R&D Director, WATCHMAN Imaging & Therapy Optimization

About the Role:  

This is an exciting opportunity to join our WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) business within our Cardiology group, as R&D Director responsible for leading the Imaging and Therapy Optimization teams. In our WATCHMAN business, we’re committed to advancing stroke prevention therapy through a one-time, minimally invasive procedure that permanently reduces stroke risk for people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.  

This leader will be accountable for the evolution of safe and efficient procedural techniques, both for stand-alone WATCHMAN procedures and for the FARAWATCH™ concomitant procedure. They will also lead the team responsible for supporting the field during the limited market release of next-generation implants and delivery systems, as well as focused field response programs. 

Additionally, this leader will define and drive the strategic vision for advanced imaging, AI-enabled imaging solutions, and workflow optimization, ensuring these innovations deliver superior outcomes and simplify procedures as our therapies are scaled globally in a variety of procedural settings. 

This role collaborates closely with key functions across the development process, including Marketing, Sales, Medical Education, Program Management, Capital Equipment, and Software Development. We seek a leader who is a procedural workflow expert and can set strategy for a team focused on training clinical efficiency and delivering insights, evidence, and knowledge to drive positive patient outcomes in the cardiology lab while leveraging that expertise to shape and advance imaging solutions.  

The ideal candidate demonstrates a passion for innovation and collaboration, while leading a global organization in pioneering optimal procedural workflows, and advancing imaging and AI solutions. This role requires significant travel to support U.S. and international field response programs and to collaborate with development teams based in the U.S. and India. 

Work mode: 

At Boston Scientific, we value collaboration and synergy. This role follows a hybrid work model requiring employees to be in one of our local offices (Maple Grove, MN, Waltham, MA, Pune, India or Montreal, Canada) at least three days per week.  

Relocation: 

Relocation assistance is available for this position at this time. 

Sponsorship: 

Boston Scientific will offer sponsorship or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this position at this time.  

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Set and communicate a strategic vision for Therapy Optimization and Imaging teams, aligning global efforts and advancing clinical workflows through innovation and efficiency.
• Lead the development and integration of advanced imaging and AI-enabled software and hardware, simplifying procedural imaging across multiple modalities (CT, fluoroscopy, ICE, TEE, and electro-anatomical mapping).
• Collaborate cross-functionally to guide Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) development and its alignment with capital equipment platforms.
• Oversee the successful development, deployment, and clinical integration of imaging capital equipment solutions.
• Drive product launches for next-generation implants, delivery systems, and workflows in partnership with Sales and Medical Education teams.
• Partner with sales leadership to identify and implement field strategies that enhance patient outcomes and procedural consistency.
• Build and maintain relationships with key physicians globally to understand unmet needs, inform development priorities, and support clinical adoption.
• Identify and lead the development of breakthrough technologies and standardized workflows that address barriers to LAAC program growth.
• Represent the function on the NPD leadership team, contributing to enterprise-level strategic planning, prioritization, and organizational alignment.
• Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing, global team of managers and cross-functional contributors to achieve team and business goals.
• Anticipate future capability needs and implement talent strategies that enable organizational readiness for emerging technologies and markets.
• Ensure compliance with global regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, DEKRA, EEO), while fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture that empowers all employees.

Required qualifications: 

• BS degree in Engineering or applicable technical field. 

• 8+ years of technical experience in the medical technology industry, with a focus on cardiovascular therapies. 

• 5+ years of experience in team or people management 

• Extensive experience engaging with physician customers both in the US and abroad, including support of clinical trials, advisory boards, case attendance, and innovation center visits. 

• Deep understanding of current and emerging LAAC workflows, imaging modalities, and associated technologies. 

• Proven track record of delivering results in global markets and demonstrating a global mindset in strategic decision-making. 

• Expert communicator with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, audience-appropriate messaging. 

• Experience collaborating with global hardware and software development teams to deliver integrated solutions. 

• Strong track record of working globally and cross-functionally across a matrix organization. 

Preferred qualifications:  

• Advance degree in Engineering, Science, or related field preferred. 

• Strong preference for someone with experience in transcatheter deliverable devices, preferably in the structural heart space 

• Recognized expert in Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) and ablation therapies, with proven experience influencing strategy and implementation at both national and global levels. 

• Extensive experience working closely with sales to be effective in the implementation of new strategies and initiatives which will require sales leadership collaboration. 

• Knowledge of hospital IT requirements for implementation of capital equipment. 

• Experience managing the implementation of products subject to IEC60601 testing.