Associate Consultant - R&D / Clinical Drug Development

ZS is a place where passion changes lives. As a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it, we transform ideas into impact by bringing together data, science, technology and human ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for all. Here you’ll work side‑by‑side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life‑changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers worldwide. ZSers drive impact by bringing a client‑first mentality to each and every engagement. We partner collaboratively with our clients to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver company results across critical areas of their business. Bring your curiosity for learning, bold ideas, courage and passion to drive life‑changing impact to ZS.

Strategy Insights and Planning Associate Consultant - Drug Development ZS’s Strategy Insights and Planning teams partner with clients to design and deliver solutions to help them tackle a broad range of business challenges. Our teams work on multiple projects simultaneously, leveraging advanced data analytics and problem‑solving techniques. Our recommendations and solutions are based on rigorous research and analysis underpinned by deep expertise and thought leadership.

What you’ll do:

• Leverage knowledge of Life Sciences R&D organizations, data and systems, business processes and stakeholder types to aid analyses and recommendations for strategic solution offerings.
• Have a significant direct client interaction, managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Apply advanced analytics (predictive and prescriptive) and data management knowledge on clinical data sources (both internal CDMS & CTMS and real‑world data) to provide insights for Clinical Trial Optimization.
• Represent R&D business in Clinical Trial Optimization and drive innovation, business case development, and lead user needs assessment workshops and roadmap development for existing and new opportunities.
• Build ongoing client relationships with key business users and leaders, including client presentations.
• Manage and advise the clinical needs assessment and requirements gathering process by meeting with stakeholders to define the business and functional requirements following user‑centric design best practices.
• Drive methodology and frameworks for Clinical Trial Optimization solutions.
• Advise on clinical business process enhancements based on experience/best practices, business knowledge, and gaps in current vs. future state.
• Coach the cross‑functional project team on the business perspective and data domain to inform key project decisions.
• Coach and mentor teams, conduct & develop training programs to contribute to capability building and knowledge sharing.

What you’ll bring:

• PhD or Master’s with bachelor’s degree in a Life Sciences related field.
• 2+ years experience working on R&D/Drug Development related projects in a professional work setting across consulting, CRO, or industry.
• High motivation, good work ethic, maturity and personal initiative.
• Fluency in English.
• Client‑first mentality.
• Collaborative spirit and problem‑solving approach.

How you’ll grow:

• Cross‑functional skills development & custom learning pathways.
• Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities.
• Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s‑curves, individual contribution, and role expansions.

Hybrid working model: ZS is committed to a flexible and connected way of working. ZSers are onsite at clients or ZS offices three days a week. Combined flexibility to work remotely two days a week is also available. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face‑to‑face connections.

Perks & Benefits: ZS offers a comprehensive total rewards package including health and well‑being, financial planning, annual leave, personal growth and professional development. Our robust skills development programs, multiple career progression options and internal mobility paths and collaborative culture empower you to thrive as an individual and global team member.

Travel: Travel is a requirement at ZS for client‑facing ZSers; business needs of your project and client are the priority. While some projects may be local, all client‑facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed. Travel provides opportunities to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth by working in different environments and cultures.

Considering applying? At ZS, we honour the visible and invisible elements of our identities, personal experiences, and belief systems—the ones that comprise us as individuals, shape who we are, and make us unique. We believe your personal interests, identities, and desire to learn are integral to your success here. We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. ZS is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities without regard to any class protected by applicable law.

To complete your application: Candidates must possess or be able to obtain work authorization for their intended country of employment. An online application, including a full set of transcripts (official or unofficial), is required to be considered. NO AGENCY CALLS, PLEASE.

Find out more at www.zs.com