Consulting Associate/Policy (Life Sciences practice)

Charles River Associates•Washington, NY

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

CRA’s Life Sciences practice helps pharmaceutical, biotechnology, diagnostics and medical device companies achieve optimum performance across key aspects of their business, including innovation, commercial success, organization, and reputation, all for the long-term benefit of patients, clinicians, employees, and shareholders. We work with life sciences businesses directly as well as with their legal counsel, industry associations, government organizations, and advocacy groups from the earliest stages of research into new therapy areas, through product development, to the delivery of products that will achieve commercial success and fulfill the expectations of our clients and their key stakeholders. Our dedicated Policy team works with Life Sciences companies, industry associations, government organizations, and advocacy groups to anticipate and respond to policy challenges. Our projects focus on analysing ongoing or anticipated policy challenges, assessing the impact on patients, competition or innovation, and helping clients with developing solutions that address these challenges whilst supporting their commercial priorities. We are seeking a Consulting Associate with a strong understanding of key Life Sciences policy issues to join our US team. Depending on experience, candidates may also be considered for a more senior position. As an integral member of the policy team, you will help us deliver rigorous analysis and high-impact solutions. We provide professional development and mentoring to contribute to a global Life Sciences practice, allowing you to work with colleagues from across our offices and gain experience in a wide range of geographies, therapy areas, aspects of the industry and project types. Consulting Associates at CRA work alongside senior and junior colleagues on a variety of client engagements. In this role, you will contribute to key components of projects by conducting research and analysis, developing clear insights, and preparing client-ready deliverables. You will manage your own tasks and deadlines and, with guidance from senior colleagues, take responsibility for defined projects or workstreams. You will also delegate, and review tasks completed by more junior colleagues, providing clear direction and feedback. As your experience grows, you will take on increasing responsibility for project management and delivery. We highly value a strong work ethic, curiosity, creativity, a positive attitude, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn and take ownership of high-quality work.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in an analytical subject or relevant to consulting in Life Sciences policy (e.g., health policy, economics, finance, health economics, public health, business, or life sciences)
2-5 years of relevant experience gained through consulting, research, industry, government, or academia is preferred
Demonstrated interest in Life Sciences policy issues and a willingness to build knowledge across US and international markets
Ability to work independently and with ambiguity
Strong grounding in quantitative and qualitative analytical methods, with the ability to problem solve, interpret evidence and communicate findings clearly
Strong attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to deliver high-quality work within agreed timelines
Ability to work collaboratively, respond constructively to feedback, and manage multiple tasks in a project-based environment
Strong verbal communication skills, with excellent written English; additional language skills are preferred

Nice To Haves

Experience using data analysis tools such as Python or R is preferred but not required

Responsibilities

Conduct targeted primary and secondary research and support qualitative and quantitative tasks within agreed project frameworks
Analyse and synthesise evidence to identify relevant findings, implications, and emerging insights
Manage assigned projects or workstreams under senior oversight
Contribute to client meetings and internal team discussions
Prepare clear, accurate, and well-structured sections of reports, presentations, and other client deliverables
Help structure and delegate tasks to junior colleagues, provide day-to-day guidance, review their work, and offer feedback while maintaining accountability for quality and deadlines
Contribute to internal knowledge development and practice-building activities
Support business development efforts, including research and drafting contributions for proposals
Support the team’s external visibility through research for thought leadership, events, and sector outreach where relevant