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# Chief R&D Officer – Boston, MA


Role Overview for Chief R&D Officer – Boston, MA
JRG Partners is proud to represent a pioneering medical device company based in the heart of Boston’s thriving life sciences corridor. Our client is at the forefront of developing next-generation technologies that significantly improve patient outcomes and redefine standards of care. They are seeking a visionary, strategic, and results-driven Chief R&D Officer (CRDO) to join their executive leadership team. This is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of a rapidly growing organization and make a tangible impact on global health.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the CRDO will be the driving force behind the company’s innovation engine. This individual will assume ultimate responsibility for the entire research and development pipeline, from early-stage concept exploration to successful product commercialization. The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with a proven track record of bringing complex medical devices from ideation to market within a rigorous regulatory framework.
You will lead a high-caliber, multi-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and researchers, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, scientific excellence, and urgency. As a key member of the C-suite, you will play a pivotal role in setting the company’s strategic direction, evaluating new technologies, and ensuring that our R&D investments align with our long-term business objectives and address critical unmet clinical needs.
This role demands a unique blend of deep technical expertise, strategic business acumen, and inspirational leadership. You will be the champion of innovation, tasked with building and scaling an R&D organization capable of sustained excellence and market leadership. If you are a transformative leader passionate about using technology to solve complex medical challenges, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Chief R&D Officer – Boston, MA
The Chief R&D Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic R&D Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive R&D strategy and technology roadmap that aligns with the company’s overall business goals. Identify and champion new technologies, product opportunities, and research areas that will secure the company’s long-term competitive advantage.
Product Pipeline & Portfolio Management
Oversee the entire product development lifecycle for a diverse portfolio of medical devices. Implement and manage robust stage-gate processes to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Make critical decisions on portfolio prioritization and resource allocation.
Team Leadership and Development
Lead, mentor, and grow a world-class R&D organization. Recruit top-tier talent and foster a dynamic, inclusive, and high-performance culture. Champion professional development and create clear career progression paths for team members.
Regulatory and Quality Compliance
Ensure all R&D activities and documentation rigorously adhere to global regulatory standards. Serve as the ultimate owner of R&D compliance, guaranteeing that product development meets the highest standards of quality and safety. Ensure deep familiarity with FDA regulations for medical devices (PMA, 510(k)), EU MDR, and ISO 13485.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Forge strong partnerships with other executive leaders, including Marketing, Sales, Clinical Affairs, Operations, and Finance. Ensure seamless communication and alignment between R&D and the rest of the organization to facilitate successful product launches and commercial success.
Intellectual Property Strategy
In collaboration with legal counsel, develop and manage a robust intellectual property strategy to protect the company’s innovations. Oversee the patent application process and manage the existing patent portfolio.
Budget and Financial Management
Develop and manage the annual R&D budget, ensuring efficient allocation of capital and human resources. Provide regular reporting to the CEO and Board of Directors on R&D progress, milestones, and expenditures.
External Innovation & Partnerships
Act as the company’s lead scientific ambassador. Build and maintain a strong network of relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), academic institutions, research centers, and potential strategic partners to identify external innovation and collaboration opportunities.
Requirements for the Chief R&D Officer – Boston, MA
We are seeking a candidate who meets the following qualifications:
Educational Background
An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline is required. An MBA is highly desirable.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience within the medical device industry, with at least 8-10 years in senior R&D leadership roles (e.g., Director, Vice President) managing large, multi-disciplinary teams and significant budgets.
Technical Expertise
A proven track record of successfully leading the development and commercialization of complex, regulated medical devices (Class II or Class III experience is strongly preferred). Broad technical knowledge across multiple domains, such as surgical instrumentation, implantable devices, robotics, diagnostics, or digital health platforms.
Regulatory Acumen
Deep, hands-on experience navigating the global regulatory landscape for medical devices. Must have direct experience with FDA submissions (510(k), PMA) and a thorough understanding of CE Marking (MDR) and ISO 13485 quality management systems.
Leadership & Management Skills
Exceptional leadership capabilities with a demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a high-performing R&D team. Must be a strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans and tangible results.
Business Acumen
Strong financial and business acumen with experience in R&D portfolio management, budgeting, and resource allocation. Ability to effectively link R&D activities to commercial outcomes and overall business strategy.
Communication Skills
Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to articulate complex technical concepts to a wide range of audiences, from engineers to investors and board members.
Location
Ability to work on-site at the Boston, MA headquarters. Relocation assistance is available for the ideal candidate.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Competitive Base Salary
An attractive base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Executive Bonus Plan
A significant annual performance-based bonus opportunity tied to individual and company goals.
Long-Term Incentives
A substantial equity package (stock options or RSUs) to ensure you share in the long-term success of the company.
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.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package for candidates moving to the Boston area.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for conferences, continuing education, and professional growth.
Wellness Programs
Access to wellness initiatives and resources to support your health and well-being.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a passionate and innovative R&D leader ready to take on a new challenge and shape the future of medical technology, we encourage you to apply.
To express your interest, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and why you are the ideal candidate for this role. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. JRG Partners is proud to lead this executive search. To learn more about our expertise in this sector, please visit our medical device executive search practice page for more information on how we connect top talent with leading organizations.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We look forward to reviewing your application.