Role Overview for Chief Scientific Officer – San Francisco, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering medical device company based in the heart of innovation, San Francisco, CA, in their search for a visionary Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). Our client is at the forefront of developing next-generation medical technologies that address critical unmet needs and significantly improve patient outcomes. This is a rare opportunity for a transformative scientific leader to join a dynamic executive team and steer the company’s research and development engine towards unprecedented success.
As the CSO, you will be the primary architect of the scientific strategy, responsible for fostering a culture of relentless innovation, scientific rigor, and operational excellence. You will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s future, from early-stage discovery and intellectual property development to clinical validation and commercial product launch. This executive leadership position demands a unique blend of deep scientific expertise, strategic business acumen, and inspirational leadership.
You will be tasked with building and mentoring a world-class R&D organization, navigating the complex regulatory landscape, and forging strategic partnerships that accelerate growth and technological advancement. If you are a passionate and proven leader in the medical device sector with a track record of bringing revolutionary products to market, we invite you to explore this career-defining role.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Scientific Officer – San Francisco, CA
The Chief Scientific Officer will have a broad and impactful range of responsibilities, overseeing the entire R&D lifecycle and ensuring the company remains a leader in medical device innovation. Your duties will include:
Strategic Scientific Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive scientific and technological roadmap that aligns with the company’s long-term business objectives. Champion a compelling vision for innovation that anticipates future trends in medicine and technology.
R&D Portfolio Management
Direct all aspects of the research and development pipeline, including discovery, preclinical research, engineering, product development, and validation. Manage the R&D budget, allocate resources effectively, and ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope.
Team Development and Mentorship
Lead, build, and inspire a high-performing, multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and researchers. Foster a collaborative, innovative, and results-oriented culture that attracts and retains top talent. Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for team members.
Regulatory Strategy and Compliance
Provide senior oversight for all regulatory submissions and interactions with global regulatory bodies. Ensure all research and development activities are conducted in strict compliance with relevant guidelines, including Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and all applicable U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and ISO standards.
Clinical Program Oversight
Collaborate with the clinical affairs team to design and execute robust clinical trial strategies that effectively demonstrate product safety and efficacy. Oversee the interpretation and publication of clinical data in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences.
Intellectual Property (IP) Management
Drive the company’s IP strategy, working closely with legal counsel to identify, protect, and expand a strong portfolio of patents, trademarks, and trade secrets that provide a sustainable competitive advantage.
External Innovation and Partnerships
Identify and cultivate strategic collaborations with academic institutions, key opinion leaders (KOLs), research organizations, and industry partners to access new technologies, enhance research capabilities, and accelerate product development.
Executive and Board Communication
Serve as the primary scientific voice for the company. Effectively communicate the R&D strategy, program progress, potential risks, and scientific findings to the executive leadership team, the Board of Directors, investors, and other key stakeholders.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work seamlessly with other executive leaders, including the heads of Commercial, Operations, and Finance, to ensure cohesive strategy and successful product commercialization. Provide scientific and technical expertise to support marketing, business development, and manufacturing activities.
Scientific and Technical Excellence
Maintain the highest standards of scientific integrity and rigor across the organization. Stay abreast of cutting-edge scientific discoveries, technological advancements, and the competitive landscape to inform strategic decisions and maintain the company’s innovative edge.
Requirements for the Chief Scientific Officer – San Francisco, CA
The ideal candidate for this position is a seasoned executive with a profound understanding of the medical device industry and a demonstrated history of successful R&D leadership. The specific qualifications we are seeking include:
Educational Background
An advanced terminal degree (Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D.) in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline, such as Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Molecular 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 10 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., VP of R&D, Senior Director) managing significant R&D functions and teams.
Product Development Track Record
Proven success in leading the development and launch of multiple innovative medical device products from concept through to regulatory approval (PMA, 510(k), De Novo) and successful commercialization.
Regulatory Expertise
Deep, hands-on knowledge of the global regulatory environment for medical devices, including extensive experience with FDA and international regulatory submissions and quality systems (e.g., ISO 13485, 21 CFR 820).
Clinical Acumen
Substantial experience in the design, execution, and management of preclinical and clinical studies for medical devices. Strong ability to critically analyze and interpret complex scientific and clinical data.
Leadership and Management Skills
Exceptional leadership capabilities with a proven ability to build, manage, and motivate large, high-performing R&D teams. Experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets and complex project portfolios is essential.
Strategic Thinking
Strong strategic and analytical skills with the ability to integrate scientific/technical knowledge with business objectives. A forward-thinking mindset capable of identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends.
Communication and Influence
Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to articulate a clear and compelling scientific vision to a wide variety of audiences, from deeply technical teams to non-technical investors and commercial partners.
Location
Ability to work on-site at the company’s headquarters in San Francisco, CA, with a willingness to travel as needed.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client believes that their success is driven by their people and is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive rewards package to attract and retain the best talent in the industry. As a key member of the executive team, you will be eligible for:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Equity Ownership
A substantial equity package (stock options or RSUs) that provides a meaningful stake in the company’s long-term success.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, along with wellness programs and a flexible spending account (FSA).
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company matching contribution.
Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid company holidays.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate and their family.
Professional Growth
Ample opportunities for professional development, including attendance at major industry conferences and leadership training programs.
Impactful Work
The opportunity to work on life-changing technology in a collaborative, mission-driven culture dedicated to improving global health.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to manage this critical search. If you are a visionary scientific leader with the experience and passion to drive innovation in the medical device industry, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Medical Device Recruiting practice page. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
