Role Overview for Operating Partner, Life Sciences with a Venture Capital Fund – San Diego, CA
Join a premier, science-driven venture capital fund at the forefront of medical innovation. Based in the vibrant life sciences hub of San Diego, CA, our firm is dedicated to building transformative companies that address the world’s most pressing healthcare challenges. We are not merely investors; we are active partners, providing deep operational expertise and strategic capital to guide our portfolio companies from concept to commercial success. Our investment philosophy is rooted in rigorous scientific diligence, a long-term vision, and a commitment to collaborative partnership. We believe that the greatest returns are generated by companies that create profound and lasting value for patients and the healthcare system as a whole.
We are currently seeking a visionary and accomplished leader to join our team as an Operating Partner for Life Sciences. This is a rare and career-defining opportunity to leverage your extensive industry experience to shape a portfolio of groundbreaking companies, mentor the next generation of biotech leaders, and drive significant financial returns while making a lasting impact on human health. The Operating Partner is a critical member of our senior leadership team, acting as the bridge between investment strategy and operational execution. You will be a hands-on builder, working shoulder-to-shoulder with founders and executives to navigate the complexities of drug development, medical device innovation, and company scaling. Unlike traditional venture roles that focus solely on deal sourcing and financial structuring, this position is deeply embedded in the operational fabric of our portfolio companies. You will be a trusted advisor, a strategic thought partner, and a catalyst for growth, helping our companies achieve critical milestones and realize their full potential.
This role requires a unique blend of scientific depth, operational savvy, and strategic acumen. The ideal candidate is a former C-level executive from the biopharmaceutical or medtech industry who has lived the challenges of building a company from the ground up. You understand what it takes to translate a scientific discovery into a commercially viable product, from navigating preclinical research and clinical trials to building a world-class team and securing strategic partnerships. Your primary objective will be to maximize the value of our investments by providing unparalleled operational support and guidance. You will be an integral part of the entire investment lifecycle, from pre-investment diligence through to a successful exit, ensuring that our portfolio companies are positioned for market leadership and transformative success.
Key Responsibilities of Operating Partner, Life Sciences with a Venture Capital Fund – San Diego, CA
The Operating Partner’s responsibilities are broad and dynamic, encompassing due diligence, portfolio management, and ecosystem leadership. You will be a player-coach, equally comfortable diving into the details of a clinical trial design as you are advising a CEO on corporate strategy or representing the fund at an industry conference.
Due Diligence and Investment Strategy
Operational Diligence
Lead comprehensive operational, scientific, and clinical diligence on potential investments. This includes pressure-testing scientific hypotheses, evaluating preclinical and clinical data, assessing manufacturing and scale-up plans (CMC), and scrutinizing regulatory and reimbursement pathways.
Team Assessment
Play a key role in evaluating the strength and capabilities of the management teams of potential portfolio companies, identifying gaps and assessing their ability to execute on their vision.
Market Analysis
Conduct deep analysis of the competitive landscape, market size, and unmet medical need to validate the investment thesis and potential for significant value creation.
Investment Committee Contribution
Prepare and present detailed operational diligence findings and risk assessments to the firm’s investment committee, providing critical insights that inform investment decisions.
Portfolio Company Value Creation
Board Leadership
Serve as a hands-on, strategic advisor and often as a Board Member or Board Observer for a select group of portfolio companies, providing governance and oversight.
Strategic Guidance
Act as a ‘first call’ for CEOs, providing guidance on corporate strategy, R&D prioritization, business development, and capital allocation.
Executive Mentorship & Team Building
Mentor senior executives within portfolio companies and assist in recruiting key C-level talent (CEO, CSO, CMO, CBO) to build world-class leadership teams.
Operational Excellence
Provide expert guidance on navigating the complex regulatory landscape, including interactions and submissions with key agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and international equivalents. Assist with clinical trial design, CRO selection, and manufacturing strategy.
Financial & Corporate Development
Support portfolio companies in preparing for subsequent financing rounds, forging strategic partnerships, and executing M&A transactions or IPOs.
Firm and Ecosystem Leadership
Network Development
Cultivate and expand the fund’s network across the global life sciences ecosystem. This includes building deep relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs), academic institutions, serial entrepreneurs, and strategic partners in the pharmaceutical and medtech industries.
Thought Leadership
Serve as an internal subject matter expert on key scientific and industry trends, helping to shape the fund’s investment thesis and strategy within the life sciences sector.
Brand Ambassadorship
Represent the fund at major industry conferences, scientific meetings, and networking events, enhancing the firm’s reputation as a premier, value-add investor in the life sciences space.
Requirements for the Operating Partner, Life Sciences with a Venture Capital Fund – San Diego, CA
We are seeking a seasoned and highly credible leader with a proven track record of building successful life sciences companies. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and attributes:
Educational Background
An advanced degree (MD, PhD, or MD/PhD) in a relevant life sciences discipline (e.g., molecular biology, pharmacology, bioengineering) is strongly preferred. An MBA is considered a significant asset.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive leadership experience within the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or medical device sectors. This must include significant time spent in a C-level operating role (e.g., CEO, President, CSO, CBO) within a venture-backed or high-growth public company.
Proven Track Record
Demonstrable success in leading companies through critical value inflection points, such as securing Series B/C financing, achieving successful Phase II/III clinical trial readouts, negotiating pivotal strategic partnerships, or executing a successful exit (IPO or M&A).
Domain Expertise
Deep scientific and clinical expertise in one or more therapeutic areas (e.g., oncology, immunology, neurology, rare diseases) or technology platforms. Experience across multiple modalities (e.g., small molecules, biologics, cell/gene therapy, medical devices) is highly desirable.
Board Experience
Prior experience serving on the Board of Directors of private or public life sciences companies is required.
Financial Acumen
Strong understanding of corporate finance, venture capital deal structures, and valuation methodologies. While you are not expected to be a financial engineer, you must be conversant in the language of venture investing.
Leadership Qualities
Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. The ability to mentor, influence, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders, from scientists to investors, is paramount.
Network
An extensive and active network of contacts within the life sciences industry, including entrepreneurs, executives, investors, and KOLs.
Location
Must be based in or willing to relocate to the greater San Diego, CA area to be an active part of the local ecosystem and the firm’s culture.
Benefits & Perks Offered
This position offers a compensation package designed to attract a top-tier industry leader. It is structured to reward both individual contribution and the overall success of the fund. The package includes:
Competitive Base Salary
An executive-level base salary commensurate with experience and industry benchmarks.
Significant Performance Bonus
A substantial annual performance-based bonus tied to personal and fund performance metrics.
Carried Interest
A significant grant of carried interest in the fund, providing a direct and meaningful stake in the long-term success of the portfolio you help build. This represents the primary long-term wealth creation opportunity.
Comprehensive Health Benefits
Premium health, dental, and vision insurance coverage for you and your dependents.
Retirement Plan
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match to support your long-term financial goals.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package for candidates moving to the San Diego area.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including company holidays, to ensure a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for attending industry conferences, continuing education, and other professional development opportunities.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive search firm retained for this prestigious appointment. We specialize in connecting exceptional leaders with transformative opportunities within high-growth industries. Due to the confidential nature of this search, we ask all interested parties to contact us directly.
To express your interest in this opportunity, please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. We encourage you to explore our expertise in Venture Capital executive search to understand our commitment to and deep experience in this sector. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion and confidentiality. We look forward to hearing from you.
