The Center for Aquaculture Technologies (CAT) develops genetic solutions for the aquaculture industry, combining biotechnology with practical breeding expertise. Its work spans fish and shrimp genetics, genome editing, and breeding programs, helping aquaculture businesses improve production value while supporting more sustainable practices. CAT’s team operates at the intersection of biotechnology, agriculture, and food production.
VP, Regulatory and Public Affairs — Aquaculture Biotechnology (United States Remote)
Lead global regulatory strategy and public affairs for CAT’s genome-editing aquaculture programs. Guide market access, stakeholder engagement, and responsible commercialization across priority markets.
Description
- Set global regulatory strategy for genome-editing and other advanced technology programs across priority markets
- Establish regulatory pathways, evidence needs, milestones, priorities, and decision points for current and future programs
- Create and deliver CAT’s public affairs strategy, covering stakeholder mapping, engagement priorities, and core messaging
- Develop trusted working relationships with regulators, policymakers, government agencies, industry groups, certification bodies, clients, and other influential stakeholders
- Represent CAT at relevant regulatory, policy, scientific, and industry forums
- Track and assess emerging regulatory frameworks, policies, and precedents
- Support transparent, credible, science-based discussion of genome editing and its responsible use in aquaculture
- Bring regulatory, market-access, and stakeholder factors into R&D, technology, and commercial decisions
- Work with Commercial and Business Development teams on market access, client adoption, and commercialization
- Counsel the CEO and executive leadership on regulatory change, policy trends, stakeholder issues, and related opportunities and risks
- Establish CAT’s regulatory intelligence and institutional knowledge, including precedents, submissions, evidence, and engagement history
- Coordinate external regulatory, legal, scientific, and public affairs specialists when jurisdictional or technical expertise is needed
- Develop a scalable Regulatory and Public Affairs function as CAT expands its technology portfolio and commercialization work
- Report initially to the CEO while collaborating closely with scientific, R&D, commercial, and executive teams
- Complete substantial domestic and international travel
Requirements
- Demonstrated senior leadership spanning scientific credibility, regulatory expertise, commercial judgment, and external stakeholder leadership
- Background 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
- Relevant academic training and professional experience in life sciences, biotechnology, genetics, aquaculture, regulatory affairs, public policy, or a related discipline
- Extensive regulatory affairs experience in biotechnology, life sciences, animal health, aquaculture, agriculture, or another highly regulated science-based sector
- Track record of creating regulatory strategies for novel or emerging technologies, preferably involving genome editing, genetics, or genomics
- Clear understanding of the progression from R&D and regulatory planning through market access and commercial adoption
- Ability to work effectively with regulators, policymakers, industry groups, clients, and other external stakeholders
- Scientific and technical expertise sufficient to engage credibly with scientists, regulators, and technical specialists
- Commercial orientation that connects regulatory planning with market opportunities, customer adoption, and business priorities
- Exceptional communication and influencing ability, including explaining complex science to technical and non-technical audiences
- Ability to collaborate across scientific, commercial, and executive teams and influence beyond formal reporting lines
- Practical, entrepreneurial working style with the ability to think strategically and contribute hands-on
- Sound judgment about when to lead internally and when to bring in specialized external expertise
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively within the United States and internationally
Benefits
- Target annual bonus of 20%