Decision Analytics Associate Consultant - Commercial Analytics +AI engineering

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.
Insights & Analytics
ZS's Insights & Analytics group partners 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.
The role
A hands-on build-and-analyze role. You own modules within AI-enabled analytics products and independently deliver core commercial analytics workstreams for the same client teams. Expect roughly a 50/50 split between AI engineering and core analytics, flexing with the release cycle. You work under a Consultant, guide Associates on your modules, and interact directly with client analysts and product owners.
This is not a pure AI/ML engineering role. You will be staffed across build and analytics work for the same client depending on demand. Both halves are required.
What You'll Do

• AI & analytics engineering (~50%)
  
  • Build and maintain pipeline components on Databricks: Delta transformations, metric views, signal-detection logic, LLM narrative steps, app-facing data contracts.
  • Implement agent tools, prompts and context assets on an agent SDK (Claude Agent SDK or equivalent); write the unit and regression tests that go with them.
  • Run evaluation harnesses: score LLM outputs against rubrics, triage failures, log defects, propose fixes.
  • Implement data-layer guardrails (governed tables, scope-controlling joins) and KPI canonicalization in code.
  • Support SIT/UAT: test cases, evidence capture, defect lifecycle in JIRA.
  
  Core commercial analytics (~50%)
  
  • Deliver analyses across client functions - commercial, medical, market access, clinical development, enterprise operations - under Consultant direction, from data pull to insight.
  • Apply the appropriate method - descriptive and diagnostic analysis, cohorts, segmentation, forecasting basics, test-and-control - and explain why it fits.
  • Work hands-on with varied data: syndicated and patient-level real-world data, clinical and trial data, engagement and CRM data, payer, operational and financial data.
  • QC your own work - reconciliation to source, benchmark and sanity checks - and turn analysis into clear slides and written summaries for client review.
  
  Team
  
  • Guide 1-2 Associates on module-level work; review their code and outputs.
  • Own status and blockers for your modules; escalate early.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's or master's degree required in any discipline with strong record of academic success in quantitative and analytic coursework such as operations research, applied mathematics, management science, data science, statistics, econometrics or engineering.
• 2-5 years of relevant post-collegiate job experience. A PhD may substitute in lieu of work experience.
• SQL - strong. Window functions, cohort logic, joins across large tables.
• Python - strong. pandas/PySpark, functions and modules, tests, Git.
• LLM application hands-on - Prompt and context engineering, RAG or tool calling; at least one application built end to end with a documented evaluation approach. Agent frameworks (Claude Agent SDK, LangGraph) a plus.
• Applied analytics - translating business questions into analysis with QC: descriptive and diagnostic analysis, cohorts, segmentation, test-and-control, forecasting basics. Life-sciences or healthcare data experience preferred - any function; exposure to real-world data (claims, EHR), clinical/trial or engagement data a plus.
• Clear written summaries and slides; comfortable presenting your own work to clients.
• Delivers modules end to end; asks the right questions early.
• Fluency in English
• Client-first mentality
• Intense work ethic
• 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

Perks & Benefits:
At ZS, your growth matters. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that supports your health and well-being, financial future, time away, and professional development. With robust skills-building programs, multiple career progression paths, internal mobility, and a deeply collaborative culture, you'll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, expand your capabilities, and thrive as part of a global community. For details on total rewards in India , visit ZS India office locations | Where we work | ZS .
Hybrid working model:
We are committed to giving our employees a flexible and connected way of working. A flexible and connected ZS allows us to combine work from home and on-site presence at clients/ZS offices for the majority of our week. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face-to-face connections.
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 honor 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. Learn more about our inclusion and belonging efforts and the networks ZS supports to assist our ZSers in cultivating community spaces and obtaining the resources they need to thrive.
If you're eager to grow, contribute, and bring your unique self to our work, we encourage you to apply.
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 on-line 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