Chief Scientific Officer & Technology Executive Recruitment

Helping Biopharmaceutical and Medical Device Companies Recruit Top Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) & Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Talent in the U.S.

Medical Science Discovery Accelerates – Requiring a New Type of Scientific Leader

In the past 15 years, scientific research has led to groundbreaking discoveries in life sciences. Key advancements like CRISPR-Cas9 have transformed genetic engineering, making precise gene editing possible. This has helped treat genetic disorders and improved agricultural practices.

Another breakthrough is immunotherapy for cancer, including CAR-T cell therapies. These therapies use the body’s immune system to fight cancer, providing new hope for patients. In infectious diseases, direct-acting antivirals have cured hepatitis C, reducing liver cancer and cirrhosis risks.

The development of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 also revolutionized vaccine technology, showcasing the power of fast drug discovery and development. All these breakthroughs were made possible by scientific leaders with vision and expertise.

Life Science Partner has helped recruit these leaders by finding Chief Scientific Officers (CSO) who can lead scientific research projects and guide drug development from concept to market.

Our recruitment services focus on placing qualified candidates with strong communication skills and a deep understanding of the scientific field.

Brian Berquist – Wheeler Bio Chief Development Officer

Chief Development Officer Placement at Wheeler Bio

Brian Berquist, PhD, joined Wheeler Bio as Chief Development Officer (CDO). Based in Oklahoma City, Wheeler Bio offers scalable solutions for the biotechnology industry. They specialize in speeding up the development of therapeutic antibodies.

Dr. Berquist has a PhD in Molecular Medicine and experience in process development and analytical sciences. He will lead Wheeler Bio’s efforts to enhance their product development and ensure compliance with industry standards. His strong track record of successful projects will support Wheeler Bio’s growth.

For more details, visit Brian Berquist.

The Critical Role of the Chief Scientific Officer

A Chief Scientific Officer role (CSO) is essential for shaping a company’s research and development (R&D) direction. This role involves overseeing scientific research projects, product development, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The CSO’s strategic vision helps the company move from discovery to market, ensuring drug development aligns with the latest scientific advancements.

The CSO must stay informed about new technologies, scientific trends, and market changes. By anticipating industry shifts, they keep the company competitive and adaptable. Their ability to communicate with diverse teams and industry partners is key to leading scientific research projects that advance healthcare.

Collaboration is a core part of the CSO role. They work closely with R&D teams, research organizations, and regulatory agencies to drive innovation. Effective communication skills are vital, as the CSO must explain complex ideas clearly to stakeholders. This ensures that every project supports both scientific goals and business strategies.

Hire Your Next CSO

Vice President of Preclinical Development at Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals

Doris Cully, PhD, joined Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals as Vice President of Preclinical Development. She has a strong background in biochemistry, cell biology, and cardiovascular research. At Cardioxyl, she leads drug discovery and development for novel heart failure therapies.

Dr. Cully’s experience includes roles at Merck, where she managed early drug development in the cardiovascular space. At Cardioxyl, she focuses on advancing preclinical programs and ensuring that they progress smoothly from discovery to development.

For more details, visit Doris Cully.

What to Look for in a Chief Scientific Officer or Scientific Leader

The best Chief Scientific Officers (CSOs) have a mix of technical expertise and leadership skills. Here are qualities we look as a Chief Scientific Officer recruiter:

Deep Expertise: Advanced degrees in a scientific field and a thorough understanding of the subject.
Innovative Thinking: Ability to develop new solutions and lead complex scientific research projects.
Business Acumen: Understanding of the pharmaceutical and medical device market.
Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with FDA guidelines to ensure compliance in drug development.
Funding Savvy: Skilled in securing grants, venture capital, and research partnerships.
Ethical Integrity: High standards in research to protect patient welfare.
Patient Advocacy: Committed to developing treatments that improve patient outcomes.
Communication Skills: Can explain complex ideas to diverse audiences.
Leadership Ability: Inspires teams and drives projects to success.

Vice President of Technology Development at Canary Medical

Mark Phelps, PhD, joined Canary Medical as Vice President of Technology Development. Canary Medical develops smart implants with advanced sensor systems for orthopedic and cardiovascular markets. Dr. Phelps previously led R&D for Medtronic and holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering.

In his role, he leads product development for Canary Medical’s new generation of smart implants, ensuring that all innovations meet regulatory and safety standards.

For more details, visit Mark Phelps.

Life Science Partner – Scientific Leadership for Your Company

Life Science Partner has over 30 years of experience recruiting Chief Scientific Officers (CSOs). We understand the scientific field and have built an extensive network across life sciences. Our experience helps us match qualified candidates with the right companies, ensuring a strong long-term fit.

Extensive Network and Industry Knowledge

We have strong connections with research organizations, academic institutions, and industry leaders. Our executive search is guided by strategic insights into the biopharmaceutical and medical device sectors. Founder Tom Callaway, MD, brings firsthand experience as a biotech entrepreneur, which adds to our ability to find top talent.

Strong Communication and Strategic Thinking

We excel at communicating the value of each role to potential candidates. We know how to attract scientific leaders who not only have technical expertise but also share your company’s vision.

Our recruitment process is tailored to your needs, helping you achieve both immediate and long-term goals.

The Leader in Science Leadership Recruiting

When you work with Life Science Partner, you choose a firm with a proven track record in executive search. We take a personalized approach to every search, ensuring we find leaders who align with your company’s culture and goals. This approach builds long-term success, with lower turnover and strong leadership teams.

Our recruitment services include in-depth interviews, reference checks, and thorough candidate assessments. We don’t just find someone who fits the role—we find someone who fits your vision.

With Life Science Partner, you can be confident that your company will thrive with the right scientific leadership.

Tom Callaway, founder of Life Science Partner

Vice President of Drug Development at Southern Research Institute

Andrew Penman has been appointed as Vice President of Drug Development at Southern Research Institute. He brings a wealth of experience in clinical development from roles at Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline. At Southern Research, he will oversee new therapies for a variety of diseases.

Dr. Penman’s expertise will help Southern Research accelerate drug discovery and development programs, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and advancing new therapies to market.

For more details, visit Andrew Penman.

Featured Press Releases

Brian Berquist, PhD, Joins Wheeler Bio as Chief Development Officer

November 29, 2022/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner announces the newest recruit for emerging CDMO: Wheeler Bio, a CDMO, retained Life Science Partner to recruit their Chief Development Officer to lead their process development team and accelerate their platform as a technological leader within the CDMO space. Beginning in January 2023, Brian Berquist, PhD, will lead the team in Wheeler Bio’s newstate-of-the-art […]

FDA Regulatory Leadership For Medtech/IT Convergence

August 5, 2022/0 Comments/by Tom Callaway

Life Science Partner has partnered with the FDA to recruit leaders that can create innovative pathways for early-stage companies to be better prepared for the regulatory review and clearance process. In close collaboration with Jeff Shuren, MD, JD, Head of the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) for the FDA, Life Science Partner recruited Doug […]

Chris Elliot Joins Tier One as Senior Embedded Software Engineer

March 31, 2020/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner is pleased to announce the recruitment of Chris Elliot to Tier One, where he will be a part of a team of professional design engineers as a Senior Embedded Software Engineer. Tier One is an engineering design firm consisting of top-tier, professional engineers with exceptional talent. The group provides solutions in product […]

Life Science Partner Builds Canary’s Research and Development Team

March 31, 2020/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner is pleased to announce the successful placements of Canary Medical’s Senior Research & Development team. Canary Medical is an innovative MedTech company modernizing smart implants in the orthopedic, cardiovascular, and aesthetic markets. The company integrates a sensor and microprocessor system into FDA-cleared implantable medical devices to remotely gather biometric data and transmit […]

Mark Adler, MBA Joins Canary Medical as Vice President of Product Development

January 8, 2020/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner is pleased to announce the recruitment of Mark Adler, MBA to Canary Medical, where he will serve as Vice President of Product Development. Canary Medical is an innovative medical technology company commercializing smart implants in the orthopedic, cardiovascular, and aesthetic markets. The company integrates a sensor and microprocessor system into FDA-cleared implantable […]

Mark Phelps, PhD Joins Canary Medical as Vice President of Technology Development

November 4, 2019/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner is pleased to announce the recruitment of Mark Phelps, PhD to Canary Medical, where he will serve as Vice President of Technology Development. Canary Medical is an innovative medical technology company commercializing smart implants in the orthopedic, cardiovascular, and aesthetic markets. The company integrates a sensor and microprocessor system into FDA-cleared implantable […]

Abiomed to Appoint Seth Bilazarian, M.D., New Vice President of Interventional Cardiology Programs

October 8, 2015/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

DANVERS, Mass., Oct. 08, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abiomed, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABMD), a leading provider of breakthrough heart support technologies, today announced that Seth Bilazarian, M.D. will be appointed as Vice President of Interventional Cardiology Programs, effective October 8, 2015. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Seth Bilazarian to Abiomed, where he will add a specialized interventional […]

Mark Suto joins the Southern Research Institute as Vice President of Drug Discovery

July 1, 2011/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner recruits former Vice President, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Icagen, Inc. Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Mark Suto, PhD, an experienced scientist and drug discovery executive, to the Southern Research Institute in Birmingham, Alabama. Southern Research Institute. With a focus on the discovery and advancement of new, small-molecule therapeutics from […]

Mark Adler Joins Medtronic Diabetes as Director, Research and Development, Sensors Engineering

March 1, 2011/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner recruits former Vice President of Manufacturing and Manufacturing Engineering at GluMetrics Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Mark Adler to become Director, Research and Development, Sensors Engineering for Medtronic Diabetes. Medtronic Diabetes is the world leader in insulin pump therapy and continuous glucose monitoring. In his most recent role at GluMetrics, […]

Peter Lacouture Joins Hospira as Medical Director, Pain Management

March 1, 2011/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner Recruits Pain Clinical Specialist from Purdue Pharma and Co-Founder of Magidom Discovery Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Peter Lacouture, PhD, to become Medical Director of Pain Management for Hospira. Hospira is a global specialty pharmaceutical and medication delivery company that develops, manufactures and markets products that help improve the safety, […]

Neil Schauer, PhD joins Hospira as Senior Director, Biologics Process Development

March 1, 2011/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner recruits former Director of DSP Research and Development at Millipore Corp Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Neil Schauer, PhD, a seasoned biopharmaceutical development leader and scientist, to become Senior Director, Biologics Development for Hospira’s biosimilars division. Hospira is a global specialty pharmaceutical and medication delivery company that develops, manufactures and […]

Bill Frey joins Georgia Pacific as Vice President, Business Development, Disruptive Technologies

December 10, 2010/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner recruits former President and Chief Executive Officer of Qteros Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of William (Bill) Frey, PhD, most recently President and Chief Executive Officer for Qteros, to Georgia Pacific to lead a new business development initiative on disruptive technologies across the company. In this role, Frey will be responsible […]

Seema Kumbhat, MD, joins Hospira as Medical Director, Device Development – Clinical Decision Support

November 1, 2010/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner recruits former Vice President, Medical Affairs at McKesson Provider Technologies Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Seema Kumbhat, MD to Hospira to become Medical Director, Device Development – Clinical Decision Support. Hospira is a $5 B global specialty pharmaceutical and medication delivery company based in Lake Forest, Illinois. In this new […]

Steve Walsh joins Carticept Medical as Vice President of Research and Development

March 12, 2009/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner recruits biomaterials expert to lead synthetic cartilage product development Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Steve Walsh, PhD, a senior biomaterials technology and development expert, to Carticept Medical to become Vice President, Research and Development for the company. Carticept Medical is an Atlanta-based medical device company developing novel therapies designed to […]

Gene Jung joins the Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center as Senior Director of Product Development

December 15, 2008/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner recruits Senior Cardiovascular Product Development Executive. Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Gene Jung, formerly Vice President of Engineering at ProRhythm, to the newly created Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center (GCIC) based in Cleveland, Ohio. Headquartered on the campus of The Cleveland Clinic, GCIC was launched with a $60 million grant for […]

Shubhayu Basu to join the Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center as Director of Product Development

December 15, 2008/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner recruits Innovative R&D Scientist. Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Shubhayu Basu, PhD, formerly Group Lead for New Business Ventures at Abbott Vascular, to the newly created Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center (GCIC) based in Cleveland, Ohio. The organization was launched with a $60 million grant for the State of Ohio to […]

Blaine Knight to join the Southern Research Institute as Vice President of Drug Discovery

December 1, 2007/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner recruits former Vice President, Globalization Projects and Preclinical Development for GlaxoSmithKline Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Blaine Knight, an experienced scientist and drug discovery executive, to the Southern Research Institute in Birmingham, Alabama. Southern Research Institute is an independent, not-for-profit center for scientific research providing innovative leadership in scientific discovery, […]

Mark Phelps to join LifeSync Corporation as Vice President of Research and Development

November 22, 2007/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner announces recruitment of former Senior Director, Product Development and Technology at Medtronic, Inc. Life Science Partner announces the appointment of Mark Phelps, a senior technology development leader, to LifeSync Corporation as the Vice President of Research and Development. LifeSync is an early stage medical device company focused on the continued development, marketing […]

Randy Jones joins Windy Hill Medical as Vice President, Preclinical Development

November 22, 2007/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner recruits former Vice President of Biology Services of Ricerca Biosciences Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Randy Jones, PhD, an experienced pharmaceutical development executive, to Windy Hill Medical to become Vice President, Preclinical Development. Windy Hill Medical is a California-based medical device and pharmaceutical company focused on the development of products […]

Mark Low joins the Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center as Managing Director

November 20, 2007/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner recruits Senior Leader from the Cardiovascular Medical Device Industry. Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Mark Low, a senior cardiovascular medical device executive, to the newly created Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center (GCIC) based in Cleveland, Ohio. Headquartered on the campus of The Cleveland Clinic, GCIC was launched with a $60 million […]

Sam Helgerson to join Symphony Medical, Inc. as Vice President, Research and Development

July 17, 2007/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner recruits former Senior Research Director of Bioscience Research & Development at Baxter Healthcare Corporation. Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Sam Helgerson, a senior product development leader, to Symphony Medical, Inc. as the Vice President, Research and Development. Symphony Medical is a venture-backed development stage company focused on non-destructive therapies directed […]

Jeffrey Gross, PhD, joins Angiotech Pharmaceuticals as Vice President of Engineering

July 1, 2007/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner recruits former Group Director, Biologics Research and Development of Medtronic Sofamor Danek. Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Jeffrey Gross, PhD, former Group Director of Biologics R & D at Medtronic Sofamor Danek in Memphis, Tennessee, as Vice President of Engineering. Angiotech is the world leader in the emerging field of […]

Tom Weber to join Angiotech Pharmaceuticals as Senior Director of Analytical Chemistry

January 30, 2007/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner recruits former Director, Analytical Research and Development of Celator Pharmaceuticals Corporation Life Science Partner announces the appointment of Tom Weber, a pharmaceutical R & D executive, to Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc., as the Director of Analytical Chemistry. Angiotech is a world leader in the emerging field of drug-eluting medical devices and biomaterials. With […]

Angiotech Pharmaceuticals Recruits Tim Lowinger as Vice President, Pharmaceutical Science and Chemistry

December 17, 2006/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner recruits Tim Lowinger, PhD, global leader in chemistry research and development to help propel proprietary products Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Tim Lowinger, PhD, formerly vice president, chemistry research at Bayer Healthcare, to lead Angiotech Pharmaceuticals’ newly formed division of pharmaceutical science and chemistry. Angiotech is the world leader in the […]

Angiotech Pharmaceuticals Recruits Andrew Penman to Become Vice President, Preclinical Development

November 16, 2006/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner recruits global leader in preclinical development to help accelerate product creation and add pharmaceutical expertise Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Andrew Penman, PhD, formerly president, preclinical development at Aptuit (a spin-out of Quintiles Transnational) to lead Angiotech Pharmaceuticals newly formed division of preclinical development. Angiotech is the world leader in […]

Hospira Recruits Kurt Gunter, MD, to Lead Cell Therapy Initiatives

July 6, 2006/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner recruit offers valuable experience in regulatory and commercialization strategy Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Kurt C. Gunter, MD, as medical director, cell therapy of Hospira, a Chicago area based medical products company. Hospira is a specialty pharmaceutical and medication delivery company launched from the core global hospital products business of […]

Dr. Jerry Fernandez to Join Aureon Biosciences as Senior Director of Pathology

April 17, 2006/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

To lead a team developing novel diagnostic services and products for prostate cancer patients Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Dr. Gerardo “Jerry” Javier Fernandez, an anatomic pathologist, to Aureon Biosciences. Aureon is a Yonkers, New York-based company enabling personalized patient care utilizing systems pathology to develop predictive clinical tests for cancer care, as […]

Life Science Partner Recruits Ricardo Mesa-Tejada, MD, to Clinical Leadership at Aureon Biosciences

February 5, 2006/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Founder and Director of Immunocytochemistry Laboratory at MetPath/Quest Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Dr. Ricardo Mesa-Tejada, a recognized leader in the field of anatomic pathology to become vice president, pathology, Aureon Biosciences Corporation. Aureon is a Yonkers, New York-based company enabling personalized patient care utilizing a systems pathology approach to develop predictive clinical […]

Adherex Selects Brian Huber As Chief Scientific Officer

October 15, 2004/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner connects accomplished research executive with cancer therapeutics company Life Science Partner announces the placement of Brian E. Huber, Ph.D., as chief scientific officer (CSO) at Adherex Technologies, Inc., in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. As CSO, Huber will lead a 20-person research and development team focused on the preclinical development of compounds. […]

Dennis W. Harris Joins Serologicals Executive Team as Vice President

May 10, 2004/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

To build Serologicals’ product portfolio, Life Science Partner recruits former Amersham Biotech head of North American R&D, global genomics. Life Science Partner announces the placement of Dennis W. Harris as vice president of research and development/business development and chief scientific officer at Serologicals Corporation in Norcross, Georgia. With the move, Harris becomes the senior leader […]

Proxima Hires Webster for Senior Product Development Position

March 3, 2004/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner connects experienced medical product engineer with radiation delivery systems company: Life Science Partner announces the placement of R. Michael Webster as senior director of product development at Proxima Therapeutics in Alpharetta, Georgia. In this new capacity, Webster assumes overall responsibility for the development and improvement of products based upon the company’s proprietary […]

David Enscore to Direct Product Research and Development at Altea Therapeutics

December 11, 2003/0 Comments/by Winnona Partners

Life Science Partner placement brings a record of innovation to Atlanta-based company Life Science Partner announces the placement of Dr. David J. Enscore as senior vice president, product research and development with Altea Therapeutics in Atlanta. As an integral part of Altea’s executive leadership, the 20-year industry veteran will direct pharmaceutical and clinical product development […]