Role Overview for VP of Artificial Intelligence – Medical Device & Life Sciences Company | Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham), NC
JRG Partners is proud to represent a pioneering, publicly-traded medical device and life sciences company at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Our client is dedicated to developing groundbreaking technologies that significantly improve patient outcomes and reshape the future of medicine. We are seeking a transformative, visionary leader to join their executive team as the Vice President of Artificial Intelligence. This is a career-defining opportunity to build and lead a world-class AI organization from the ground up, setting the strategic direction that will infuse machine learning and data science into every facet of the company’s product portfolio and operations.
Based in the vibrant and intellectually charged Research Triangle Park (RTP) in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, you will be at the epicenter of technological and biopharmaceutical innovation. This role is not merely about managing a team; it is about architecting the future. The VP of AI will be the central figure in harnessing the power of data to create intelligent medical devices, predictive diagnostic tools, and personalized therapeutic platforms. You will be responsible for the entire AI lifecycle, from conceptual research and algorithm development to product integration, regulatory approval, and commercial launch. This strategic position demands a unique blend of deep technical expertise in machine learning, a profound understanding of the life sciences landscape, and exceptional executive leadership to drive a culture of data-driven excellence and relentless innovation across the entire enterprise.
You will serve as the company’s chief evangelist for artificial intelligence, collaborating closely with the CEO, CTO, and other C-suite leaders to ensure that the AI strategy is inextricably linked with core business objectives. Your leadership will directly impact the development of next-generation products that save lives, improve clinical workflows, and create unparalleled value for patients, clinicians, and shareholders. If you are a strategic thinker with a proven track record of bringing revolutionary AI-powered healthcare products to market, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP of Artificial Intelligence – Medical Device & Life Sciences Company | Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham), NC
AI Vision and Strategic Roadmap Development
Define, articulate, and champion the company-wide vision and long-term strategic roadmap for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. You will be responsible for identifying high-impact opportunities, prioritizing initiatives, and securing executive buy-in and resources to position the company as a leader in AI-driven medical technology.
Team Leadership and Talent Development
Recruit, mentor, and lead a world-class, multi-disciplinary team of AI/ML engineers, data scientists, research scientists, and data architects. Foster a dynamic, collaborative, and innovative culture that attracts and retains top-tier talent. You will be responsible for the professional growth of your team members and scaling the organization to meet ambitious business goals.
End-to-End AI/ML Model Lifecycle Management
Oversee the entire lifecycle of machine learning model development, from data acquisition, cleaning, and feature engineering to model training, validation, deployment, and post-market monitoring. Implement best practices and MLOps principles to ensure model robustness, scalability, and regulatory compliance.
Cross-Functional Collaboration and Product Integration
Serve as the primary AI thought leader and partner to Product Management, R&D, Clinical Affairs, and Engineering teams. Drive the seamless integration of AI/ML capabilities into new and existing medical devices, software platforms, and digital health solutions, ensuring they meet clinical needs and user requirements.
Regulatory Strategy and Compliance
Navigate the complex global regulatory landscape for AI-enabled medical devices. Work closely with Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance teams to develop strategies for FDA and international submissions, ensuring all AI systems and algorithms meet rigorous standards for safety, efficacy, and ethics.
Data Governance and Infrastructure Oversight
In partnership with the IT and data engineering teams, establish and enforce a robust data governance framework. Ensure the ethical and secure handling of sensitive patient and clinical data (in compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, etc.) and guide the development of a scalable data infrastructure to support advanced AI/ML research and development.
Innovation and External Engagement
Stay at the absolute cutting edge of advancements in machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, and natural language processing. Build and maintain strong relationships with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry partners to foster innovation, drive external collaborations, and enhance the company’s scientific reputation.
Executive Communication and Business Alignment
Translate complex technical concepts into clear, compelling business propositions for the executive leadership team and Board of Directors. Regularly report on AI initiative progress, key metrics, and ROI to ensure tight alignment with corporate financial and strategic objectives.
Requirements for the VP of Artificial Intelligence – Medical Device & Life Sciences Company | Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham), NC
Advanced Academic Credentials
A Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Statistics, Computational Biology, or a closely related quantitative field is required.
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in technology, with at least 8 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Director, Senior Director, VP) managing and scaling high-performing AI/ML or data science teams.
Industry-Specific Domain Expertise
Demonstrable, in-depth experience within the medical device, life sciences, digital health, or pharmaceutical industry is mandatory. A proven track record of successfully leading the development and commercialization of AI-powered products in a regulated healthcare environment is essential.
Deep Technical Proficiency
Expert-level knowledge of machine learning, deep learning (CNNs, RNNs, Transformers), statistical modeling, and data analysis. Hands-on experience with common AI/ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn) and programming languages (e.g., Python, R).
Regulatory Acumen
Deep familiarity with the regulatory pathways for medical technologies, including a strong understanding of FDA guidelines for Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), clinical validation requirements, and quality management systems (QMS).
Strategic and Visionary Thinking
The ability to think strategically at a 30,000-foot level to define a long-term vision, while also being able to dive deep into technical details when necessary. Proven ability to translate business needs into a coherent AI strategy and execution plan.
Exceptional Communication Skills
World-class written, verbal, and presentation skills. The ability to effectively communicate with and influence a wide range of audiences, from highly technical engineers to non-technical C-suite executives and external stakeholders.
Location and Travel
The ability to work on-site at the company’s headquarters in the Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham), NC area is required. Relocation assistance is available for the ideal candidate. Some domestic and international travel (up to 20%) may be required.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, significant annual performance-based bonus, and a substantial long-term equity/stock option package.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage for you and your eligible dependents, with low employee contributions.
Retirement Planning
A generous 401(k) retirement plan with a strong company match to help you plan for your future.
Work-Life Balance
A progressive paid time off (PTO) policy, paid company holidays, and flexible work arrangements to support a healthy work-life integration.
Professional Growth
A significant budget for continuous learning, including attendance at major AI and medical technology conferences, executive coaching, and further education.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive, white-glove relocation package for candidates moving to the vibrant Raleigh-Durham area.
On-Site Amenities
Access to a modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities, a fitness center, and a collaborative, dynamic work environment.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive, retained search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary AI leader ready to make a lasting impact on the future of healthcare, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and leadership philosophy for confidential consideration.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive recruitment for the technology and healthcare sectors. Our dedicated consultants possess deep industry knowledge and a commitment to connecting transformative leaders with world-class organizations. To learn more about our specialized focus in this area, we invite you to explore our Chief AI Officer Executive Search. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how this exceptional opportunity aligns with your career aspirations.
