Director, Cell Based 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 Aldevron, 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. 

At Aldevron, we deliver world-class CDMO services that accelerate the development of groundbreaking therapies. Our mission is to be the engine of innovation for genomic medicine pioneers. As a member of our team, you’ll help bring life-changing innovations to life—impacting millions around the world. We bring together deep scientific expertise, an unwavering commitment to quality, and a collaborative spirit to drive progress. Whether you're launching your career or bringing years of experience, we value the unique perspective you bring. Join us and become part of a mission-driven team advancing science and unlocking human potential—one discovery at a time. 

Learn about the Danaher Business System which makes everything possible. 

The ​​Director, Cell Based R&D​ is responsible for defining and executing the scientific and technical strategy for Aldevron’s and IDT’s cell based platforms such as plasmid DNA and recombinant protein manufacturing. 

This position reports to the VP, Platform Development, Biology and Analytical and is part of the R&D Leadership Team. It is an on-site role in Fargo, ND or Waltham, MA. 

In This Role, You Will Have the Opportunity To: 

• Lead innovation and development across Aldevron’s cell-based platforms, including plasmid, nanoplasmid, nanoplasmid backbone, and recombinant protein technologies. 

• Set research priorities, allocate resources, and define scientific outcomes that support strategic business goals and pipeline advancement. 

• Oversee key discovery experiments and development processes to achieve critical product and process milestones. 

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing interdisciplinary R&D team, fostering collaboration, development, and accountability. 

• Drive strategic plans for new products, process improvements, testing, and emerging technologies in molecular biology and protein R&D. 

• Serve as the technical leader for core product and process initiatives, contributing to intellectual property development and maintaining industry leadership. 

• Partner cross-functionally and engage directly with clients and external stakeholders to align requirements, support business growth, and identify new opportunities. 

The essential requirements of the job include:  

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in a scientific discipline related to Aldevron’s core business (Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Chemistry, etc.) and/or a Doctor of Medicine degree (M.D.).  

• 12+ years leading corporate R&D and new product development (NPD) or otherwise providing scientific leadership in an industrial setting.​  

• Track record of leading research collaborations with academia and industry.  

• Experience leading teams, including direct supervision of researchers.  

• Cloning techniques, DNA, RNA and Protein experience is required.  

• Proven track record of creative scientific accomplishment as evidenced by publication and/or patent record.  

Travel Requirements 

• Ability to travel up to 25% 

It Would Be a Plus if You Also Possess: 

• Proven track record of supporting programs from research to clinic is a plus.  

•  Experience supporting GMP environments 

Aldevron, 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 paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at Danaher Benefits Info.   

Fargo, ND--The annual salary range for this role is $175,000-$200,000. 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.

Waltham, MA--The annual salary range for this role is $190,000-$215,000. 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 paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.