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Life Science Executive information

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$26.3K

$92.8K

$182.4K

How much do life science executive jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for life science executive in Virginia is $92,750.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $119,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Life Science Executive, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Life Science Executive, you need deep knowledge of the life sciences sector, strong leadership abilities, and often an advanced degree such as a PhD, MD, or MBA. Familiarity with regulatory frameworks, clinical development processes, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is typically required. Strategic vision, exceptional communication, and stakeholder management are critical soft skills for driving organizational growth and fostering innovation. These skills and qualities are vital to effectively lead teams, navigate complex regulations, and ensure sustained business success in a competitive industry.

What is the highest paying job in life science?

In the life sciences, executive roles such as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) or Chief Medical Officer (CMO) tend to be the highest paying positions, often earning six-figure salaries or more. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and advanced degrees, and they oversee research, development, or medical strategies within organizations.

What are Life Science Executives?

Life Science Executives are senior leaders who manage organizations or departments within the life sciences sector, which includes biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and related fields. They are responsible for setting strategic direction, overseeing research and development, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving business growth. These executives often have backgrounds in science, business, or medicine, and they work closely with various stakeholders including researchers, investors, and regulatory agencies. Their leadership is crucial for bringing innovative healthcare products to market and advancing scientific breakthroughs.

What jobs will be left by 2030?

Life Science Executives will continue to be essential as the industry advances, but roles involving routine laboratory tasks or manual data entry may decline due to automation and AI technologies. Skills in data analysis, biotechnology, and regulatory knowledge will remain valuable for leadership positions in the field.

What careers can I do with life science?

A life science executive typically has career options in research and development, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and regulatory affairs. They often work in labs, corporate settings, or clinical environments, utilizing skills in scientific analysis, project management, and industry regulations. Advanced degrees and industry certifications can enhance career prospects in these fields.

What can I do with my life science degree?

A life science degree prepares individuals for roles such as research scientist, laboratory technician, or quality control analyst. It often requires knowledge of laboratory techniques, data analysis, and sometimes certifications like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). Career options include healthcare, biotech, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science.

What are some common challenges faced by Life Science Executives when leading cross-functional teams?

Life Science Executives often lead diverse teams that include scientists, regulatory specialists, marketers, and business development professionals. One common challenge is aligning these varied groups toward shared strategic goals while balancing scientific innovation with regulatory compliance and commercial objectives. Effective communication and strong leadership skills are essential to bridge knowledge gaps and foster collaboration. Additionally, executives must stay agile in responding to rapid industry changes and evolving market needs, ensuring that teams remain motivated and productive.
What are the most commonly searched types of Life Science jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Life Science jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Life Science Executive jobs in Virginia? For Life Science Executive jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Life Science Executive jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Life Science Executive jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Life Science Executive jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Life Science Executive job openings:
Life Science Executive jobs near you

CEO - Life Science Startup

Workforce Genetics

Richmond, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Pioneer Connect (hybrid/remote)


Job Description

Activation Capital launched Pioneer Connect, a program designed to unite entrepreneurs, innovators, and a pipeline of commercializable technologies to increase the portfolio of durable startup life science companies in the Richmond region. This initiative seeks to (i) accelerate startup formation and (ii) create opportunities for startups to form in Richmond, whereas they otherwise might not. Pioneer Connect is designed to achieve two outcomes:

· Optimize the commercialization of regional intellectual property (IP)

· Increase the portfolio of regional life science startups to enhance the realization of key metrics, such as job creation and capital attracted.

Pioneer Connect includes a support package for startup leaders willing to locate or start companies in the Richmond area.

This incentive is implemented as an individual/employment contract service to Activation Capital – in essence, we will engage life science leaders to start a company in the region and provide deliverables and status reports as requirements to submit invoices. This is not a grant or investment.

The contract can be terminated if the leader fails to perform.

The following represent scenarios for which we think Pioneer Connect will be implemented:

· An experienced local entrepreneur is contemplating a startup life science company, and Pioneer Connect provides resources that lower barriers to company formation

· An experienced remote entrepreneur is incentivized by Pioneer Connect to start a company in Richmond

· An academic researcher interested in starting a company needs an experienced entrepreneur or operational expert,t and Pioneer Connect facilitates this relationship

· An experienced entrepreneur wants to license university IP, and Pioneer Connect enables this to occur in Richmond

Responsibilities

The Pioneer is to serve as a key operations lead on a new startup and/or technology.

Under this agreement, the Contractor will be responsible for the following:

· A reasonable dedication of time and energy to understanding the key technology and its development

· A willingness to listen to and follow guidance from Activation Capital and its associated professionals

· Providing weekly communications on progress, including monthly reports

· A commitment to pursue grants and investment funding to sustain and advance the technology

· Participating in Activation Capital sponsored acceleration programming

During the Pioneer Connect six-month support period, the Pioneer will aim to attain the following milestones:

· Negotiate a licensing agreement for technology of interest from a federal or university lab

· Register the company in Virginia, with operations based in Richmond

· Develop a commercialization plan and go-to-market strategy

· Identify non-dilutive funding opportunities and submit at least one application

· Establish connections with potential investors to secure institutional investment for future funding rounds

Additionally, the Pioneer will assume the following responsibilities:

· Define and document milestones during the support period

· Provide monthly reports on technical and administrative progress

· Pursue grants and investment funding to sustain and advance the technology

· Provide leadership as it pertains to the development of technology, staff, and company

· Maintain presence in the Richmond region for the duration of the support period

· Work diligently to retain the company in the region long term

Required Qualifications

· Ten years of experience with business operations related to a scientific enterprise

· Profit and Loss management in a corporate environment or management consulting

· Success with dilutive/non-dilutive capital attraction

· Startup or small company experience

Preferred Qualifications

· Advanced degree in science, business, or legal

· Successful exit of a startup/small business

· Network of investor contacts