner cross‑functionally to deliver business outcomes

Benefits

• We offer competitive insurance benefits starting on day one: medical, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, long-term disability, pet, and legal and ID shield.
• We invest in our employees’ financial futures through 401k plans, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), Health Saving Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and Dependent Care FSA.
• We empower our employees develop their careers through mentorship, promotional opportunities, training and development, tuition reimbursement, internship programs, and more.
• We offer employee resource groups, volunteer paid time off, employee events, and charity drives to build a culture of caring and belonging.
• We offer an accrued leave policy with paid holidays, paid time off, and paid parental leave.
• We foster a culture of empowerment and innovation, where employees feel valued and encouraged to bring their new ideas to the table.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree