Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) – Orthopedic Implants

Are you a strategic scientific leader passionate about innovation in medical technology? We are seeking a Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) to lead cutting-edge research and development in orthopedic implants in Tallahassee, FL. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of orthopedic solutions through pioneering science, collaboration, and regulatory excellence. If you thrive in a fast-evolving clinical and commercial landscape and excel in advancing product pipelines from concept to market, this role is for you.

Drive Scientific Innovation in Orthopedic Implants

A leading medical device company in Tallahassee, FL is searching for a visionary Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) to spearhead its orthopedic implant research and innovation strategy. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in biomedical engineering or a related field, a strong understanding of FDA regulations and clinical trials, and a proven ability to translate scientific insight into commercially viable products. Join a mission-driven organization where your scientific leadership can directly improve patient outcomes and redefine standards in orthopedic care.

Key Responsibilities of the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) – Orthopedic Implants

Scientific Strategy & Innovation:
Develop and execute a long-term R&D vision focused on advancing orthopedic implant technologies. Stay ahead of scientific and clinical trends to drive innovation, guide technology roadmap development, and maintain the company’s competitive edge in the medical device industry.

Product Development Leadership:
Oversee the end-to-end research and development process, from concept ideation to clinical validation and commercialization. Collaborate with engineering, regulatory, and manufacturing teams to ensure timely and compliant product development.

Clinical & Regulatory Oversight:
Lead the design and execution of clinical trials and studies in collaboration with medical professionals and regulatory teams. Ensure adherence to FDA, ISO, and other international medical device regulations, supporting smooth regulatory approvals and market entry.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Work closely with executive leadership, product management, marketing, and operations to align scientific goals with business objectives. Provide strategic guidance on scientific matters to support corporate decisions and cross-departmental initiatives.

Talent Development & Team Management:
Build and lead a world-class scientific team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. Recruit top scientific talent and mentor teams to ensure excellence in research and development capabilities.

External Partnerships & Research Alliances:
Establish and manage relationships with key external stakeholders including academic institutions, hospitals, research partners, and industry collaborators. Leverage partnerships to enhance scientific discovery, validate product performance, and support joint innovation projects.

Intellectual Property Strategy:
Lead efforts to identify, protect, and expand the company’s intellectual property portfolio. Collaborate with legal teams to secure patents and ensure competitive positioning in the orthopedic implant space.

Scientific Communication & Advocacy:
Represent the company at scientific conferences, industry forums, and regulatory meetings. Serve as a scientific spokesperson and thought leader to promote the organization’s expertise, build credibility, and support business development efforts.

Budget & Resource Management:
Manage scientific budgets and allocate R&D resources effectively. Ensure alignment with overall corporate financial planning while driving cost-effective innovation.

Risk Management & Compliance:
Ensure that all R&D activities comply with ethical standards, regulatory requirements, and internal quality policies. Proactively identify and mitigate scientific, technical, and operational risks.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) – Orthopedic Implants, the client seeks a visionary and scientifically driven leader with the ability to transform innovative concepts into life-changing medical solutions. You should be a collaborative, results-oriented executive who can lead complex research programs, drive cross-functional strategy, and ensure regulatory and clinical excellence in the orthopedic implant space.

Proven Scientific and Technical Leadership

The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. or advanced degree in biomedical engineering, materials science, or a related field, along with significant leadership experience in medical device R&D. A successful track record of developing and commercializing orthopedic implants or other Class II/III medical devices is essential. You must demonstrate the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and navigate the complexities of regulated product development.

Innovative Thinker with Translational Focus

You must possess a deep understanding of the innovation process from discovery through to clinical application and commercialization. The client values a CSO who can bridge the gap between scientific potential and market-ready products, with a keen ability to spot emerging trends, technologies, and unmet needs in the orthopedic field.

Expertise in Clinical and Regulatory Strategy

A strong background in clinical trial design, regulatory submissions (e.g., FDA 510(k), PMA), and international compliance is required. The client seeks a leader who can ensure scientific rigor while navigating regulatory pathways efficiently to bring safe, effective, and innovative products to market.

Strategic Collaboration and Communication

The client is looking for a strategic communicator who can translate complex scientific data into clear insights for executive teams, board members, and external partners. Your ability to inspire internal teams and build trust with external stakeholders—including clinicians, researchers, and regulatory bodies—is crucial to success.

Track Record in Intellectual Property and Innovation Management

Experience in developing and managing a robust intellectual property portfolio is highly valued. You should have a history of identifying patentable innovations and working with legal teams to secure and protect competitive advantages in the marketplace.

Strong Leadership and Team Building Skills

As CSO, you will be expected to build and nurture a high-performing scientific team. The client seeks a leader who promotes a culture of curiosity, accountability, and excellence. Prior experience in hiring, mentoring, and scaling R&D teams in a growth-stage or established medtech environment is a major plus.

Commitment to Quality, Compliance, and Patient Safety

Above all, the client is looking for a scientific leader who prioritizes patient outcomes, product quality, and regulatory compliance. You must demonstrate a deep commitment to ethical practices, safety standards, and rigorous scientific integrity throughout the development process.

FAQs About the Role – Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) – Orthopedic Implants

1. What are the key responsibilities of the CSO in this role?
As the Chief Scientific Officer, you will be responsible for leading the scientific and research strategy of the organization. This includes overseeing R&D, managing clinical and regulatory processes, fostering innovation, building strategic partnerships, and ensuring alignment with the company’s commercialization goals. You’ll also play a vital role in product development, IP management, and translating scientific advancements into viable orthopedic implant solutions.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. or advanced degree in biomedical engineering, materials science, or a related discipline. You should have significant experience in medical device development—preferably with orthopedic implants—and a strong understanding of regulatory pathways such as FDA 510(k) or PMA. Proven leadership in scientific strategy, innovation, clinical research, and product commercialization is essential.

3. What leadership qualities are essential for success in this role?
The client is seeking a visionary leader with excellent communication skills, collaborative mindset, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams. You must demonstrate scientific rigor, strategic foresight, and the capacity to inspire innovation. A balance of technical expertise and business acumen is crucial, as is the ability to engage effectively with both internal stakeholders and external partners.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
You may face challenges such as navigating complex regulatory environments, managing interdisciplinary teams, and aligning long-term scientific goals with short-term commercial objectives. Ensuring product safety, maintaining R&D efficiency, and securing intellectual property protection in a competitive medtech landscape will also be key demands of the role.

5. What is the expected impact of the CSO on the company’s growth and innovation?
As CSO, you will be instrumental in shaping the company’s innovation pipeline and driving its scientific vision. Your leadership will directly impact product quality, speed-to-market, and competitive differentiation in the orthopedic implant sector. Success in this role will support the company’s expansion, investor confidence, and long-term industry positioning.

6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?
The organization promotes a collaborative, innovation-led environment where scientific excellence and patient-centric solutions are at the core. The leadership team values transparency, continuous improvement, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. As CSO, you’ll have the opportunity to cultivate a culture of scientific rigor, accountability, and impactful discovery.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) for a cutting-edge orthopedic implant company in Tallahassee, FL, you can expect a competitive and rewarding compensation package designed to attract and retain top-tier scientific leadership. The total remuneration reflects the critical role you will play in driving innovation, product development, and regulatory success.

1. Base Salary

The base salary for a CSO in the medical device and orthopedic implant sector typically ranges from $250,000 to $400,000 annually, depending on company size, funding stage, and market presence. For well-funded or fast-growing companies, this figure may be higher.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses

Annual bonuses are often tied to achieving key milestones in product development, clinical success, regulatory approvals (e.g., FDA 510(k), PMA), and innovation targets. These bonuses typically range from 20% to 50% of the base salary and may increase with performance over time.

3. Equity & Stock Options

To align leadership with long-term company success, equity-based incentives such as stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), or performance shares are often included. These can represent a significant portion of your compensation and offer upside potential as the company grows or approaches acquisition or IPO.

4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)

Some companies offer LTIPs focused on multi-year R&D milestones, commercialization outcomes, or exit events, rewarding sustained performance and scientific impact with additional cash or equity incentives.

5. Executive Benefits & Perks

As part of your executive package, you may receive comprehensive benefits such as:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plans with company match or executive retirement options
Paid time off and sabbatical options
Travel or relocation allowance
Professional development support (e.g., scientific conferences, industry memberships)
Executive wellness programs

6. Signing Bonus & Relocation Assistance

If you’re relocating or joining from a high-profile role, a signing bonus or relocation package may be included, often ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, depending on experience and negotiation.

Total Compensation Potential

When combined, the total annual compensation package—including base salary, bonuses, equity, and benefits—can range from $400,000 to over $1 million, especially in high-growth or investor-backed ventures with long-term commercialization goals.

How to Apply

If you are an innovative and visionary scientific leader with a strong background in orthopedic implants and medical device development, we encourage you to apply for the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) role based in Tallahassee, FL. This is a rare opportunity to shape the scientific direction of a pioneering company at the forefront of orthopedic innovation.

To apply, please submit your updated resume along with a detailed cover letter outlining your experience in:

Orthopedic product development and design
Regulatory strategies and FDA submissions (510(k), PMA)
Clinical research oversight and scientific innovation
Cross-functional team leadership in R&D environments
Strategic roadmap development and commercialization support

Your application should demonstrate your ability to translate cutting-edge research into real-world medical solutions, lead high-performing scientific teams, and drive breakthrough innovations in the orthopedic implant space.

This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of musculoskeletal health and medical device innovation. Apply today to advance your executive career as a Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) – Orthopedic Implants in Tallahassee, FL.

For more information or to explore similar opportunities, visit our Medical Device & Life Sciences Executive Recruitment Page.

Job Category: Orthopedic Implants

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Tallahassee

Chief Scientific Officer – Tallahassee, FL | Orthopedic Implants