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# Chief Scientific Officer – Raleigh, NC



Role Overview for Chief Scientific Officer – Raleigh, NC
JRG Partners is proud to represent a pioneering and rapidly scaling medical device company headquartered in the heart of North Carolina’s esteemed Research Triangle Park. Our client is at the forefront of developing next-generation therapeutic and diagnostic technologies that are poised to revolutionize patient care and outcomes in their respective fields. With a robust pipeline, significant venture backing, and a culture of relentless innovation, they are seeking a visionary and strategic Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) to join their executive leadership team.
The Chief Scientific Officer will be the principal architect of the company’s scientific vision and research and development (R&D) strategy. This executive will be responsible for leading all aspects of scientific discovery, product development, clinical research, and regulatory affairs. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the CSO will play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s future, ensuring its technology remains on the cutting edge and its products meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy.
This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned leader to make a profound impact on a high-growth organization, mentor a world-class team of scientists and engineers, and ultimately, improve the lives of millions of patients worldwide. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the medical device landscape, a proven track record of bringing innovative products to market, and an unwavering passion for scientific excellence.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Scientific Officer – Raleigh, NC
The CSO will have a broad range of responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, hands-on R&D management, and external representation. Key duties include:
Strategic R&D Leadership

Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive scientific and technological roadmap that aligns with the company’s long-term business objectives and commercial goals.
Continuously evaluate the competitive landscape, emerging technologies, and new scientific discoveries to identify opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and strategic acquisition.
Champion a culture of scientific rigor, creativity, and urgency across the R&D organization, fostering an environment where novel ideas can flourish.
Serve as the key scientific voice on the executive team and to the Board of Directors, providing critical insights and recommendations on all scientific and technical matters.

Product Development & Pipeline Management

Provide executive oversight for the entire product development lifecycle, from initial concept and feasibility studies through design, verification, validation, and commercial launch.
Implement and refine robust product development processes (PDP) to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Manage the company’s intellectual property (IP) portfolio, working closely with legal counsel to develop a proactive patent strategy that protects key innovations.
Lead technical due diligence for potential partnerships, licensing opportunities, and M&A activities.

Clinical & Regulatory Strategy

Collaborate with the clinical and regulatory teams to design and execute effective clinical trial strategies that support product approval and market adoption.
Ensure all R&D activities are conducted in strict compliance with global regulatory standards, including FDA QSR, ISO 13485, and other relevant regulations.
Serve as the primary scientific liaison with regulatory bodies, providing expert guidance and support during submissions, audits, and meetings. Understanding complex FDA regulatory pathways is critical for success.

Team Leadership & Development

Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing, multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technical staff.
Provide strong mentorship and coaching, fostering the professional and personal growth of team members.
Establish clear goals, performance metrics, and accountability frameworks for the R&D organization.
Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and results-oriented culture that empowers the team to overcome complex challenges.

External Engagement & Scientific Communication

Act as the company’s lead scientific spokesperson, effectively communicating its vision and technological advancements to investors, partners, and the broader scientific community.
Build and maintain strong relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), academic institutions, and clinical advisors to inform R&D strategy and support clinical research.
Oversee the publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at major scientific conferences to establish the company as a thought leader in its field.

Requirements for the Chief Scientific Officer – Raleigh, NC
The successful candidate will be a distinguished scientific leader with extensive experience in the medical device industry. The specific qualifications we are seeking include:
Educational Background
An advanced degree (Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D.) in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline such as Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field is required.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in the medical device or diagnostics industry, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., VP of R&D, CTO, CSO) with significant strategic and budgetary responsibilities.
Product Commercialization Track Record
Demonstrable success in leading the development and commercialization of multiple complex medical devices, preferably including Class II and/or Class III devices, from concept to market approval (PMA or 510(k)).
Technical Expertise
Deep technical expertise in one or more relevant areas, such as implantable devices, surgical robotics, diagnostic imaging, wearables, or software as a medical device (SaMD).
Regulatory Acumen
Extensive experience navigating the global regulatory landscape, with a deep, practical understanding of FDA and international regulatory requirements.
Leadership & Management Skills
Proven ability to build, lead, and inspire large, multidisciplinary technical teams. A track record of fostering innovation and executing complex projects efficiently.
Communication Skills
Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to a wide range of audiences, from engineers to investors to clinicians.
Strategic Mindset
Strong business acumen and the ability to think strategically, translating scientific potential into tangible business value and a competitive advantage.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier executive talent. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a substantial long-term equity incentive package (stock options or RSUs).
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.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, including attendance at key industry conferences, executive coaching, and further education.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate and their family.
Work Environment
The opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art facility with a dynamic, brilliant, and passionate team dedicated to a meaningful mission.
How to Apply
This is a retained search conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary scientific leader with the experience and drive to lead a groundbreaking medical device company into its next phase of growth, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your curriculum vitae and a detailed cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive recruitment for the life sciences sector. To learn more about our expertise in this area, please visit our Medical Device & Diagnostics executive search practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application.