Role Overview for Chief Medical Officer (CMO) with a Public Diagnostics Firm – San Diego, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a leading, publicly-traded diagnostics company at the forefront of medical innovation. Located in the vibrant biotech hub of San Diego, California, our client is dedicated to developing and commercializing groundbreaking diagnostic solutions that improve patient outcomes and transform healthcare. We are seeking a visionary and strategic Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to join their executive leadership team. This is a pivotal role responsible for providing medical leadership and strategic direction across the entire organization. The CMO will be the company’s lead medical expert, shaping clinical development strategies, overseeing medical affairs, and ensuring the highest standards of scientific and ethical integrity.
The ideal candidate is a dynamic, experienced physician-executive with a proven track record in the diagnostics, medical device, or biopharmaceutical industry. You will be instrumental in driving the clinical vision, from early-stage product development through to post-market surveillance. As a key member of the executive team, you will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and will play a critical role in investor relations, business development, and strategic partnerships. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on global health by guiding the clinical and medical strategy of a rapidly growing and innovative company. You will be the primary medical voice of the company to regulatory agencies, key opinion leaders (KOLs), the investment community, and patients. Your leadership will ensure that the company’s products are not only commercially successful but also clinically meaningful and safe for patients worldwide. This role demands a blend of deep medical expertise, sharp business acumen, and inspirational leadership to guide a talented team of medical and clinical professionals.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) with a Public Diagnostics Firm – San Diego, CA
Executive Leadership & Corporate Strategy
Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to the overall corporate strategy, business development, and long-range planning. Provide expert medical and clinical insights to the CEO and Board of Directors to inform critical business decisions.
Clinical Development & Strategy
Design, lead, and execute the company’s global clinical development strategy. Oversee the entire lifecycle of clinical trials, from protocol design and site selection to data analysis, interpretation, and publication, ensuring they are conducted on time, within budget, and in compliance with all regulatory standards.
Medical Affairs Leadership
Build and lead a world-class Medical Affairs function. Develop and manage relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs), academic institutions, and professional societies. Oversee the development and dissemination of medical and scientific communications, including publications, abstracts, and presentations.
Regulatory Affairs & Compliance
Provide senior medical leadership for all regulatory interactions with global health authorities, including the FDA, EMA, and others. Ensure all clinical activities adhere to GCP, ICH, and other applicable regulations. Play a crucial role in navigating the complex regulatory landscape for In Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs) and securing product approvals.
Pharmacovigilance & Patient Safety
Establish and maintain robust pharmacovigilance and risk management systems. Oversee the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of all safety data to ensure patient safety remains the highest priority throughout the product lifecycle.
R&D and Commercial Collaboration
Collaborate closely with the Research & Development teams to provide clinical input on new product concepts and target product profiles. Partner with the Commercial organization to develop effective launch strategies, support marketing initiatives, and ensure medical accuracy in all promotional materials.
Scientific & Medical Spokesperson
Represent the company as the lead medical expert at scientific conferences, investor meetings, and with the media. Articulate the clinical value and scientific underpinnings of the company’s technology and product portfolio to diverse audiences.
Team Development & Management
Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of professionals in clinical development, medical affairs, and clinical operations. Foster a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
Requirements for the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) with a Public Diagnostics Firm – San Diego, CA
Medical Doctorate
An M.D. or equivalent medical degree is required. An M.D./Ph.D. is highly desirable.
Board Certification
Board certification in a relevant medical specialty (e.g., Pathology, Oncology, Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine) is strongly preferred.
Industry Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in the diagnostics, medical device, or biopharmaceutical industry, with at least 10 years in a leadership role (e.g., Vice President, Senior Medical Director) overseeing clinical development and/or medical affairs.
Public Company Experience
Prior experience in a publicly-traded company is highly advantageous, with a strong understanding of the associated disclosure and reporting requirements.
Regulatory Expertise
Deep, hands-on experience with global regulatory agencies, particularly the FDA. A proven track record of successful regulatory submissions (e.g., 510(k), PMA, De Novo) and product approvals is essential.
Clinical Trial Excellence
Demonstrated expertise in designing and executing all phases of clinical trials for diagnostics or medical devices. Strong knowledge of biostatistics, clinical trial methodologies, and data analysis.
Leadership & Communication Skills
Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Proven ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams and to communicate complex scientific information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Strategic Mindset
Strong strategic thinking and business acumen, with the ability to translate clinical and scientific knowledge into actionable business strategies that drive growth and value.
Location
Ability to work on-site at the company’s headquarters in San Diego, CA. Significant executive presence and the ability to travel as needed are required.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Equity & Long-Term Incentives
A substantial equity package, including stock options and/or restricted stock units (RSUs), to ensure alignment with long-term shareholder value.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents. Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options are also available.
Retirement Planning
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company-paid holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuing medical education (CME), professional conferences, and leadership development programs.
Additional Perks
Life insurance, disability coverage, and an employee assistance program (EAP).
How to Apply
JRG Partners is exclusively managing the search for this critical Chief Medical Officer position. We are looking for a transformative leader who is passionate about advancing patient care through diagnostic innovation. If you possess the requisite experience and leadership qualities and are ready to take on this challenging and rewarding opportunity, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this role, please submit your curriculum vitae and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Life Sciences executive search practice page. Our dedicated team of recruiters will review all applications and contact qualified candidates for a confidential discussion. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company and our clients’ companies.
