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# VP of Clinical Development – Digital Surgery Innovator – Redwood City, CA


 
VP of Clinical Development – Digital Surgery Innovator
Are you an experienced clinical development leader with a passion for transforming surgical care through advanced technologies? We are seeking a Vice President of Clinical Development to join a cutting-edge Digital Surgery innovator based in Redwood City, CA. This is an exceptional opportunity to guide clinical strategy, shape evidence generation, and accelerate the adoption of next-generation surgical solutions. If you thrive at the intersection of clinical science, innovation, and strategic leadership, this role is designed for you.
Drive Clinical Excellence in a Leading Digital Surgery Company
A pioneering Digital Surgery company in Redwood City, CA is looking for a VP of Clinical Development to lead its clinical vision and execution. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in clinical research, regulatory pathways, and data-driven decision-making. With a focus on surgical robotics, AI-enabled tools, and cutting-edge digital platforms, this role offers the chance to impact patient outcomes on a global scale. If you excel in building clinical programs that support innovation, safety, and commercialization, this is your opportunity to make a defining contribution to the future of surgery.
Key Responsibilities of the VP of Clinical Development – Digital Surgery Innovator
Clinical Strategy & Leadership
Develop and lead the clinical development strategy for next-generation digital surgery solutions. Define evidence-generation plans, oversee clinical roadmaps, and align clinical initiatives with regulatory, scientific, and commercial goals. Provide strategic direction to ensure product readiness and clinical success.
Clinical Trials & Evidence Generation
Oversee the design, planning, and execution of clinical trials, pilot studies, and post-market research. Ensure scientifically sound protocols, robust data collection, and timely study completion. Partner with investigators, clinical research organizations (CROs), and research sites to support high-quality outcomes.
Regulatory Collaboration & Compliance
Work closely with regulatory affairs teams to support FDA submissions, CE markings, and global regulatory pathways. Ensure clinical programs meet ethical standards, GCP guidelines, and all regulatory requirements across domestic and international markets.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with R&D, Medical Affairs, Marketing, and Commercial teams to ensure clinical insights support product development, user adoption, and market positioning. Provide key clinical input to engineering teams to improve device performance and usability.
KOL Engagement & Clinical Partnerships
Build and nurture strategic relationships with key opinion leaders, surgeons, hospitals, and academic partners. Facilitate advisory boards, surgeon panels, and clinical collaborations that support innovation and drive market credibility.
Data Interpretation & Scientific Communication
Lead the interpretation of clinical data and communicate findings to internal teams, external stakeholders, and regulatory bodies. Oversee the development of clinical publications, presentations, abstracts, and scientific reports.
Team Leadership & Development
Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing clinical development team. Foster a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, and accountability. Ensure team alignment with company mission and product development goals.
Risk Management & Patient Safety
Identify potential clinical risks and establish mitigation strategies. Ensure patient safety is prioritized across all studies and that product claims remain scientifically grounded and ethically justified.
Budgeting & Resource Allocation
Manage clinical development budgets, timelines, and resources. Optimize spending, negotiate vendor contracts, and ensure efficient execution of all clinical initiatives.
What the Client is Looking for in You
As the VP of Clinical Development for a leading Digital Surgery Innovator, the client is seeking a highly strategic, scientifically driven clinical leader who can guide the future of surgical technology. You should have deep clinical research expertise, a strong background in medical devices or digital surgery, and the ability to translate clinical insights into successful product outcomes.
Proven Expertise in Clinical Development & Medical Devices
The client is looking for an experienced executive with a strong track record in clinical development within medical devices, digital health, surgical robotics, or related fields. You should have extensive experience designing and managing clinical trials, supporting regulatory submissions, and driving evidence generation to support commercialization.
Strategic Clinical Thinker with Vision
You must demonstrate the ability to create and execute long-term clinical strategies that align with product innovation and market needs. The ideal candidate will anticipate clinical, regulatory, and surgical trends while ensuring the company remains at the forefront of digital surgery advancements.
Strong Regulatory Understanding
Experience working closely with FDA, international regulatory bodies, and navigating clinical requirements for Class II/III medical devices is essential. You should bring a strong understanding of GCP, ISO standards, and regulatory pathways.
Exceptional Leadership & Team-Building Skills
The client wants a leader who can build and inspire clinical teams, foster a collaborative culture, and guide cross-functional alignment. Experience managing clinical operations, scientific communication, and KOL engagement is highly valued.
Surgical & Clinical Workflow Understanding
A deep understanding of operating room environments, surgical workflows, and the needs of surgeons is critical. You should be able to translate clinical insights into actionable improvements that enhance product adoption and usability.
Data-Driven Decision Making
The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, and highly skilled in interpreting clinical data. Your ability to communicate complex findings clearly to internal and external stakeholders will play a key role in product success.
Relationship Management & External Representation
The client seeks someone who can effectively collaborate with surgeons, hospitals, research organizations, and key opinion leaders. Strong communication, credibility, and relationship-building skills are essential.
FAQs About the Role – VP of Clinical Development – Digital Surgery Innovator
1. What are the key responsibilities of the VP of Clinical Development in this role?
You will oversee the clinical development strategy, design and manage clinical trials, support regulatory submissions, and lead evidence-generation for digital surgery technologies. You will also collaborate with cross-functional teams, engage with key opinion leaders, manage clinical teams, and ensure compliance with global clinical standards.
2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate has extensive experience in clinical development within medical devices, surgical robotics, digital surgery, or related fields. Strong knowledge of clinical trial design, regulatory pathways, and evidence generation is essential. Experience supporting FDA submissions, leading cross-functional teams, and managing clinical operations is highly valued. A scientific or medical degree is preferred; an advanced degree is a plus.
3. What leadership qualities are important for success in this role?
The role requires a strategic thinker with strong decision-making skills, the ability to mentor teams, and excellent communication abilities. You should be capable of leading complex clinical programs, fostering innovation, and working collaboratively across R&D, regulatory, and commercial teams.
4. What challenges can I expect in this VP-level role?
Challenges may include navigating evolving regulatory expectations, managing complex clinical trials, ensuring rapid yet compliant evidence generation, and balancing scientific rigor with commercial timelines. Driving surgeon adoption and ensuring clinical differentiation in a competitive digital surgery market will also be key challenges.
5. What is the expected impact of the VP of Clinical Development on the company’s growth?
Your leadership will directly influence product approvals, surgical adoption, market credibility, and overall business success. By delivering robust clinical evidence and guiding product strategy, you will play a central role in shaping the company’s reputation as a leader in digital surgery innovation.
6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?
The company offers a fast-paced, mission-driven, and innovation-focused culture. Collaboration, scientific integrity, and patient-centric decision-making are core values. You will work closely with cross-functional partners to help develop breakthrough technologies that transform surgical care.
What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?
As the VP of Clinical Development for a leading Digital Surgery Innovator in Redwood City, CA, you can expect a highly competitive executive compensation package designed to attract exceptional clinical and scientific leadership talent. The remuneration for this role typically includes the following:
1. Base Salary
The base salary for a VP of Clinical Development in the medical device and digital surgery space generally ranges from $250,000 to $350,000 annually, depending on company size, funding stage, and scope of responsibilities. Established and well-funded companies may offer even higher ranges.
2. Performance-Based Bonuses
In addition to base salary, executives in this role often receive annual performance bonuses tied to key clinical milestones, regulatory progress, trial outcomes, product launches, and overall business performance. These bonuses commonly range from 20% to 50% of base salary, depending on achievement of established goals.
3. Equity & Stock Options
Most digital surgery and medical technology companies offer equity-based incentives such as stock options, RSUs, or performance shares. This aligns your contributions with long-term company success and can represent a significant portion of total compensation—especially in high-growth, innovation-focused organizations.
4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
Some companies offer LTIPs such as milestone-based equity vesting, long-term cash incentives, or multi-year performance rewards. These programs ensure clinical and scientific leadership remains aligned with the company’s long-term regulatory and commercial objectives.
5. Executive Benefits & Perks
You can expect a comprehensive suite of executive-level benefits, which may include:

Premium health, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) plans with company matching
Executive wellness and travel benefits
Paid time off and flexible work arrangements
Professional development allowances
Company-covered conference travel for scientific or regulatory events

6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Support
Depending on candidate experience and urgency of the hire, the company may offer signing bonuses or relocation assistance. These incentives may range from $20,000 to $100,000, especially for candidates moving from outside the Bay Area.
Total Compensation Potential
When combining base salary, bonuses, equity, and long-term incentives, total compensation for a VP of Clinical Development in the digital surgery sector can range from $350,000 to over $600,000 annually, with substantial upside tied to equity growth—particularly in innovative, fast-scaling surgical technology companies.
How to Apply
If you are a visionary clinical leader with deep expertise in medical devices, clinical trials, and evidence generation, we invite you to apply for the VP of Clinical Development – Digital Surgery Innovator role based in Redwood City, CA. This is a rare opportunity to shape clinical strategy, drive innovation in surgical technology, and play a pivotal role in bringing groundbreaking digital surgery solutions to market.
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter highlighting your experience in:

Clinical trial design and execution
Regulatory collaboration (FDA, CE, global markets)
Medical device or digital surgery innovation
Evidence generation and scientific communication
Team leadership and cross-functional collaboration
KOL engagement and clinical partnerships

Be sure to showcase your contributions to successful clinical programs, your understanding of surgical workflows, and your track record of driving clinical and regulatory impact.
This role offers a high-impact opportunity to advance the future of surgery and improve patient outcomes through cutting-edge technology. Apply today to take the next step in your executive career as a VP of Clinical Development in one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving fields in healthcare.
For more information or to explore similar opportunities, visit our Surgical Robotics Executive Search Firm Page.
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VP of Clinical Development | Clinical Development Jobs | Medical Device Leadership | Digital Surgery Executive Jobs | Surgical Robotics Careers | Clinical Strategy | FDA Clinical Trials | Evidence Generation | Medical Device Executive Recruiters | Clinical Affairs Leadership