NeuroMetrix Inc. tapped the former CFO at Caliper Life Sciences to be its finances chief, effective immediately.

The Waltham, Mass.-based nerve test equipment maker said Higgins, a 30-year life sciences veteran, started at Caliper in 2005. Prior to that, he began a stint in 1998 as operations vice president and CFO at test & measurement systems provider V.I. Technologies Inc., running its plasma manufacturing business until the company sold it in 2001. He also spent 13 years at Cabot Corp., rising to president of its Distrigas of Mass. subsidiary.

Higgins replaces treasurer and acting CFO Joseph Calo, who told MassDevice he’s watched over the coffers for more than a year since taking over after Brad Smith resigned the post June 30, 2008.