Chief Scientific Officer – CSO Job Description
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Company overview
We are an international biotech, medical device, or digital health company with headquarters in [Europe / Asia / EMEA / LatAm], and a growing presence in the United States. As we expand our scientific and clinical footprint across North America, we are seeking a mission-driven Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) to lead innovation, drive product development, and shape our long-term scientific strategy in the U.S. This executive will serve as a vital bridge between global R&D and local execution, ensuring our science translates into real-world healthcare impact.
CSO role summary
The Chief Scientific Officer will serve as the most senior science executive in the U.S., responsible for scientific leadership across preclinical and clinical programs, innovation strategy, and external partnerships. You will collaborate with global and local teams to steer scientific priorities, guide regulatory strategy, and ensure alignment between innovation and commercial objectives. The ideal candidate brings deep scientific expertise, strong leadership, and experience in regulated healthcare environments.
CSO key responsibilities
Scientific Strategy & Innovation
Define and lead the U.S. scientific strategy in alignment with global R&D priorities. Translate innovation into clinical and commercial impact.
Clinical Development & Evidence Generation
Oversee design and execution of clinical trials and real-world evidence programs to support product development, market access, and post-market surveillance.
Regulatory & Scientific Affairs
Partner with Regulatory and Quality to ensure scientific inputs into U.S. regulatory submissions (FDA, CMS) meet industry and ethical standards.
External Collaborations
Engage with KOLs, academic institutions, CROs, and strategic partners to build scientific credibility and accelerate development pipelines.
Scientific Governance
Chair scientific advisory boards and review committees. Drive ethical standards, publication strategies, and internal review of scientific data.
Cross-Functional Partnership
Work closely with the CEO, CMO, CTO, and commercial teams to align science with business priorities, product strategy, and market needs.
Talent Development
Build and mentor high-performing teams of scientists, researchers, and clinical leaders. Foster a collaborative, purpose-driven, and performance-based culture.
Candidate profile
Experience
15+ years in scientific leadership roles within biotech, medical device, diagnostics, or digital health sectors in the U.S.
Scientific Credentials
Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent in a relevant life science or clinical discipline. Proven experience in translational science and clinical research.
Regulatory Insight
Familiarity with IND, IDE, and FDA pathways for diagnostics, therapeutics, and medical technologies.
Scientific Communication
Strong publication record, conference presence, and experience engaging with academic, regulatory, and investor audiences.
Leadership Style
Strategic and visionary thinker with hands-on execution ability. Culturally agile and collaborative.
Education
Advanced scientific degree (Ph.D., M.D., or dual-degree). Additional business training (MBA, MPH) is a plus.
Company culture and leadership style
We operate with scientific rigor and commercial agility. Our U.S. team is diverse, entrepreneurial, and mission-focused. The CSO must thrive at the intersection of innovation and execution, bringing scientific leadership that advances health outcomes and business success.
Compensation and benefits
| Base Salary Range | $330,000 – $405,000 |
| Performance Bonus | Up to 40–50% of base salary |
| Equity | Stock options or long-term incentive plan |
| Benefits | Full medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) with match; CME or scientific conference reimbursement; relocation assistance if needed |
| Location | [Boston / San Diego / Remote with travel to R&D and clinical sites] |
Why the Chief Scientific Officer matters
The CSO will shape the scientific foundation of our U.S. growth. You will ensure that our innovations are not only breakthrough but also clinically validated, regulatory ready, and market aligned—helping bring life-changing solutions to patients faster.
FAQ
A Chief Scientific Officer leads scientific strategy and R&D activities. They align research projects with company goals and oversee execution of scientific workstreams.
CTO focuses on technology and product; CMO oversees medical strategies in healthcare. CSO directs scientific discovery and translational research — collaborating with CTO, CMO, and CEO.
Define scientific direction, lead research teams, oversee data generation, partnerships with academia/CROs, manage advisory boards, and ensure regulatory alignment.
Typically holds a Ph.D. or M.D., has strong publication record, translational experience, regulatory science knowledge, leadership of scientific teams, and academic or industry collaborations.