Discovery Client Lead

ZS•Boston, MA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

ZS's Insights & Analytics group partners with clients to design and deliver solutions to help them tackle a broad range of business challenges. Our teams work on multiple projects simultaneously, leveraging advanced data analytics and problem-solving techniques. Our recommendations and solutions are based on rigorous research and analysis underpinned by deep expertise and thought leadership. ZS Discovery partners with pharmaceutical and biotech clients to accelerate the discovery of safer, more effective therapeutics. The team brings hands-on scientific expertise, advanced analytics, AI, and strategic consulting to help research organizations become more productive, more data-driven, and more confident in their decisions. As a venture within ZS building toward practice status, Discovery combines agility and innovation with the resources and knowledge of the broader firm.

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

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