What You'll Do: Partner with cross-functional ZS and client teams to design and deliver impactful qualitative research that addresses complex challenges across
clinical development, clinical trials, and the patient experience. Bring deep methodological expertise and a patient-centered perspective to help clients make informed decisions throughout the clinical trial lifecycle.
- Drive qualitative research excellence across the clinical trial lifecycle, bringing methodological expertise to inform trial design, protocol feasibility, patient burden, recruitment, enrollment, retention, and overall trial experience.
- Design and execute fit-for-purpose qualitative research using a range of methodologies, including in-depth interviews, focus groups, advisory boards, ethnography, and other innovative approaches.
- Develop tailored research frameworks and materials, including discussion guides and interview protocols, to uncover meaningful insights from patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals (HCPs), investigators, and clinical trial stakeholders.
- Lead and moderate complex qualitative discussions across diverse stakeholder groups, navigating sensitive healthcare topics with empathy, curiosity, and methodological rigor.
- Serves as a strategic thought partner by synthesizing complex qualitative findings into compelling insights, strategic implications, and actionable recommendations that inform clinical development and trial-related decisions.
- Provide methodological leadership and quality oversight, advising teams on best practices in qualitative research design, moderation, analysis, and insight generation.
- Build qualitative research capabilities across ZS through coaching, knowledge sharing, and the advancement of best-in-class approaches for clinical development research.
- Support business development and client engagement, helping identify opportunities, shape research strategies, and develop compelling qualitative research proposals.
- Drive innovation in qualitative research, contributing to the development of new methodologies, frameworks, and thought leadership that advance patient-centered clinical research.
What You'll Bring- 7+ years of progressive qualitative research experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, clinical research, or broader healthcare industry, including meaningful experience supporting clinical trials or clinical development.
- Strong understanding of the clinical development landscape, including the clinical trial lifecycle, patient and site experiences, and key challenges related to trial design, feasibility, recruitment, enrollment, and retention.
- Demonstrated expertise conducting qualitative research with patients, caregivers, HCPs, investigators, clinical trial site personnel, and other healthcare stakeholders.
- Deep methodological expertise across qualitative research design, discussion guide development, moderation, analysis, synthesis, and insight generation.
- Extensive hands-on moderation experience, including in-depth interviews, focus groups, and other qualitative approaches, with the ability to navigate complex, nuanced, or sensitive healthcare discussions.
- Proven ability to translate research into strategic impact, connecting qualitative insights to practical recommendations that inform clinical development strategies and patient-centered trial design.
- Strong consulting, client management, and collaboration skills, with experience partnering across multiple project teams, managing qualitative research workstreams, and communicating effectively with senior stakeholders.
- Excellent communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to distill complex findings into clear, persuasive, and actionable client deliverables.
- Passion for advancing qualitative research excellence, including experience mentoring others, developing new research approaches, and contributing to methodological innovation.
- Advanced degree preferred in public health, psychology, behavioral or social sciences, life sciences, health services research, or a related field; equivalent relevant professional experience will also be considered.
- 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.
