What you'll do:- Serve as the named Discovery Client Lead (DCL) for assigned accounts, owning the client relationship, ZSD revenue, and overall account strategy
- Develop and execute account plans based on a deep understanding of the client's R&D organization, priorities, and decision-making structure
- Build trusted relationships across client stakeholders, from working-level scientists to senior R&D leaders
- Identify opportunities across the full Discovery portfolio (scientific strategy, bioinformatics, AI, data, and technology) and drive integrated growth across service lines
- Proactively connect clients with the right ZS expertise, including in areas outside your own domain, to deliver coordinated solutions
- Collaborate within the broader account structure (e.g., Client Service Leads, capability leaders) to align Discovery work with overall account strategy
- Lead and coordinate ZSD delivery teams within accounts, ensuring high-quality execution and continuity of client engagement
- Support business development efforts, including shaping opportunities, contributing to proposals, and expanding existing engagements
What you'll bring:- Advanced degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., PhD, PharmD) or equivalent applied experience in research and translational sciences
- Strong client relationship and communication skills, with the ability to engage credibly with scientific and senior stakeholders
- Experience contributing to or leading business development, including opportunity identification and proposal development
- Demonstrated cross-service orientation, identifying client needs beyond your domain and bringing in the right capabilities
- Broad familiarity with drug discovery, with depth in at least one area (e.g., bioinformatics, AI, data, scientific strategy, or technology)
- Experience leading or contributing to client-facing teams, including scaling delivery and developing team members
- Experience in a consulting firm, CRO, pharma services organization, or pharma/biotech R&D environment preferred
- 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 United States, visit ZS US 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.
