McKesson

Sr. Observational Research Scientist (Oncology)

McKesson • $141K — $236K *
US-AnywhereRemote in Massachusetts, US
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Public Health, Population Science, Pharmacy, Healthcare Economics, Clinical Research, or related clinical discipline required; Doctoral degree preferred.
  • 7+ years of experience in observational/real-world data (RWD) research or Health Economics Outcomes Research (HEOR).
  • Proficient in medical writing for scientific protocols, reports, presentations, and other deliverables.
  • Familiar with quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research approaches, particularly in oncology contexts.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with clients and partners.

Responsibilities

  • Lead scientific and research expertise for multiple concurrent oncology studies, ensuring alignment with scopes and timelines.
  • Act as the primary scientific contact for project sponsors, offering insights during study discussions.
  • Participate in client meetings, providing expertise on research methodology and result interpretation.
  • Apply analytic skills to address complex research inquiries from stakeholders.
  • Develop scientific protocols, incorporating feedback from cross-functional teams during the research lifecycle.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including health and wellness programs.
  • Opportunities for professional development and growth.
  • Flexibility in work arrangements, promoting work-life balance.
  • Supportive and collaborative work environment with a strong team culture.
Full Job Description
Role Overview

As part of Ontada's Real World Research team, the Research Scientist provides scientific and research expertise across real-world oncology research studies. This role leads development and refinement of scientific protocols, including statistical analysis sections, and applies knowledge of real-world data sources to define study data requirements and support appropriate data collection. The Research Scientist serves as a scientific point of contact for project sponsors and cross-functional teams, contributing expertise to study discussions, interpretation of results, and development of accurate, evidence-based client deliverables. The role supports multiple concurrent projects by aligning scientific input with study scope, timelines, and deliverable expectations, while contributing to amendments and proposals for new research opportunities as appropriate.

Key Responsibilities
  • Provides scientific and research expertise across multiple concurrent research projects, supporting alignment with study scope, timelines, budget considerations, and deliverable expectations
  • Serves as the scientific point of contact for project sponsors, providing research expertise to support study discussions and decision-making
  • Attends client meetings to provide scientific expertise and support discussion of research methods, results, and interpretation
  • Applies research and analytic expertise to evaluate complex research questions posed by internal and external stakeholders
  • Serves as the scientific and research expert for the cross-functional project team throughout the research lifecycle:
    • Leads development of scientific protocols by writing all sections, including the statistical analysis section, incorporating targeted cross-functional input and appropriate refinements based on client feedback
    • Applies knowledge of real-world data sources, including unstructured/structured electronic health records, claims, and external mortality and SDOH data, to define study data requirements based on feasibility assessments and available data sources
    • Collaborates with abstraction and biostatistics teams to ensure appropriate data collection, including development and review of eCRFs and data specifications
    • Applies medical writing expertise to prepare client-ready project deliverables, including but not limited to writing/formatting of final reports, presentations, and summaries of analytic findings
    • Critically reviews and interprets statistical analysis results to assess data quality and support development of accurate, evidence-based research conclusions
    • Completes regulatory and compliance documents as required
  • Identifies and supports pursuit of additional project opportunities through amendments to existing studies and occasional development of proposals for new research studies


Minimum Requirement
  • Degree or equivalent and typically requires 7+ years of relevant experience.


Critical Skills
  • Typically requires 7+ years of relevant experience in observational/ real world data (RWD) based research or Health Economics Outcomes Research (HEOR)
  • Master's degree in Public Health, Population Science, Pharmacy, Healthcare Economics, Clinical Research or related clinical discipline is required. Doctoral degree preferred.
  • Demonstrated expertise using real-world data sources, including structured and unstructured EHR, claims, mortality, SDOH, and patient-reported outcomes data, to support study design, execution, and interpretation
  • Strong knowledge of quantitative research methods required; additional familiarity with qualitative and mixed-methods research approaches preferred
  • Medical writing expertise required, including experience developing literature reviews, scientific protocols, reports, presentations, abstracts, posters, and manuscripts
  • Skilled at cultivating trusted, collaborative relationships with clients and partners
  • Ability to critically review and interpret research findings and statistical analysis results to support accurate, evidence-based conclusions
  • Oncology and pharmaceutical/CRO experience required
  • Solid knowledge of healthcare, safety, regulatory, and compliance processes
  • Ability to contribute scientific expertise across multiple concurrent HEOR/RWR studies with varied timelines and deliverables while maintaining a high degree of accuracy and professionalism
  • Ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving matrix environment and adapt to new processes, technologies, and AI-enabled approaches to research execution
  • Strong oral and written communication skills required, including ability to provide clear, professional, and scientific contributions in client-facing and multidisciplinary team discussions
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, and Copilot required; additional familiarity with Claude and Databricks preferred


Must be authorized to work in the US. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

We are proud to offer a competitive compensation package at McKesson as part of our Total Rewards. This is determined by several factors, including performance, experience and skills, equity, regular job market evaluations, and geographical markets. The pay range shown below is aligned with McKesson's pay philosophy, and pay will always be compliant with any applicable regulations. In addition to base pay, other compensation, such as an annual bonus or long-term incentive opportunities may be offered. For more information regarding benefits at McKesson, please click here.

Our Base Pay Range for this position

$141,900 - $236,500

McKesson has become aware of online recruiting-related scams in which individuals who are not affiliated with or authorized by McKesson are using McKesson's (or affiliated entities, like CoverMyMeds or RxCrossroads) name in fraudulent emails, job postings or social media messages. In light of these scams, please bear the following in mind:

McKesson Talent Advisors will never solicit money or credit card information in connection with a McKesson job application.

McKesson Talent Advisors do not communicate with candidates via online chatrooms or using email accounts such as Gmail or Hotmail. Note that McKesson does rely on a virtual assistant (Gia) for certain recruiting-related communications with candidates.

McKesson job postings are posted on our career site: careers.mckesson.com.

About McKesson

McKesson Corporation provides medicines, pharmaceutical supplies, information and care management products and services across the healthcare industry. The Company operates in two segments. The McKesson Distribution Solutions segment delivers ethical drugs, medical-surgical supplies and equipment and health and beauty care products throughout North America. This segment also provides specialty pharmaceutical solutions for biotech and pharmaceutical manufacturers, sells financial, operational and clinical solutions for pharmacies (retail, hospital, long-term care) and provides consulting, outsourcing and other services. The McKesson Technology Solutions segment delivers enterprise-wide clinical, patient care, financial, supply chain, strategic management and software solutions. In July 2011, the Company acquired Portico Systems from Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. On March 25, 2012, it acquired the independent banner and franchise businesses of Katz Group Canada Inc. McKesson Distribution Solutions delivers pharmaceuticals to retail pharmacies and institutional providers like hospitals and health systems. They operate pharmaceutical distribution centers across the country, serving customers in all 50 states. They also deliver a comprehensive offering of health care products, technology, equipment and related services to the alternate site market, including physician offices, surgery centers, long-term care facilities and home care businesses across the country. McKesson is currently the largest pharmaceutical distributor in North America. McKesson also operates McKesson Canada and has an equity holding in Nadro, a leading distributor in Mexico.

McKesson Careers

Join McKesson, a leading global healthcare company, and be part of a team that is redefining the future of healthcare. With a variety of job opportunities available, McKesson is the perfect place to advance your career, whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out. Work You’ll Do At McKesson, we are committed to improving care in every setting—one product, one partner, one patient at a time. We’re seeking talented professionals to join our team and contribute to a culture of innovation, diversity, and leadership. Our employees are driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire for continuous growth and improvement. Empower Your Future in Healthcare With positions ranging from internships to leadership roles, McKesson offers unparalleled employment opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career. Our commitment to diversity training ensures that all team members have the opportunity to thrive. Join a team where your skills will be honed, your professional growth will be supported, and where you can genuinely see the difference you make in the lives of patients around the world. Innovative Work Environment McKesson is at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Our team is constantly exploring new ways to improve patient outcomes and streamline care processes. This commitment to innovation is what sets us apart and what makes McKesson an exciting place to work. Career Development and Benefits McKesson believes in nurturing the potential of its employees through robust career development programs and comprehensive benefits designed to support your life and well-being. From leadership training to health and wellness benefits, we ensure our team members are equipped to meet their professional and personal goals. Explore Job Opportunities Whether you’re looking for an internship to kickstart your career, or a senior position to utilize your extensive experience, McKesson offers a range of opportunities. Explore our open positions and find where you can make a difference at McKesson. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search for open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take the next step in their careers. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Networking and Professional Growth At McKesson, networking and professional growth are part of our everyday environment. We encourage our employees to connect, share, and learn from each other to foster personal and professional development. Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await you at McKesson. Join McKesson today and be part of a team that is dedicated to shaping the future of healthcare.
Learn more about McKesson
Size
58,000 employees
Market Cap
$53.7 billion
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Net Income
-$4.1 billion
Founded
1833
5 Year Trend
+5.9%
Revenue
$237.6 billion
NASDAQ
MCK
* Ladders Estimates

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