Cognizant Consulting is more than Cognizant’s consulting practice—we’re a global community of 6,000+ experts dedicated to helping clients reimagine their business. Blending our deep industry and technology advisory capability, we create innovative business solutions for Fortune 500 clients. And now, we’re looking for our next colleague who’ll join us in shaping the future of business. Could it be you?
As an Associate Director – Consulting (Life Sciences Clinical Trials), you will make an impact by leading strategic and operational transformation initiatives for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and CRO clients across the clinical development lifecycle. You will be a valued member of the Life Sciences team and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, executive stakeholders, and clients.
- Lead consulting engagements focused on clinical trial strategy, operational excellence, and digital enablement across Phase I–IV development.
- Advise clients on improving clinical trial productivity, patient recruitment, site performance, and monitoring effectiveness.
- Design and implement future-ready operating models incorporating decentralized trials, risk-based monitoring, and intelligent clinical operations.
- Identify opportunities to leverage AI, advanced analytics, and digital platforms to accelerate clinical development.
- Manage end-to-end consulting engagements including problem structuring, solution design, delivery governance, and value realization.
- Lead multidisciplinary teams of consultants, domain specialists, and technology experts.
- Ensure delivery excellence through structured methodologies, program management, and risk mitigation.
- Present insights and recommendations to senior client stakeholders and executive leadership.
- Identify and develop consulting opportunities across pharmaceutical sponsors, biotech companies, and CROs.
- Lead proposal development, solution articulation, and client presentations for strategic consulting pursuits.
- Partner with account teams to expand consulting footprint in clinical operations, data strategy, and digital clinical platforms.
- Contribute to achieving practice revenue growth and consulting pipeline targets.
- Develop consulting frameworks and reusable assets related to clinical trial transformation and digital innovation.
- Produce thought leadership on emerging industry topics.
- Represent the firm in industry forums, client roundtables, and innovation workshops.
- Mentor consultants and managers to build clinical trial domain expertise and consulting capabilities.
- Foster a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and client impact.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of Life Sciences consulting talent.
We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring a combination of remote and onsite work at client or Cognizant offices in the United States. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs. The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Medicine, Biotechnology, or related discipline.
- MBA or advanced degree preferred.
- 14-18 years of experience in Life Sciences consulting, pharmaceutical R&D, or CRO clinical operations.
- Demonstrated expertise in clinical trial operations, clinical development strategy, or digital clinical transformation.
- Proven experience leading complex consulting engagements and client relationships.
- Clinical operations and site management
- Risk-based monitoring and centralized monitoring
- Decentralized clinical trials (DCT)
- Clinical data platforms and analytics
- AI and automation in clinical development
- Regulatory compliance and GxP environments
- $130,000-$160,000
- This position is eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.
- Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
- 401(k) plan and contributions
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Employee assistance program
- 10 paid holidays plus PTO
- Paid parental leave and fertility assistance
- Learning and development certifications and programs
Applications will be accepted until 3/31/2026
The Cognizant community:
We are a high caliber team who appreciate and support one another. Our people uphold an energetic, collaborative and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
- Cognizant is a global community with more than 300,000 associates around the world.
- We don’t just dream of a better way – we make it happen.
- We take care of our people, clients, company, communities and climate by doing what’s right.
- We foster an innovative environment where you can build the career path that’s right for you.
About us:
Cognizant is one of the world's leading professional services companies, transforming clients' business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant (a member of the NASDAQ-100 and one of Forbes World’s Best Employers 2025) is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world. Learn how Cognizant helps clients lead with digital at www.cognizant.com
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Disclaimer:
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.