R&D - Strategy Associate Consultant
Within ZS, our R&D and Drug Development team helps clients accelerate scientific innovation, enhance R&D productivity and make better decisions throughout the drug development process. We combine deep scientific expertise, advanced analytics, AI, technology and consulting to help bring innovative therapies to patients faster.
As an Associate Consultant in our R&D and Drug Development team, you'll work alongside scientists, data experts and consultants to solve some of the most important challenges facing the life sciences industry.
What you'll do
- Supporting pharmaceutical and biotech clients in designing and executing R&D and drug development strategies.
- Analyzing scientific, clinical and commercial data to generate actionable insights.
- Applying data science, AI and advanced analytics techniques to support drug discovery and development decisions.
- Conducting research into disease biology, therapeutic areas, competitive landscapes and emerging technologies.
- Supporting target identification, biomarker development and translational science initiatives.
- Helping clients improve R&D operating models, processes and digital capabilities.
- Developing presentations, reports and recommendations for client stakeholders.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams of consultants, scientists, engineers and data specialists.
- Participating in client meetings and helping translate complex scientific concepts into clear business recommendations.
What you'll bring
- PhD or Master's with bachelor's degree in a scientific field
- 2-4 years' experience working within an R&D Life Sciences environment, CRO or Pharma industry within an R&D division
- Experience working with scientific, clinical or biological datasets is advantageous.
- Exposure to programming or analytics tools such as Python, R, SQL or cloud technologies is beneficial but not required.
- A collaborative mindset and desire to work in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.
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 United Kingdom , visit ZS UK 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
Skills Required
- PhD or Master's or Bachelor's degree in a scientific field (as listed)
- 2-4 years' experience in R&D, CRO, or pharma R&D division
- Experience working with scientific, clinical, or biological datasets
- Exposure to programming or analytics tools (Python, R, SQL) or cloud technologies
- Collaborative mindset and ability to work in a fast-paced, client-focused environment
- Possess or be able to obtain work authorization for intended country of employment
- Complete online application including full set of transcripts (official or unofficial)
ZS Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Parental & Family Support — ZS provides partnership with Carrot offering up to $95,000 for fertility and family planning, backup care via Bright Horizons, Milk Stork support, and 10 weeks of paid family/parental leave (with up to 16 weeks for birth mothers in some materials). This breadth stands out as a core strength across its U.S. package.
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Healthcare Strength — Health and protection offerings include full medical, dental and vision (with in-network exams 100% covered and a $300 eyewear allowance), basic life up to 3x salary, disability, long-term care at no cost, and supplemental options. These elements position core coverage as comprehensive.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — Public materials cite transgender-inclusive healthcare, HIV services, domestic partner eligibility, and LGBTQIA+ benefits guides alongside broad dependent coverage. This points to inclusive policies that extend meaningful access to diverse employee groups.
ZS Insights
What We Do
ZS is a management consulting and technology firm that partners with companies to improve 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. Founded in 1983, ZS has more than 15,000+ employees in over 40 offices worldwide.
Why Work With Us
ZS is home to passionate people who embrace innovative thinking, collaboration and a client-first mindset. Welcome to a company where new ideas are celebrated, curiosity is welcomed, learning opportunities are abundant and colleagues become lifelong connections.
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Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
The Flexible & Connected model is our ZS standard. ZSers decide where it makes the most sense for them to work each day given client or teamwork.













































































