Senior Research Associate

Syneos Health® is a leading fully-integrated life sciences services organization built to accelerate customer success. We partner with innovators at every point across the drug development and commercialization continuum, helping them navigate complexity, anticipate change and accelerate progress. Our Clinical Solutions team members act with a drug development mindset, applying their years of experience and deep expertise to truly understand customer needs and represent those in the solutions we shape.

About the role

The Research Associate/Senior Research Associate, Real World Evidence (RWE) is part of the global Real World & Late Phase (RWLP) Business Unit, supporting the generation of real-world evidence and patient outcomes evidence across the drug development lifecycle. In this role, you will contribute to and/or lead real-world research initiatives that inform clinical strategy, regulatory engagement, and market access decisions for life sciences clients. This position is well suited to professionals seeking meaningful exposure to or to deepen their expertise in evidence generation within a collaborative, well-supported team environment that values high-quality work and sustainable performance.

Location: US or Canada (Hybrid/Remote)

Responsibilities

• Contribute to study design and methodology development
• Develop innovative approaches, frameworks and solutions to client problems
• Deliver project outputs that meet established quality standards, timelines, and budget requirements
• Conduct structured literature reviews and targeted secondary research to support RWE initiatives
• Participate in qualitative research activities, including patient interviews, to generate actionable healthcare insights
• Analyze and interpret qualitative and quantitative ‘real-world’ data for deliverables
• Conduct workshops and moderate discussions
• Present results to external clients
• Contribute to the development of:
  • Study protocols
  • Technical reports
  • Manuscripts and scientific posters
  • Client presentations
• Develop and format materials using PowerPoint, Word, and Excel
• Summarize and synthesize complex clinical and outcomes data into clear, structured findings
• Support retrospective and prospective real-world studies under senior guidance
• Demonstrate openness to leveraging emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to improve efficiency, analytical rigor, and personal productivity

Requirements

• Master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, health sciences, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• 1–2 years (Research Associate), or 2+ years (Senior Research Associate) of relevant experience within the life sciences industry (e.g., HEOR, RWE, clinical research, pharmaceutical industry, healthcare consulting, or academia)
• Foundational understanding of real-world research methodologies and study design
• Overall understanding of the drug development lifecycle
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Working knowledge of statistical software (e.g., SAS, R, Stata, or similar)
• Business-level conversational English (written and spoken)

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant discipline
• Academic or industry research experience
• Conducting analyses in databases and/or registries

Skills

• Clear and professional communication skills
• Strong teamwork and collaboration
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a structured, deadline-driven environment
• Intellectual curiosity and commitment to continuous improvement, including adoption of new technologies
• Willingness to travel (~10%)

Work Environment

As part of a global RWLP team, you will work within an international, cross-functional environment with access to experienced mentors and structured development opportunities. Our hybrid model offers flexibility, and our team culture emphasizes high standards, collaboration, and sustainable performance to support long-term career growth in the life sciences industry.