Role Overview for CISO with a Global Biopharma Company – Cambridge, MA
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to identify a visionary and strategic Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for our client, a pioneering global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in the innovation hub of Cambridge, MA. This is a paramount leadership position for an individual passionate about protecting the science, data, and technology that drives the development of life-saving therapies. Our client is at the forefront of medical research, and their work directly impacts patient lives worldwide. The integrity, confidentiality, and availability of their data—from early-stage research and clinical trials to manufacturing and patient information—are of the utmost importance.
The CISO will be the senior-most executive responsible for the company’s global information security posture. This role requires a leader who can operate at both a strategic and tactical level, establishing a forward-thinking security vision while ensuring the robust, day-to-day protection of digital assets. You will be tasked with building upon and maturing a comprehensive, enterprise-wide security program that is not only compliant with stringent industry regulations but is also agile enough to counter the evolving and sophisticated threat landscape targeting the biopharma sector. Reporting directly to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and presenting regularly to the Board of Directors and executive leadership team, the CISO will serve as a trusted advisor, translating complex cybersecurity risks into actionable business insights. This is a unique opportunity to shape the security culture of a mission-driven organization and safeguard the intellectual property that forms the very foundation of its success.
Key Responsibilities of CISO with a Global Biopharma Company – Cambridge, MA
The Chief Information Security Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategy, operations, compliance, and leadership. Success in this role will be measured by the ability to create a resilient, risk-aware culture and a security framework that enables, rather than hinders, business innovation and scientific discovery.
Strategic Leadership & Program Development
Develop, implement, and continuously refine a comprehensive enterprise information security strategy and roadmap that aligns with the company’s strategic objectives, risk tolerance, and regulatory requirements. Champion the security program across all business units, including R&D, Clinical Operations, Manufacturing, and Commercial.
Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)
Establish and maintain a robust information security governance framework. Lead the enterprise-wide security risk management program, identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks across IT, OT (Operational Technology), and third-party ecosystems. Ensure and demonstrate compliance with critical regulations such as HIPAA, GDPR, and CCPA, as well as industry-specific standards like GxP (Good Laboratory/Clinical/Manufacturing Practices). Maintain and mature controls based on leading frameworks like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001/27002.
Security Operations & Incident Response
Provide executive oversight for the Security Operations Center (SOC), ensuring 24/7 monitoring, threat detection, and analysis capabilities. Lead the development and maturation of the corporate incident response plan, conducting regular tabletop exercises and simulations. Serve as the ultimate point of escalation and command during major security incidents, managing the technical response, stakeholder communication, and post-incident review to drive continuous improvement.
Threat Intelligence & Proactive Defense
Develop a proactive threat intelligence program tailored to the biopharma industry to anticipate and counter emerging threats, including those from nation-state actors targeting intellectual property. Oversee vulnerability management, penetration testing, and red/blue team exercises to test and validate the effectiveness of security controls.
Data Protection & Intellectual Property Safeguarding
Design and implement a multi-layered data protection strategy. This includes data classification, data loss prevention (DLP) technologies, advanced encryption, and access control mechanisms to protect highly sensitive research data, clinical trial information, patient data (PHI), and proprietary manufacturing processes.
Security Architecture & Engineering
Partner with IT and engineering teams to embed security into the design and operation of all systems and services (Security by Design). Provide strategic direction for securing cloud environments (AWS, Azure), network infrastructure, endpoints, and applications throughout the software development lifecycle (DevSecOps).
Team Leadership & Development
Recruit, lead, mentor, and inspire a global team of high-performing cybersecurity professionals. Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning. Develop talent and create clear career paths within the information security organization.
Budget & Vendor Management
Develop and manage the annual cybersecurity operating and capital budgets. Oversee relationships with third-party security vendors, managed service providers, and consultants, ensuring optimal value and performance.
Requirements for the CISO with a Global Biopharma Company – Cambridge, MA
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned security leader with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and regulatory complexities of the biopharmaceutical industry. They must possess a blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and exceptional leadership skills.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree (MBA or MS in Cybersecurity) is highly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in information security, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Director, VP of Security, CISO) for a global organization.
Industry Expertise
Direct, hands-on experience within the biopharmaceutical, life sciences, medical device, or a similarly highly regulated industry is mandatory. A thorough understanding of the security risks associated with R&D, clinical data, and GxP-validated systems is essential.
Technical Acumen
Demonstrated expertise across a wide range of security domains, including cloud security (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), network and infrastructure security, application security (SSDLC), identity and access management (IAM), and security operations. Experience securing both corporate IT and industrial/lab OT environments is a significant plus.
Regulatory Knowledge
In-depth knowledge of relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, including HIPAA/HITECH, GDPR, CCPA, and the validation requirements of GxP systems.
Leadership & Communication
Proven ability to lead, influence, and build consensus across all levels of an organization. Must possess executive presence and be capable of presenting complex security topics to the Board of Directors and C-suite in a clear, business-oriented manner.
Certifications
Professional security certifications such as CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), or CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) are strongly desired.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package, including:
- An attractive base salary and significant annual performance-based bonus.
- A generous long-term incentive plan with equity (RSUs/Stock Options).
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance for you and your dependents.
- A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a strong company match.
- Generous paid time off (PTO), holidays, and parental leave policies.
- A dedicated budget for professional development, conferences, and certifications.
- Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
- The opportunity to work in a dynamic, collaborative, and mission-focused environment where your work has a direct impact on global health.
How to Apply
This is a confidential search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative security leader with the requisite experience in the biopharma industry and a passion for protecting innovation, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
