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# Chief Medical Officer (CMO) with an Oncology Biotech – Cambridge, MA


Role Overview for Chief Medical Officer (CMO) with an Oncology Biotech – Cambridge, MA
JRG Partners is proud to represent a pioneering, clinical-stage biotechnology company at the forefront of oncology innovation. Located in the heart of the Cambridge, MA biotech hub, our client is dedicated to developing a new generation of targeted therapies that have the potential to fundamentally change the treatment landscape for cancer patients worldwide. With a robust pipeline, strong financial backing, and a culture of scientific excellence, they are poised for significant growth and impact. We are seeking an exceptional, strategic, and visionary leader to join their executive team as the Chief Medical Officer (CMO).
This is a transformative opportunity for a seasoned physician-scientist to provide the medical and clinical leadership that will shape the company’s future. The CMO will be the ultimate owner of the entire clinical development strategy, from first-in-human studies through to global regulatory approvals and commercial launch.
As a key member of the C-suite, you will not only lead the clinical, medical affairs, and pharmacovigilance functions but also play an integral role in corporate strategy, investor relations, and business development activities. You will be the company’s lead medical spokesperson, championing its science and clinical programs to regulatory bodies, the investment community, key opinion leaders (KOLs), and patient advocacy groups.
The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a deep-rooted passion for oncology and a proven track record of successfully bringing novel cancer therapies to market. You must be comfortable and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, and collaborative environment. This role requires a leader who can seamlessly bridge science and medicine, inspire and mentor a growing team, and make critical decisions that will directly impact patient lives and the company’s success. You will be entrusted with building and scaling a world-class clinical organization, ensuring that all programs are executed with the highest degree of scientific rigor, ethical standards, and operational efficiency. This position offers the unique chance to leave an indelible mark on a promising organization and, more importantly, on the fight against cancer.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) with an Oncology Biotech – Cambridge, MA
The Chief Medical Officer will have a broad range of responsibilities, encompassing clinical strategy, team leadership, and corporate governance. Your duties will include, but are not limited to:
Clinical Development Strategy & Execution
Design, implement, and oversee the comprehensive clinical development strategy for the entire oncology portfolio. This includes crafting innovative and efficient clinical trial designs (Phase 1-4), defining clinical endpoints, and ensuring timely execution and data interpretation.
Leadership & Team Management
Build, lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team across Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, Medical Affairs, and Drug Safety/Pharmacovigilance. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and scientific excellence.
Regulatory Leadership
Serve as the primary medical point of contact with global regulatory agencies, including the FDA, EMA, and others. Lead the preparation and submission of key regulatory documents such as INDs, CTAs, briefing books, and NDAs/BLAs.
Medical Affairs & External Engagement
Develop and lead the company’s medical affairs strategy. Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with global KOLs, principal investigators, and patient advocacy groups to ensure clinical programs are scientifically sound and relevant to patient needs.
Scientific & Medical Communication
Oversee the development of the publication and presentation strategy to disseminate clinical data effectively at major medical congresses and in peer-reviewed journals. Act as the lead medical voice for the company.
Drug Safety & Pharmacovigilance
Hold ultimate responsibility for patient safety across all clinical programs. Ensure robust pharmacovigilance and risk management systems are in place and that all safety reporting requirements are met globally.
Executive Leadership & Corporate Strategy
As a vital member of the executive leadership team, contribute to the overall corporate strategy, long-range planning, and company vision. Provide critical medical and clinical input for fundraising, business development, and strategic partnership activities.
Budget and Resource Management
Develop and manage the budget for all clinical development and medical affairs activities, ensuring optimal allocation of resources to achieve corporate objectives efficiently and effectively.
Clinical Innovation
Maintain a deep understanding of the competitive landscape while staying at the forefront of the latest advancements in oncology clinical development, translational medicine, and regulatory science to ensure the company’s programs remain innovative and competitive.
Requirements for the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) with an Oncology Biotech – Cambridge, MA
We are seeking a highly qualified and experienced professional who meets the following criteria:
Education
An M.D. is required. Board certification in Medical Oncology and/or Hematology is strongly preferred. An advanced degree (PhD, MPH, MBA) is a plus.
Industry Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, with at least 10 years focused specifically on oncology clinical development.
Leadership Experience
Demonstrable experience in a senior leadership role (e.g., VP, SVP, or CMO) with a proven track record of building and managing clinical development teams. Experience in a small, agile biotech environment is highly advantageous.
Clinical Development Expertise
Extensive, hands-on experience leading oncology programs through the full development lifecycle, from IND filing to successful NDA/BLA approval and launch. Experience with both solid and liquid tumors is preferred.
Regulatory Acumen
Deep expertise in global regulatory affairs, with a history of successful interactions and negotiations with the FDA and other major health authorities.
Scientific Excellence
Strong scientific background with the ability to critically evaluate and interpret preclinical and clinical data, and to translate complex scientific concepts into actionable clinical strategies.
Communication Skills
Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to articulate a clear and compelling vision to a wide range of audiences, including internal teams, board members, investors, and the medical community.
Strategic Mindset
A strategic and analytical thinker with outstanding problem-solving skills and the ability to operate effectively in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
Location
Ability to work on-site in Cambridge, MA, and willingness to travel as required (approximately 20-30%).
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Equity Ownership
A substantial equity package (stock options/RSUs) providing a meaningful opportunity for ownership and wealth creation as the company grows.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents with low employee contributions.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Wellness Programs
A focus on employee well-being with benefits such as gym membership reimbursement, mental health support, and wellness initiatives.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid company holidays.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for attending scientific and medical conferences, continuing education, and professional society memberships to support your growth.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the right candidate.
How to Apply
This is a retained search conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. To be considered for this pivotal leadership role, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive search for the life sciences industry. We are dedicated to connecting visionary leaders with innovative companies that are changing the future of medicine. Learn more about our expertise in this sector by visiting JRG Partners’ Life Sciences Practice.
We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing this exceptional opportunity with you.