Sr. Observational Research Scientist (Oncology)

Ontada•Usa, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Doctoral degree preferred.
additional familiarity with qualitative and mixed-methods research approaches preferred
additional familiarity with Claude and Databricks preferred

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