VP, Regulatory & Public Affairs

Center For Aquaculture Technologies, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 210,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Center for Aquaculture Technologies seeks a Vice President, Regulatory & Public Affairs to build and lead our global regulatory and public affairs capability as CAT's Genome Editing programs progress toward commercialization. This is a strategic, high-visibility leadership role at the intersection of science, regulation, market access, and external affairs.

The VP will shape global regulatory strategy, engage regulators and policymakers, and help create clear pathways for responsible adoption

Job description

VP, Regulatory & Public Affairs

The Opportunity

Center for Aquaculture Technologies (CAT) is seeking a Vice President, Regulatory & Public Affairs to build and lead our global regulatory and public affairs capability as CAT's Genome Editing (GE) and other advanced technology programs progress toward commercialization.

This is a strategic and highly visible leadership role at the intersection of science, regulation, market access, commercialization and external affairs. The VP, Regulatory & Public Affairs will shape CAT's global regulatory strategy, strengthen engagement with regulators, policymakers and other key stakeholders, and help create clear pathways for the responsible adoption and commercialization of advanced technologies in aquaculture.

The role will initially report directly to the CEO and work closely with CAT's scientific, R&D, commercial and executive teams. As the commercialization of Genome Editing develops and CAT's organization evolves, the reporting structure and scope of the role may evolve accordingly. This role will involve significant domestic and international travel.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Lead CAT's global regulatory strategy for Genome Editing and other advanced technology programs across priority markets.
• Define regulatory pathways, priorities, evidence requirements, milestones and decision points for active and future programs.
• Develop and execute CAT's Public Affairs strategy, including stakeholder mapping, engagement priorities and key messages.
• Build trusted relationships with regulators, policymakers, government agencies, industry organizations, certification bodies, clients and other influential stakeholders.
• Represent CAT in relevant regulatory, policy, scientific and industry forums.
• Monitor and interpret emerging regulatory frameworks, policies and precedents, particularly where regulation of Genome Editing and other novel technologies is still evolving.
• Promote credible, transparent and science-based dialogue around Genome Editing and its responsible application in aquaculture.
• Integrate regulatory, market-access and stakeholder considerations early into CAT's R&D, technology and commercial decision-making.
• Partner with Commercial and Business Development teams to support market access, client adoption and commercialization.
• Advise the CEO and executive leadership on regulatory developments, policy trends, stakeholder considerations and associated business opportunities and risks.
• Build CAT's regulatory intelligence and institutional knowledge, including regulatory precedents, submissions, evidence and stakeholder engagement history.
• Coordinate external regulatory, legal, scientific and public-affairs expertise where jurisdiction-specific or specialist support is required.
• Build a scalable Regulatory & Public Affairs capability as CAT's technology portfolio and commercialization activities expand.
  

Compensation: The base salary range for this role is $210,000-$230,000 USD, with a target annual bonus of 20%. Actual compensation will depend on experience, skills, and qualifications.

The Candidate

We are looking for a senior leader who combines scientific credibility, regulatory expertise, commercial understanding and strong external leadership skills.

• Experience in Genome Editing, genetics and genomics, aquaculture, biotechnology, animal breeding, novel technology regulation, market access, government or public affairs, international regulatory strategy, or stakeholder engagement would be particularly valuable.
• Relevant education and professional experience in life sciences, biotechnology, genetics, aquaculture, regulatory affairs, public policy, or a related field.
• Significant experience in regulatory affairs within biotechnology, life sciences, animal health, aquaculture, agriculture or another highly regulated science-based industry.
• Experience developing regulatory strategies for novel or emerging technologies, ideally involving Genome Editing, genetics or genomics.
• Strong understanding of the pathway from R&D and regulatory strategy through market access to commercial adoption.
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with regulators, policymakers, industry organizations, clients and other external stakeholders.
• Sufficient scientific and technical depth to engage credibly with scientists, regulators and technical experts.
• A strong commercial mindset, connecting regulatory strategy with market opportunities, client adoption and business priorities.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, including the ability to translate complex science into clear and credible messages for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work across scientific, commercial and executive functions and influence without relying solely on formal authority.
• A pragmatic, entrepreneurial approach - able to operate strategically while remaining hands-on when required.
• Strong judgment regarding when to lead internally and when to engage specialist external expertise.
• Willingness and ability to undertake significant domestic and international travel.