Sr. Director, R&D Chemistry

This role can be based in either Durham, NC or St Louis, MO. 

Accountable for the strategic leadership, performance, and regulatory compliance of assay, reagent development and lifecycle support within the AST function. Ensures delivery of high-quality, compliant analytical verification and validation outputs that support product development and regulatory submissions. Drives technical direction, resource prioritization, and continuous improvement initiatives, while evaluating emerging diagnostic technologies and ensuring sustained excellence and readiness across the AST organization.

• Manage and lead the chemistry department (analytical chemistry and sensor chemistry) to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant execution of activities and deliverables at the program level.

• Collaborate with AST leadership to monitor project scope, schedule, and budget.

• Ensure chemistry team compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

• Build and develop chemistry team capabilities through training, mentoring, and succession planning.

• Collaborate closely with R&D microbiology, Purchasing, Manufacturing, and Quality to ensure chemistry activities are effectively integrated into product development, investigations and lifecycle management.

• Contribute to the development and management of department operating and capital expenses.

• Establish and maintain effective communication with internal and external stakeholders, and business priorities.

• Ensure chemistry team alignment with company quality support activities.

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for the future of chemistry at bioMérieux, anticipating scientific, technological, and market trends to ensure long-term innovation, competitiveness, and alignment with company strategy.

• Perform all work in compliance with company quality procedures and standards.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Training and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• 10 years of overall related experience in chemistry/microbiology with degree including 5 years of specific professional Team Management experience.

Preferred Education, Training and Experience

• Advanced degree or PhD preferred in chemistry or related field with 10 years of industry experience in product development in a regulated environment and 5 years of experience in management of senior technical teams.

• Experience managing managers is highly preferred

• Experience with analytical chemistry is highly preferred, experience with sensor or material chemistry is a plus

• Medical device and/or pharma experience is desired
  • IVD experience is strongly desired

• Acting with Honor and Being Open – Consistently upholds and reflects the core ethical principles and values that bioMérieux promotes.

• Communicating Effectively – Effective presentation skills, including the ability to present technical data.

• Developing and Inspiring Others – Ability to deal with difficult situations in a timely and fair manner; demonstrates assertiveness and confidence in the face of a challenge; inspires and energizes individuals to achieve their best performance; ability to influence others.

• Skilled in MS Office tools including Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel

• Total travel — 40%

  • Domestic travel required — 30%

  • International travel required — 10%

• A choice of medical (including prescription), dental, and vision plans providing nationwide coverage and telemedicine options 
• Company-Provided Life and Accidental Death Insurance 
• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance 
• Retirement Plan including a generous non-discretionary employer contribution and employer match. 
• Adoption Assistance 
• Wellness Programs 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Commuter Benefits 
• Various voluntary benefit offerings 
• Discount programs 
• Parental leaves