M4M4 — Director
Biotech R&D Principal Scientist / R&D Director
A senior scientific leader driving the strategy and execution of research programs.
What this level means
Leads a function or department; owns strategy, budget, and outcomes for the area.
- Scope
- A function or department
- Autonomy
- Owns area strategy and budget
- Complexity
- Strategic priorities and cross-functional alignment
- Impact
- Function-level results
- Decision rights
- Owns strategy, budget, and org design for the area
- Leadership
- Leads managers; sets direction for the function
- Typical experience
- 10–15 yrs
What you'd do
- Define the scientific vision for their domain
- Oversee multiple research projects
- Lead and mentor a team of scientists
- Manage the R&D budget and resource allocation
- Act as the scientific face of the company
- Define scientific vision and strategy
- Oversee and manage research projects
- Mentor and lead scientific teams
- Manage budgets and resources
- Represent the company scientifically
Skills, knowledge & tools
- Scientific leadership
- Strategic planning
- Budget management
- Team mentoring
- Public representation
- Scientific research strategies
- Leadership in R&D
- Budget and resource management
- Team development
- Public communication
- Deep domain expertise
- Strong leadership abilities
- Excellent decision-making skills
- Exceptional communication skills
What good looks like
- Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline
- 10+ years of experience in research
- Experience with IND filings, clinical trial collaborations
Common titles
Biotech R&D Principal Scientist / R&D DirectorSenior-Level
Where it sits & what it pays
O*NET / SOC: 19-0000 — Life, Physical, & Social Science Occupations(inferred · under review)
Market-pay benchmarks for this family × level are coming — JobFrame anchors pay to the family/level structure rather than the raw title.