Chief Discovery Officer – Breakthrough Medical Technologies | Cambridge, MA

Are you a pioneering scientific leader passionate about transforming healthcare through innovation? We are searching for a Chief Discovery Officer (CDO) to spearhead groundbreaking research and development at a leading medical technology company in Cambridge, MA. This unique role offers the chance to shape the future of medical breakthroughs by driving discovery efforts, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, and translating cutting-edge science into life-changing therapies.

Lead Innovation in Medical Technology from Cambridge, MA

Join a world-class medical technology organization headquartered in Cambridge, MA, as the Chief Discovery Officer, where your expertise in biomedical research and leadership will be instrumental in accelerating breakthrough discoveries. The ideal candidate will bring deep scientific insight, strategic vision, and a collaborative approach to lead research teams toward pioneering solutions that redefine patient care. If you are driven by innovation and thrive in an ecosystem of scientific excellence, this role is your opportunity to lead transformative advancements in healthcare.

Key Responsibilities of the Chief Discovery Officer – Breakthrough Medical Technologies

Scientific Vision & Strategy:
Develop and lead a cutting-edge research vision aligned with emerging biomedical trends and unmet medical needs. Drive the strategic direction of discovery programs to position the company as a pioneer in breakthrough medical technologies.

Research & Innovation Leadership:
Oversee all early-stage research initiatives, fostering innovation in target identification, biomarker discovery, and translational science. Promote interdisciplinary collaboration to accelerate the development of novel therapeutic candidates.

Team Building & Talent Development:
Attract, mentor, and retain top scientific talent. Cultivate a dynamic, inclusive culture that encourages creativity, accountability, and continuous learning within the discovery organization.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Work closely with clinical, regulatory, and commercial teams to ensure seamless translation of discoveries from the lab to clinical development. Facilitate knowledge sharing and integration across departments to maximize impact.

Resource & Budget Management:
Manage research budgets and resource allocation to optimize productivity and innovation output. Partner with finance and operations to ensure efficient use of funds while meeting strategic milestones.

External Partnerships & Scientific Engagement:
Establish and nurture collaborations with academic institutions, biotech partners, and industry consortia to enhance scientific capabilities and accelerate innovation pipelines.

Regulatory & Compliance Oversight:
Ensure discovery activities comply with all relevant ethical, legal, and regulatory standards. Implement risk management strategies to safeguard scientific integrity and company reputation.

Data-Driven Decision Making:
Leverage advanced analytics, experimental data, and emerging technologies to inform research priorities and accelerate the discovery process.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Chief Discovery Officer (CDO) for a breakthrough medical technologies company, the client seeks an inspiring scientific leader with a proven track record of pioneering innovation and translating cutting-edge research into impactful therapies. You should be a visionary, results-oriented executive who thrives in a fast-evolving biotech environment and can guide complex discovery programs from concept through early development.

Proven Leadership in Biomedical Research and Innovation
The client is looking for an accomplished leader with extensive experience in biomedical or life sciences research, ideally within medical technologies or biopharmaceuticals. You should have a history of driving successful discovery initiatives, leveraging emerging science to develop novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers. Experience in leading interdisciplinary research teams and collaborating across scientific domains is essential.

Strategic Visionary with a Focus on Breakthrough Technologies
As CDO, you will be expected to craft and implement a forward-looking discovery strategy that aligns with the company’s mission to develop breakthrough medical solutions. The ideal candidate will demonstrate an ability to identify transformative scientific opportunities, anticipate future industry trends, and adapt research priorities accordingly to maintain competitive advantage.

Strong Scientific and Operational Acumen
Your ability to balance deep scientific expertise with operational leadership is critical. The client values a CDO who can effectively manage resources, oversee budgets, and optimize research productivity without compromising scientific rigor. A data-driven mindset combined with a practical approach to translating research into viable product candidates is highly desired.

Talent Builder and Team Collaborator
Leadership is central to this role. The client seeks a CDO who can attract, develop, and inspire top-tier scientific talent while fostering a collaborative, innovative culture. Experience in mentoring scientists, encouraging cross-functional teamwork, and building a resilient discovery organization is key.

Effective Partner and Communicator Across Stakeholders
You will serve as a key liaison between discovery, clinical development, regulatory affairs, and external partners such as academic institutions and industry collaborators. The ideal candidate communicates complex scientific concepts clearly to diverse audiences, builds trust, and maintains strong relationships with investors and stakeholders.

Commitment to Excellence, Compliance, and Ethical Research
The client prioritizes leaders who uphold the highest standards of research integrity, regulatory compliance, and ethical conduct. You should demonstrate a strong commitment to quality assurance and risk management practices that protect the company’s reputation and advance patient safety.

FAQs About the Role – Chief Discovery Officer – Breakthrough Medical Technologies

1. What are the key responsibilities of the Chief Discovery Officer in this role?
As the Chief Discovery Officer, you will lead the company’s early-stage research and innovation efforts, develop and execute discovery strategies, oversee interdisciplinary scientific teams, and drive the identification and validation of novel therapeutic targets. You will collaborate closely with clinical, regulatory, and commercial teams to translate breakthrough science into viable medical technologies.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate will have extensive leadership experience in biomedical research, preferably within medical technology or biopharmaceutical sectors. A strong background in translational science, drug discovery, or related fields is essential, along with a proven track record of driving innovation and managing high-performing research teams. An advanced degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) in a relevant scientific discipline is typically required.

3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?
The client seeks a visionary scientific leader who combines deep technical expertise with strategic thinking. Strong collaboration, communication, and team-building skills are critical. You should be adept at fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and scientific rigor, while effectively managing resources and prioritizing research goals.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
Challenges include navigating the complexities of cutting-edge biomedical research, balancing innovation with operational efficiency, and managing multidisciplinary teams in a highly regulated environment. Keeping pace with rapid scientific advances and aligning discovery efforts with clinical development timelines are key challenges.

5. What is the expected impact of the Chief Discovery Officer on the company’s growth?
The CDO will play a critical role in shaping the company’s scientific pipeline, accelerating the development of breakthrough medical technologies, and positioning the company as a leader in the industry. Your leadership will directly influence innovation outcomes, competitive advantage, and long-term value creation.

6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?
The company promotes a collaborative, dynamic, and mission-driven culture where innovation and scientific excellence are highly valued. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team passionate about advancing healthcare solutions, supported by an environment that encourages continuous learning and cross-functional teamwork.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Chief Discovery Officer (CDO) for a breakthrough medical technologies company in Cambridge, MA, you can expect a competitive and comprehensive compensation package designed to attract and retain top scientific leadership talent. The remuneration for this role typically includes:

1. Base Salary
The base salary for a Chief Discovery Officer in the biotech or medical technology sector varies depending on company size, funding stage, and market position. For a mid-to-large company, annual base salaries typically range from $250,000 to $500,000, with larger or well-funded firms offering higher compensation.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses
In addition to base salary, performance-based bonuses are common and linked to key milestones such as successful advancement of discovery programs, research achievements, and contribution to corporate goals. Bonus amounts can range from 20% to 70% of the base salary depending on individual and company performance.

3. Equity & Stock Options
Equity compensation is a significant component of total remuneration in the medical technologies industry. Many companies offer stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), or other equity incentives that align leadership rewards with company valuation and long-term growth potential. Equity grants often represent a substantial portion of the overall package.

4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
Some companies provide LTIPs or profit-sharing plans to encourage sustained leadership engagement and success over multiple years. These incentives reward continued innovation, milestone achievements, and company value creation.

5. Executive Benefits & Perks
The CDO role typically includes comprehensive executive benefits such as:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement plans with company contributions
Executive wellness and professional development programs
Business travel allowances and expense accounts
Flexible work arrangements and relocation support (if applicable)

6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance
To attract highly qualified candidates, companies may offer signing bonuses and relocation assistance. These can vary widely, often ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 depending on candidate experience and company policy.

Total Compensation Potential

Taking into account base salary, bonuses, equity, and other incentives, total compensation for a Chief Discovery Officer can range from $400,000 to over $1 million annually in leading medical technology firms. The package is designed to reward both short-term performance and long-term strategic impact.

How to Apply

If you are an innovative and visionary leader with a proven track record in medical research and discovery, we invite you to apply for the Chief Discovery Officer (CDO) role in Cambridge, MA. This is a unique opportunity to lead cutting-edge scientific programs, drive breakthrough innovation, and shape the future of medical technologies.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience in leading discovery efforts, advancing research pipelines, managing cross-disciplinary teams, and driving strategic innovation in biotech or medical technology sectors. Highlight your successes in translating scientific breakthroughs into viable products and your ability to collaborate with R&D, clinical, and commercial teams to accelerate growth.

This role offers a high-impact career opportunity where you will be instrumental in pioneering new therapies and technologies that can transform patient outcomes. Apply today to take the next step in your leadership journey as Chief Discovery Officer in Cambridge, MA!

For more information or to explore similar executive opportunities in the life sciences and healthcare innovation sectors, please visit our Upstream Research and Development Executive Search – Medical Device Innovation Page.

Job Category: Breakthrough Medical Technologies

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Cambridge

Chief Discovery Officer – Breakthrough Medical Technologies | Cambridge, MA