Role Overview for Chief Technology Officer with a BioTech Lab Automation Firm – Boston, MA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, venture-backed BioTech firm at the forefront of laboratory automation, located in the vibrant biotech hub of Boston, MA. Our client is on a mission to accelerate drug discovery, diagnostics, and fundamental scientific research by creating intelligent, fully-automated platforms that empower scientists to achieve breakthroughs faster than ever before. By integrating sophisticated robotics, artificial intelligence, and cloud-based software, they are building the laboratory of the future, today.
We are seeking a visionary and transformative Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to join their executive team. This is not just a leadership role; it’s a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of scientific research and make a tangible impact on human health. The CTO will be the driving force behind the company’s entire technology strategy, from software architecture and AI/ML development to robotics integration and cloud infrastructure. You will be responsible for building and leading a world-class, multidisciplinary team of brilliant engineers, data scientists, and developers, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and rapid execution. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with deep technical expertise, a passion for the life sciences, and a proven track record of scaling technology organizations in high-growth environments. You will be a key partner to the CEO and the rest of the leadership team, translating complex technical challenges into strategic business advantages and steering the company through its next phase of exponential growth.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Technology Officer with a BioTech Lab Automation Firm – Boston, MA
Strategic Technology Leadership
Develop and champion a compelling long-term technology vision and roadmap that aligns with and drives the company’s ambitious business objectives. Proactively identify and evaluate emerging technologies—such as advanced robotics, generative AI, and IoT sensors—to maintain the company’s competitive edge and deliver next-generation capabilities to the scientific community.
Team Building and Mentorship
Recruit, lead, and mentor a world-class technology organization across software engineering, hardware integration, data science, AI/ML, and IT infrastructure. Cultivate a high-performance, collaborative, and inclusive culture that attracts and retains top-tier talent. Implement professional development programs and provide mentorship to grow future leaders within the organization.
Product and Platform Development
Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of the company’s complex hardware and software platforms. Drive the architectural design, development, testing, and deployment of scalable, reliable, and user-centric solutions. Implement agile methodologies and best practices to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products that meet the rigorous demands of the scientific community.
Architectural Excellence and Scalability
Make critical architectural decisions to ensure the platform is built for scale, security, and maintainability. Lead the strategy for cloud infrastructure (AWS, GCP, or Azure), data architecture, and API design, ensuring seamless integration of disparate systems and massive datasets generated by high-throughput experimentation.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key member of the executive team, working in close partnership with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Scientific Officer, and Chief Product Officer. Translate business and scientific requirements into technical specifications and ensure technology initiatives are tightly aligned with commercial goals.
Budget and Vendor Management
Develop and manage the annual technology budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources to achieve strategic goals. Oversee relationships with technology vendors, partners, and consultants to maximize value and ensure successful project delivery.
Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance
Establish and enforce rigorous quality assurance and testing protocols. Ensure all software and hardware development processes and products adhere to relevant industry regulations and standards, such as GxP, CLIA, and FDA guidelines for Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) where applicable. Champion a culture of quality and security throughout the technology organization.
Intellectual Property and Innovation
Partner with legal counsel to develop and execute a robust intellectual property strategy, including patent filings for novel software algorithms, hardware designs, and integrated systems. Foster an environment that encourages innovation and the creation of defensible IP.
Requirements for the Chief Technology Officer with a BioTech Lab Automation Firm – Boston, MA
Educational Background
An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or a related quantitative field is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in technology roles, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., CTO, VP of Engineering) successfully managing teams of 50+ engineers in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. Experience in a venture-backed startup and scaling a company through significant funding rounds is highly desirable.
Industry-Specific Knowledge
Demonstrable track record of success within the BioTech, Life Sciences, Diagnostics, or Medical Device industries. A deep understanding of the scientific research process and the unique challenges of laboratory automation, LIMS, high-throughput screening, and scientific data management is essential.
Technical Prowess
A polymath leader with deep, hands-on expertise across the full technology stack. This includes modern software development (Python, C++, Java), complex system architecture, cloud-native technologies (Kubernetes, microservices), AI/ML model development and deployment (TensorFlow, PyTorch), robotics (ROS), and hardware/firmware integration.
Leadership and Communication
Exceptional leadership skills with a proven ability to inspire, motivate, and develop high-performing technical teams. Must be an outstanding communicator, capable of articulating a clear and compelling technical vision to a wide range of audiences, including investors, board members, customers, and employees.
Strategic and Business Acumen
Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to bridge the gap between technology and business strategy. Experience with technology M&A due diligence, IP strategy, and technical aspects of fundraising is a significant plus.
Location
Ability to work on-site at the company’s headquarters in Boston, MA, fostering a collaborative and hands-on leadership presence.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client believes in investing in their people and offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of their team members. This includes:
Executive Compensation Package
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant performance-based annual bonus and a substantial equity stake in a rapidly growing, well-funded company.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company. Access to mental health resources and wellness programs.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, in addition to paid company holidays, to encourage a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, including conferences, workshops, certifications, and other professional development opportunities.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for exceptional candidates who are not local to the Boston area.
Inspiring Work Environment
A state-of-the-art office and lab space in the heart of Boston’s innovation district, surrounded by a community of brilliant and passionate colleagues dedicated to a shared mission.
How to Apply
If you are a transformative technology leader with a passion for revolutionizing scientific discovery and you meet the qualifications outlined above, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. This is a unique chance to join the executive team of a company poised for exponential growth and to make a lasting impact on the future of science and medicine.
Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and leadership philosophy. JRG Partners is managing this exclusive search. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We look forward to reviewing your application.
