Position Summary

The Head of R&D leads the company’s research and development strategy, with responsibility for advancing a strong pipeline of absorbable implant technologies from concept through commercialization and lifecycle management. This role drives product innovation, clinical and regulatory readiness, and technical execution to ensure safe, effective, compliant, and differentiated products that support the company’s growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute the R&D strategy in alignment with business priorities and commercialization goals.
• Lead the product pipeline, technology roadmap, and innovation strategy.
• Shape the clinical and scientific evidence strategy to support product adoption and long-term differentiation.
• Contribute to overall company strategy as a member of the leadership team.

Product Development

• Oversee the full product development lifecycle from concept and feasibility through verification, validation, launch, and post-market follow-up.
• Prioritize development programs to focus resources on the highest-value opportunities.
• Ensure timely, cost-effective delivery of development projects.
• Drive innovation in materials, design, manufacturing scalability, and product performance.

Clinical, Regulatory & Quality Interface

• Partner with Regulatory and Quality to ensure alignment with global requirements.
• Provide strategic and technical input to regulatory submissions, clinical evaluations, and evidence generation plans.
• Ensure effective implementation of design controls, risk management, V&V, and technical documentation.
• Provide leadership in interaction with investigators, KOLs, Scientific Advisor Board Members and external clinical partners.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Build and lead a high-performing multidisciplinary R&D and clinical affairs organization.
• Establish clear goals, performance metrics, and accountability.
• Manage R&D budgets and clinical budgets, resource allocation, and external development partners.
• Work closely with Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Commercial, and Executive leadership to support business needs and product transfer to manufacturing.

Qualifications

Education

• MSc or PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related field.

Experience

• 12+ years of experience in medical device R&D, preferably in implantable devices.
• Proven track record of leading product development from concept to commercialization.
• Experience in early-stage or growth medtech environments.
• Experience with absorbable materials, orthopedic implants, or related technologies strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with global regulatory pathways, clinical evidence generation, and design controls.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical depth in product development, materials, biomechanics, and verification/validation.
• Working knowledge of FDA, EU MDR, and related frameworks.
• Strategic thinker with strong execution focus and sound business judgment.
• Collaborative leader with strong communication and team-building skills.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-moving, resource-conscious environment.

Preferred Attributes

• Commercial mindset with a strong sense of ownership.
• Ability to balance innovation with disciplined product development.
• Experience leading through growth and change.

The ideal candidate will combine deep medtech development experience with the ability to lead innovation in a fast-growing commercialization environment and help build the next generation of absorbable implant technologies.

Location:

EU / UK / Ireland. If not based in Finland, the role requires approximately 50% travel, primarily to Finland and key collaboration locations.

Additional information:

• Application deadline: 30 April 2026
• Please note: Interviews will be conducted during the application period, and suitable candidates may be contacted before the deadline.

For further information about the role, please contact:                                                          

  Sarah van Hellenberg Hubar‑Fisher                                                                                         

  sarah.hubar-fisher@bioretec.com