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# Chief R&D Officer – Cambridge, MA



JRG Partners is proud to announce an exclusive executive search for a transformative Chief R&D Officer on behalf of our client, a pioneering medical device company at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Located in the heart of the world-renowned life sciences hub of Cambridge, Massachusetts, our client is dedicated to developing next-generation technologies that significantly improve patient outcomes and redefine standards of care. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader to steer the research and development engine of a rapidly growing organization, shaping the future of medical technology from concept to commercialization. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a profound understanding of the medical device landscape, a passion for innovation, and a proven track record of leading high-performing teams to success.
Role Overview for Chief R&D Officer – Cambridge, MA
The Chief R&D Officer (CR&DO) is a cornerstone of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. This individual will be the primary architect of the company’s technological vision and product innovation strategy. The CR&DO will provide strategic direction, operational leadership, and technical expertise to the entire Research & Development organization, encompassing new product development, sustaining engineering, clinical research, and intellectual property management.
This role demands a unique blend of scientific acumen, engineering prowess, business savvy, and inspirational leadership. You will be responsible for fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and disciplined execution, ensuring that the R&D pipeline is robust, aligned with market needs, and capable of delivering a continuous stream of commercially successful products. Your leadership will be pivotal in navigating the complex regulatory environment, managing substantial budgets, and building a world-class R&D team that stands as a competitive advantage for the company in the global marketplace.
Key Responsibilities of Chief R&D Officer – Cambridge, MA
The successful candidate will assume a broad range of responsibilities critical to the company’s long-term growth and success. These duties include, but are not limited to:
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year R&D and technology roadmap that aligns with the company’s overall strategic objectives. Champion innovation and identify new technological opportunities, market trends, and potential M&A targets to maintain a competitive edge.
Product Development Pipeline Management
Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from initial concept and feasibility studies through design, verification, validation, and market launch. Implement and refine stage-gate processes to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of scientists, engineers, and technical staff. Foster a dynamic and inclusive culture that encourages innovation, risk-taking, and continuous learning. Attract, retain, and develop top-tier talent to build a world-class R&D organization.
Regulatory & Quality Compliance
Ensure all R&D activities and product designs comply with global regulatory requirements, including those set forth by the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), as well as standards like ISO 13485 and MDSAP. Collaborate closely with the Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs departments to facilitate seamless product submissions and approvals.
Budget & Resource Management
Develop and manage the annual R&D budget, ensuring optimal allocation of financial and human resources across all projects. Implement metrics and KPIs to track R&D performance, productivity, and return on investment.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key partner to other executive leaders, including Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Finance. Ensure tight alignment between R&D initiatives and commercial strategy, providing technical insights to inform business decisions and product positioning.
Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy
In partnership with legal counsel, develop and execute a robust IP strategy to protect the company’s innovations. Oversee the patent application process and manage the existing patent portfolio to create a strong defensive and offensive position.
External Partnerships & Thought Leadership
Represent the company at scientific conferences, industry events, and in discussions with key opinion leaders (KOLs), academic institutions, and strategic partners. Build and maintain a strong network within the medical device and academic communities to foster collaboration and stay abreast of emerging technologies.
Requirements for the Chief R&D Officer – Cambridge, MA
We are seeking an exceptional individual with a distinguished career in medical device research and development. The qualifications for this executive role are stringent and reflect its importance.
Educational Background
An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field is required. An MBA or equivalent business education is highly desirable.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in the medical device industry, with at least 7-10 years in a senior R&D leadership role (e.g., VP of R&D, Senior Director). Demonstrable experience leading and scaling R&D teams in a high-growth environment is essential.
Technical & Product Expertise
Proven track record of successfully leading multiple complex medical device projects from concept through to successful commercial launch. Deep technical expertise in areas relevant to the company’s product portfolio (e.g., Class II/III devices, implantables, capital equipment, disposables, or software as a medical device).
Regulatory Acumen
Extensive, hands-on experience with global regulatory pathways, including FDA 510(k), De Novo, and PMA submissions. A thorough understanding of design controls, risk management (ISO 14971), and quality management systems (ISO 13485) is mandatory.
Business & Financial Acumen
Strong financial literacy with experience managing multi-million dollar budgets, conducting ROI analysis, and contributing to long-range financial planning. Must possess the ability to translate technical concepts into compelling business propositions.
Leadership Qualities
Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. A proven ability to inspire teams, drive change, and influence stakeholders across all levels of an organization. Must be a strategic thinker with outstanding problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a substantial long-term equity/stock option package.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents. Access to wellness programs, mental health resources, and a health savings account (HSA).
Retirement & Financial Planning
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match. Access to executive financial planning services.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for attending industry conferences, executive leadership programs, and other professional development opportunities.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, paid holidays, and parental leave to support a healthy work-life integration.
Relocation
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate if required.
This is more than a job; it is a chance to be at the helm of innovation, driving the development of technologies that will save lives and improve the quality of life for patients around the world. If you are a results-oriented R&D leader with the vision and experience to lead our client into its next chapter of growth, we encourage you to apply.
How to Apply
To be considered for this confidential executive search, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and leadership philosophy. JRG Partners is managing this search exclusively. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Medical Device Executive Search practice page. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.