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# Chief Scientific Officer – Cambridge, MA


Role Overview for Chief Scientific Officer – Cambridge, MA
JRG Partners is proud to represent a pioneering, venture-backed medical device company at the forefront of therapeutic innovation. Located in the heart of the world’s most dynamic biotechnology hub, Cambridge, MA, our client is dedicated to developing next-generation medical technologies that address critical unmet needs and significantly improve patient outcomes. We are seeking a visionary and strategic Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) to join their executive leadership team and steer the company’s scientific direction and research and development (R&D) engine.
This is a transformative opportunity for a seasoned scientific leader to make a substantial impact. The CSO will be the key architect of the company’s scientific vision, responsible for the entire R&D pipeline from early-stage discovery and conceptualization through to clinical development, regulatory approval, and successful commercial launch. As a member of the C-suite, you will collaborate closely with the Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors, and other executive leaders to define corporate strategy, secure funding, and build a world-class organization.
The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, an inspirational leader, and a hands-on scientist with a proven track record of innovation and execution within the medical device sector. You will be instrumental in cultivating a culture of scientific excellence, rigorous inquiry, and relentless innovation, ensuring the company remains a leader in its field.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Scientific Officer – Cambridge, MA
The Chief Scientific Officer will have a broad range of responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, R&D execution, team development, and external relations. Success in this role requires a blend of deep scientific expertise, business acumen, and exceptional leadership skills.
Strategic Scientific Leadership

Develop, articulate, and execute a cohesive and forward-thinking scientific vision and R&D strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term corporate goals.
Identify and evaluate new technologies, therapeutic areas, and market opportunities to expand the company’s product pipeline and maintain a competitive edge.
Play a pivotal role in strategic planning, business development activities, investor relations, and due diligence for potential partnerships, licensing, and M&A opportunities.
Serve as the primary scientific expert and thought leader within the executive team and to the Board of Directors, providing critical insights and recommendations.

R&D Pipeline Management and Execution

Provide executive oversight for all stages of the product development lifecycle, including feasibility, design, verification, validation, and transfer to manufacturing.
Direct and manage preclinical and clinical research strategies, including study design, protocol development, and execution, ensuring the generation of high-quality data to support regulatory submissions.
Champion the development and protection of a robust intellectual property portfolio, working closely with legal counsel to secure patents and maintain trade secrets.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), budgets, and timelines for all R&D projects, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and timely achievement of milestones.

Team Leadership and Development

Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing, multidisciplinary R&D team encompassing engineering, biology, clinical affairs, and data science.
Foster a dynamic, collaborative, and innovative culture that encourages scientific curiosity, risk-taking, and a commitment to excellence.
Implement best practices for project management, documentation, and scientific rigor across the entire R&D organization.
Attract and retain top-tier scientific and engineering talent.

Regulatory and Quality Assurance

Provide scientific leadership to ensure all R&D activities are conducted in strict compliance with global regulatory standards, including FDA QSR, ISO 13485, and other relevant regulations.
Collaborate with the regulatory affairs team to develop and execute effective strategies for product submissions (e.g., 510(k), PMA, De Novo) and interactions with regulatory bodies worldwide.
Ensure the scientific integrity and quality of all data and documentation submitted to regulatory agencies.

External Engagement and Communication

Act as the company’s lead scientific spokesperson at industry conferences, investor meetings, and scientific advisory board meetings.
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), academic research institutions, and strategic industry partners.
Author and oversee the publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals and other scientific communications.

Requirements for the Chief Scientific Officer – Cambridge, MA
The successful candidate will be a distinguished scientist and proven leader with extensive experience in the medical device industry. We are looking for an individual who combines deep technical knowledge with the strategic vision necessary to guide our client’s scientific future.
Educational Background
An advanced degree (Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D.) in a relevant discipline such as Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Biology, or a related field is required.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in the medical device industry, with at least 5-7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., VP of R&D, Senior Director, or CSO) with direct management of large, multidisciplinary teams.
Technical Expertise
Demonstrated track record of successfully leading the development of complex medical devices from initial concept through regulatory clearance/approval and commercial launch. Experience with Class II or Class III devices is highly preferred.
Regulatory Acumen
Deep and practical understanding of the global medical device regulatory landscape, including extensive experience with FDA regulatory pathways (PMA, 510(k)), CE marking, and other international requirements. Direct experience interacting with the FDA is essential.
Leadership Skills
Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop high-caliber scientific and engineering teams. An exceptional communicator with the ability to articulate a clear and compelling scientific vision to a wide range of audiences, from scientists to investors to commercial partners.
Business Acumen
Strong business and financial acumen, with experience in R&D budget management, strategic planning, and contributing to corporate fundraising and business development activities. Experience in a fast-paced, venture-backed startup environment is a significant plus.
Location
Ability to work on-site at the company’s headquarters in Cambridge, MA.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent in the industry and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package.

Highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
Substantial executive-level annual performance bonus.
Meaningful equity stake (stock options) in a high-growth company.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
Generous 401(k) plan with a significant company match.
Flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) and holiday policy.
Full relocation assistance package for qualified candidates.
Professional development budget for conferences, courses, and continuous learning.
A collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven work environment where your contributions directly impact patient lives.

How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative scientific leader with a passion for medical device innovation and the experience to drive a company’s R&D vision, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this pivotal role, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest. For more information on our expertise in this sector, please visit our Life Sciences executive search practice area. JRG Partners and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.