Consulting Principal - Life Sciences, R&D

About the role

Cognizant Consulting is a global community of 5,000+ experts dedicated to helping clients reimagine their business. As a Consulting Principal in Life Sciences - R&D, you will lead strategic transformation engagements across the end-to-end research and development value chain for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and CRO clients. You will work collaboratively with senior client stakeholders, account leadership, and cross-functional consulting and technology teams to deliver measurable business outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Advising clients on improving clinical trial productivity, patient recruitment, site performance, and monitoring effectiveness.
• Designing and implementing future-ready operating models incorporating decentralized trials, risk-based monitoring, and intelligent clinical operations.
• Identifying and assessing opportunities to leverage AI, advanced analytics, and digital platforms to accelerate clinical development.
• Engagement Leadership & Delivery: Managing end-to-end consulting engagements, including problem structuring, solution design, delivery governance, and value realization. Leading multidisciplinary teams of consultants, domain specialists, and technology experts. Ensuring delivery excellence through structured methodologies, robust program management, and proactive risk mitigation.
• Presenting insights, analyses, and recommendations to senior client stakeholders and executive leadership.
• Business Development & Account Expansion: Identifying and developing consulting opportunities across pharmaceutical sponsors, biotechnology companies, and CROs. Leading proposal development, solution positioning, and client presentations for strategic consulting pursuits. Partnering with account teams to expand the consulting footprint across clinical operations, data strategy, and digital clinical platforms.
• Thought Leadership & Practice Development: Developing consulting frameworks and reusable assets related to clinical trial transformation and digital innovation. Producing thought leadership on emerging industry trends and topics. Representing the firm at industry forums, client roundtables, and innovation workshops.
• Talent Development: Mentoring consultants and managers to build clinical trial domain expertise and consulting capabilities. Fostering a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and client impact. Supporting the recruitment, onboarding, and development of Life Sciences consulting talent.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Medicine, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• 14–18 years of professional experience, including consulting or industry experience within pharmaceutical or CRO R&D.
• Demonstrated expertise in R&D transformation and associated digital initiatives.
• Proven track record leading complex consulting engagements and supporting business development activities.
• Strong executive communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Experience with R&D operational excellence and transformation programs.
• Exposure to AI, data, and digital innovation within Life Sciences R&D.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance and GxP environments.
• Experience developing consulting assets, methodologies, or thought leadership.
• Prior experience leading or mentoring consulting teams.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• 17 paid holidays plus Paid Time Off.
• 401(k) plan and contributions.
• Long-term/Short-term Disability.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Pay

The annual salary for this position is between $122,400 - $194,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.

Schedule

This is a hybrid position requiring 2-3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office. Based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and organizational needs, the working arrangements for this role may change. However, we will always be clear about role expectations.