Associate Principal/Principal Qualitative Research, Patient Centered Solutions

Within PCS, the Qualitative Research Specialty (QRS) delivers scientifically rigorous qualitative research to inform clinical development, regulatory strategy, and healthcare decision‑making. We are seeking an Associate Principal / Principal to join the QRS team, based in the UK or Europe, with flexibility for remote or hybrid working. This role blends scientific leadership, consulting delivery, and people development. The exact level (Associate Principal or Principal) will depend on experience and demonstrated leadership scope.

The role is positioned between project‑level scientific leadership and broader practice‑level contribution, with increasing responsibility for client leadership, methodological excellence, business development support, and capability building across the qualitative community. The role has a particular emphasis on generating and applying patient experience data to inform COA development, evaluation, and use within clinical and regulatory contexts.

Key Responsibilities

• Scientific & Consulting Leadership: Act as a subject matter expert in qualitative research, providing expert guidance on study design, methodological approaches, and interpretation of patient experience data, translating findings into evidence that informs COA strategy, endpoint development, and broader clinical and commercial decision‑making across a portfolio of projects spanning in‑trial settings, observational studies, and standalone research programmes. Lead the design, execution, and delivery of high‑quality qualitative research, including examining burden of disease, evaluating content validity of PROs and other COAs, and the development or modification of COA measures, ensuring scientific rigour, methodological appropriateness, and alignment with regulatory, publication, and client expectations. Identify, evaluate, and apply innovative qualitative methods, including AI‑enabled approaches, to enhance study design, data collection, and analysis while maintaining scientific rigour. Lead the review and testing of emerging qualitative research and analysis methods and contribute to the evidence base for their use at PCS. Provide senior scientific input into qualitative analysis plans, interpretation of patient experience data, and development of reports and client‑facing deliverables.
• Project & Client Management: Act as a trusted scientific and strategic advisor to clients, contributing to discussions on research design, patient‑centred endpoints, and evidence needs. Take ownership for overall project quality, delivery, and client satisfaction, ensuring projects remain on track and aligned with scope, timelines, and objectives. Lead or oversee multiple qualitative consulting projects, ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and to budget. Serve as a primary or senior point of contact for clients, building strong, long‑term relationships through meetings, workshops, and ongoing collaboration. Anticipate project risks and proactively resolve issues, escalating as needed while maintaining client confidence. Support proposal development, including methodological input, budgeting, timelines, and bid integrity.
• Practice Development & Business Growth: Identify opportunities for follow‑on work, methodological innovation (including the scaling of innovative and AI‑enabled qualitative approaches), and expansion of qualitative service offerings within PCS. Contribute to thought leadership, including development of best practices, internal guidance, and externally facing scientific content. Support business development activities by providing subject‑matter expertise and mentoring others in client and proposal engagement.
• Quality, Standards & Capability Building: Contribute to the development, refinement, and implementation of qualitative research standards, templates, SOPs, and training materials. Oversee and contribute to the qualification and ongoing development of qualitative researchers, including assessment of interview moderators. Support consistency and quality across qualitative projects, working collaboratively with global qualitative leaders. Provide scientific review and guidance to ensure best practice in qualitative data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• People Development & Collaboration: Mentor and coach junior and mid‑level staff, providing scientific guidance, project oversight, and developmental feedback. Line manage and formally coach a small number of staff, supporting their scientific development, performance, and career progression, depending on level and business need. Actively contribute to the global PCS qualitative community, supporting recruitment, onboarding, and knowledge‑sharing initiatives. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performing team culture across geographies.

About You

Essential Qualifications & Experience: PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., psychology, anthropology, sociology, public health, health sciences) or a Master’s degree with substantial consulting or additional experience. 5-8 years professional experience in consulting within the pharmaceutical industry. Demonstrated expertise in designing, conducting, and analysing qualitative research in healthcare settings. Familiar with designing and leading qualitative research consistent with Patient‑Focused Drug Development guidance published by the US FDA. Experience working in roles generating or communicating robust clinical data suitable for submission to regulatory bodies, payers or for publication; including exposure to the development and validation of COAs. Experience using qualitative data analysis software (e.g., ATLAS.ti, MAXQDA, NVivo) to support efficient and rigorous coding, analysis and management of qualitative data. Experience working in consulting or a CRO environment, managing multiple complex projects and senior client stakeholders. Strong understanding of qualitative methods, analytical approaches, and reporting standards suitable for regulatory, payer, or publication contexts. Demonstrable analytical, interpretative, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to learn quickly, adapt, and apply new knowledge. Strong capability in juggling priorities so that deadlines are met while retaining consistently high‑quality outcomes. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including client presentations, workshops, and scientific writing. Ability to manage and collaborate with individuals at all levels within the organization and build relationships while working remotely.

Desirable Experience (depending on level): Experience contributing to regulatory‑focused research (e.g., clinical trials, endpoint development, patient experience studies). Track record of publications, abstracts, or conference presentations. Experience with cross‑cultural or multilingual research design. Experience contributing to proposal development and business growth. Formal people management or coaching experience.

Core Competencies: Scientific curiosity and commitment to methodological excellence. Strong project and stakeholder management skills. Ability to translate complex qualitative insights into clear, actionable narratives for clients. Collaborative mindset with the confidence to provide senior‑level input and challenge constructively. Excellent organizational skills and ability to balance competing priorities. Strong client focus, including the ability to lead senior discussions to uncover underlying needs, shape strategic research approaches, and support the growth of client accounts. Execution excellence, with accountability for high‑quality, on‑time delivery, proactive risk mitigation and oversight of project delivery. People leadership, demonstrated through mentoring, coaching, and supporting the development of qualitative researchers.

Practical Details: Location: UK or Europe. Working model: Remote or hybrid (office/home‑based). Travel: Occasional travel expected. Language: Fluency in English (spoken and written). Eligibility: Right to live and work in the recruiting country.