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# VP of R&D – Diabetes Technology Firm – Boston, MA


 
VP of R&D (Vice President of Research & Development) – Diabetes Technology Firm
Are you a strategic innovator with a passion for advancing medical technology to improve patient lives? A cutting-edge Diabetes Technology firm in Boston, MA is seeking a Vice President of Research & Development (R&D) to lead the next generation of product innovation. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity where you will drive technology roadmap decisions, oversee product development, and accelerate breakthroughs in diabetes management solutions. If you excel at transforming ideas into commercially viable medical technologies and thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, this role is tailored for you.
Lead Breakthrough Innovation in Diabetes Care
A rapidly growing Diabetes Technology organization headquartered in Boston, MA is searching for a VP of Research & Development to lead R&D strategy, product development, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in medical devices, digital health, or diabetes care solutions, along with a strong track record of leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering products from concept to regulatory approval. If you are driven by innovation, patient outcomes, and leading transformative projects in the healthcare technology space, this is your opportunity to shape the future of diabetes management.
Key Responsibilities of the VP of R&D – Diabetes Technology Firm
R&D Strategy & Innovation:
Lead the research and development vision to advance next-generation diabetes technology solutions. As the VP of R&D, shape the product innovation roadmap, explore emerging technologies, and ensure alignment with market needs and patient outcomes.
Product Development Leadership:
Oversee the complete product lifecycle—from concept and feasibility to prototyping, testing, and commercial launch. Ensure that R&D initiatives support speed to market while maintaining quality, reliability, and clinical value.
Regulatory & Clinical Collaboration:
Coordinate closely with regulatory, clinical, and quality teams to ensure that all products meet FDA, ISO, and other medical device regulatory standards. Guide the R&D team through successful clinical validation and regulatory submissions.
Cross-Functional Partnership:
Work collaboratively with engineering, product management, manufacturing, marketing, and executive leadership to ensure seamless product execution. The VP of R&D will champion communication and alignment across departments.
Team Development & Leadership:
Build and mentor a high-performance R&D team. Establish clear priorities, encourage technical excellence, and foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Technology & Market Research:
Evaluate new technologies, scientific advancements, and competitive developments within the diabetes care and medical device industry. Identify opportunities for differentiation and long-term product viability.
Budgeting & Resource Management:
Manage R&D budgets, timelines, and resource allocation. Optimize project prioritization and ensure the efficient use of capital and technical resources.
Quality Assurance & Risk Management:
Ensure all R&D work follows strict quality standards and risk management protocols. The VP of R&D will proactively identify risks and develop mitigation strategies throughout development cycles.
Stakeholder & Partner Engagement:
Collaborate with external stakeholders, research institutions, suppliers, and strategic partners to accelerate development and drive innovation in diabetes technology.
Data-Driven Decision Making:
Use scientific research, market insights, and data analytics to support product decisions, validate concepts, and improve patient outcomes.
What the Client is Looking for in You
As the VP of R&D for a fast-growing Diabetes Technology firm, the client seeks an innovative and strategic leader with deep expertise in medical device development and diabetes care technology. You should be a visionary who can guide research initiatives, accelerate product innovation, and turn breakthrough scientific ideas into commercially successful solutions. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments, excels at cross-functional collaboration, and is highly skilled at bringing cutting-edge medical technologies to market.
Proven Leadership in Medical Devices & Digital Health
The client is looking for a VP of R&D with a strong track record of leading R&D organizations in the medical device, digital health, or diabetes technology sectors. Experience in scaling R&D teams, launching regulated medical products, and navigating complex engineering challenges is essential. You must have a history of delivering innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes and strengthen market competitiveness.
Strategic Innovator with Commercial Mindset
As the VP of R&D, you must demonstrate the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into executable product strategies. The client values leaders who understand business objectives, can prioritize the product roadmap, and accelerate development while maintaining regulatory and clinical standards. You should be able to identify growth opportunities, anticipate market shifts, and drive initiatives that position the company as a leader in diabetes care innovation.
Regulatory, Clinical, and Technical Expertise
A key requirement for this role is a deep understanding of regulatory approval pathways (FDA, ISO, MDR) and clinical development cycles. The client seeks a VP of R&D who can confidently lead clinical validation, ensure compliance, and manage risk throughout the product lifecycle. Experience with Class II/III medical devices is highly valued.
Ability to Build and Lead High-Performing R&D Teams
Leadership is at the heart of this role. You should be skilled at building multidisciplinary teams, guiding engineers and scientists, and fostering a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and accountability. The client wants a VP of R&D who can inspire collaboration and ensure alignment between R&D, product, regulatory, and executive leadership.
Data-Driven, Patient-Centric Decision Making
The ideal candidate possesses a strong analytical mindset and can use data to validate decisions and ensure product-market fit. The client values a leader who understands patient needs, integrates user feedback into the design process, and champions solutions that enhance both usability and clinical impact.
Strong Stakeholder Communication & Executive Presence
As a core member of the executive team, the VP of R&D must engage confidently with board members, investors, and strategic partners. You should be able to communicate complex technical concepts clearly, provide transparent project updates, and secure alignment at every stage of the development process.
Commitment to Quality, Compliance, and Operational Excellence
Finally, the client seeks someone who prioritizes quality, efficiency, and compliance. You should have strong experience with quality systems, documentation, and risk mitigation to ensure smooth development cycles and timely product releases.
FAQs About the Role – VP of R&D – Diabetes Technology Firm
1. What are the key responsibilities of the VP of R&D in this role?
As the VP of R&D, you will lead the research and development strategy, oversee the full product development lifecycle, and drive innovation for next-generation diabetes technology solutions. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage R&D budgets, ensure regulatory compliance (FDA, ISO, MDR), and guide products from concept to launch. Your leadership will play a critical role in improving patient outcomes and shaping the company’s competitive edge in the market.
2. What qualifications and experience are required for the VP of R&D position?
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in medical devices, digital health, or diabetes care technology—preferably in a senior R&D leadership role. A strong background in product development, regulatory processes, clinical validation, and leading multidisciplinary engineering or scientific teams is essential. An advanced degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field is preferred. Experience with Class II or Class III medical devices is highly valued.
3. What leadership qualities are essential for success as VP of R&D?
The company is seeking a visionary and strategic leader who combines technical expertise with strong business acumen. You should excel at guiding cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of innovation, and making data-driven decisions. Effective communication, the ability to translate complex technical concepts for stakeholders, and prior success in developing high-performing teams are critical leadership qualities for the VP of R&D role.
4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
As the VP of R&D, you can expect challenges related to balancing rapid product development with regulatory rigor, navigating evolving technology advancements in diabetes care, and managing competing priorities across R&D initiatives. Additionally, you will be responsible for optimizing development timelines, overcoming manufacturing or technical obstacles, and ensuring that products meet patient needs and regulatory requirements.
5. How will my work as VP of R&D impact the company and the diabetes care industry?
Your contributions will directly influence the company’s product pipeline, commercial success, and impact on patient lives. The VP of R&D will play a key role in shaping breakthrough technologies that improve diabetes management, enhance quality of life, and help the company strengthen its position as an industry innovator.
6. What is the work culture like at the organization?
The company fosters a collaborative, mission-driven, and innovation-focused culture where new ideas are encouraged, and experimentation is welcomed. As the VP of R&D, you will have the autonomy to shape the R&D environment, empower teams, and instill values of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?
As the VP of R&D at a leading Diabetes Technology firm in Boston, MA, you can expect a highly competitive executive compensation package designed to attract top-tier innovation and product development leadership talent. The remuneration for this role typically includes:
1. Base Salary
The base salary for a VP of R&D in the medical device and diabetes technology sector varies depending on company size, funding stage, and product pipeline maturity. For high-growth firms and established healthcare technology companies, the annual base salary generally ranges from $220,000 to $350,000, with larger organizations or late-stage startups potentially offering even higher compensation.
2. Performance-Based Bonuses
In addition to the base salary, the compensation package often includes annual performance-based bonuses, tied to key metrics such as product development milestones, regulatory approvals, clinical success rates, and commercial launch achievements. Bonus potential typically ranges from 20% to 50% of the base salary.
3. Equity & Stock Options
As a senior executive role, the VP of R&D is typically eligible for equity-based compensation, such as stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs). This enables long-term wealth-building and aligns leadership performance with the growth of the company and the success of its product portfolio. In rapidly scaling health-tech startups, equity packages can be a significant part of total compensation.
4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
Many companies offer long-term incentive plans linked to milestone achievements, such as FDA clearances, product launch success, or technology advancements. These incentives reward sustained performance and innovation, encouraging the VP of R&D to drive long-term research and commercialization strategy.
5. Executive Benefits & Perks
Executives in this role often receive comprehensive benefits, which may include:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plan with company contributions
Paid time off and executive leave benefits
Professional development or conference allowances
Executive wellness programs
Technology, travel, and expense reimbursement

6. Relocation Assistance & Signing Bonuses
For highly competitive VP-level hires, companies may offer signing bonuses or relocation assistance, especially when relocating to the Boston biotech hub. These incentives vary depending on the candidate’s experience and company needs.
Total Compensation Potential
When combining base salary, bonuses, equity, and long-term incentives, the total compensation package for the VP of R&D can range from $350,000 to $600,000+ annually, with additional upside depending on company growth, valuation, and product commercialization success.
How to Apply
If you are an innovative, strategic, and results-driven leader with a proven track record in medical device development, diabetes technology, or digital health, we invite you to apply for the VP of R&D position at this forward-thinking Diabetes Technology firm in Boston, MA. This is a rare opportunity to lead groundbreaking research initiatives, guide product development from concept to commercialization, and shape the future of diabetes care innovation.
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter highlighting your experience in R&D leadership, product development,
regulatory pathways (FDA/ISO), clinical trial collaboration, and leading high-performing scientific or engineering teams. Emphasize your achievements in launching new medical devices, driving technological innovation, and accelerating time-to-market strategies.
This role offers a high-impact executive opportunity where your leadership as VP of R&D will directly influence patient outcomes and shape the organization’s innovation roadmap. Apply today to take the next step in your executive career in diabetes technology and make a measurable difference in healthcare.
For more information or to explore similar executive opportunities, visit our Diabetes & Insulin Delivery Device Executive Search Firm page.
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VP of R&D | Medical Device Executive Jobs | Diabetes Technology Leadership | R&D Strategy | Product Innovation | Regulatory & Clinical Development | Boston Life Sciences | Digital Health Executive Roles