A Democrat, he served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007 from the Eleventh Norfolk District, encompassing his hometown of Dedham, Westwood, and the Eighth Precinct of Walpole.

[2] After graduating from Dedham Public Schools, the younger Coughlin earned a degree in Marine Engineering from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 1991.

In 2002, Coughlin ran for state representative from the 11th Norfolk district, defeating incumbent Maryanne Lewis in the Democratic primary and Joseph A. Pascarella in the general election.

MassBio's mission is to advance Massachusetts' leadership in the life sciences, to grow the industry, to add value to the healthcare, and to improve patient lives.

Coughlin also manages a group called Bobby's Brigade, an organization in partnership with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to raise funds to help find a cure for CF.