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# Chief Medical Officer (CMO) with a Gene Therapy Co. – San Diego, CA


Role Overview for Chief Medical Officer (CMO) with a Gene Therapy Co. – San Diego, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, clinical-stage gene therapy company based in the vibrant biotechnology hub of San Diego, CA. Our client is at the forefront of developing potentially curative treatments for rare and life-threatening genetic diseases. With a robust pipeline and a commitment to scientific excellence, they are seeking a visionary and experienced Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to provide strategic leadership and medical oversight for their entire clinical development portfolio.
This is a transformative opportunity for a results-oriented physician-scientist to shape the future of medicine. As the CMO, you will be a critical member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. You will be the primary architect of the company’s clinical development strategy, responsible for advancing novel gene therapy candidates from early-stage development through regulatory approval and commercialization. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of the scientific and clinical landscape of gene therapy, a proven track record of successful drug development, and the leadership acumen to build and inspire a world-class clinical organization. You will be instrumental in translating groundbreaking science into life-changing therapies for patients in desperate need.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) with a Gene Therapy Co. – San Diego, CA
The Chief Medical Officer will have a broad range of responsibilities, encompassing clinical strategy, regulatory affairs, medical affairs, and team leadership. Your expertise will guide every clinical decision and ensure the highest standards of patient safety and data integrity.
Clinical Development & Strategy:

Develop and execute the overarching clinical development strategy for the company’s entire gene therapy pipeline, from first-in-human studies to pivotal registration trials and post-market activities.
Oversee the design, implementation, and execution of all clinical trials (Phase I-IV), ensuring they are conducted with scientific rigor and in compliance with GCP, ICH, and other regulatory guidelines.
Provide expert medical monitoring and oversight for all ongoing clinical studies, critically evaluating safety and efficacy data in real-time.
Lead the analysis and interpretation of clinical trial data, and author or review key clinical documents, including protocols, investigator brochures, clinical study reports (CSRs), and publications.
Chair and participate in clinical development and safety review committees, making critical go/no-go decisions for program advancement.

Regulatory Affairs:

Serve as the primary medical expert in interactions with global regulatory authorities, including the FDA, EMA, and other agencies.
Lead the strategy, preparation, and submission of key regulatory documents, such as Investigational New Drug (IND) applications, Biologics License Applications (BLAs), and Marketing Authorization Applications (MAAs).
Champion the company’s clinical programs during regulatory meetings, advisory committee hearings, and other critical regulatory interactions.
Stay abreast of the evolving regulatory landscape for Cellular & Gene Therapy Products, ensuring the company’s strategies are aligned with current guidance and best practices.

Medical Affairs & External Engagement:

Build and lead a high-performing Medical Affairs function to support pre-launch, launch, and post-launch activities.
Develop and nurture strong relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs), principal investigators, and patient advocacy groups within the gene therapy and rare disease communities.
Oversee the development and execution of the company’s publication strategy, ensuring timely and impactful dissemination of clinical data in peer-reviewed journals and at major medical conferences.
Represent the company as a senior medical spokesperson at scientific conferences, investor meetings, and business development forums.

Leadership & Management:

Recruit, mentor, and lead a world-class team of professionals across Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, Medical Affairs, and Pharmacovigilance.
Foster a culture of scientific excellence, urgency, collaboration, and accountability within the clinical organization.
Provide strategic input as a key member of the executive team, contributing to corporate strategy, fundraising, and business development activities.
Develop and manage the annual budget for the clinical development organization, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.

Requirements for the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) with a Gene Therapy Co. – San Diego, CA
We are seeking an exceptional leader with a deep passion for science and a relentless drive to improve patients’ lives. The successful candidate will meet the following qualifications:
Education & Credentials:

Medical Doctor (MD) degree is required. A PhD in a relevant scientific field is highly desirable.
Board certification in a relevant medical specialty (e.g., Oncology, Hematology, Neurology, Medical Genetics) is strongly preferred.
Must hold an active medical license or be eligible for licensure.

Experience:

A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, with at least 10 years in a clinical development leadership role.
Direct, hands-on experience in the design and execution of clinical trials for gene therapies, cell therapies, or biologics in rare/orphan diseases is essential.
A proven track record of successfully leading a novel therapeutic agent through the full development lifecycle, culminating in regulatory approval (BLA/NDA/MAA).
Extensive experience interacting directly with the FDA and other global health authorities. Demonstrated success in leading regulatory submissions and negotiations.
Experience building and leading high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams is required.
Prior experience in a small, fast-paced biotech environment is highly preferred.

Skills & Attributes:

Exceptional leadership and management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve ambitious goals.
Outstanding strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, capable of navigating complex scientific, clinical, and regulatory challenges.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts clearly to a wide range of audiences, including investors, board members, scientists, and clinicians.
Strong business acumen and a thorough understanding of the drug development process from discovery to commercialization.
A high degree of integrity, transparency, and a strong ethical compass. A deep commitment to patient safety and well-being.

Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier executive talent. This includes:
Competitive Salary
A compelling base salary commensurate with experience.
Executive Bonus Plan
A significant annual performance-based bonus.
Equity Participation
A substantial stock option grant, providing a meaningful ownership stake in the company’s success.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous PTO policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
Professional Development
A budget for attending conferences, continuing education, and other professional growth opportunities.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the right candidate.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is exclusively managing this executive search. If you are a visionary medical leader with the experience and passion to drive the next generation of gene therapies, we invite you to apply.
Please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role. To learn more about our expertise in placing leaders in this sector, please visit our Life Sciences and Healthcare Executive Search practice area. We look forward to reviewing your application.