Life Sciences R&D Strategy & Transformation Senior Consultant

About This Role

This Senior Consultant role guides life sciences clients through critical transformation initiatives, optimizing R&D organizations and drug development processes. The role involves developing strategic growth plans, refining asset portfolios, and improving the quality, speed, and cost-efficiency of R&D.

Responsibilities

• Conduct data-driven diagnostics of R&D performance, leveraging internal KPIs, benchmarking tools, and external market insights.
• Design and implement future-state R&D operating models, aligning structure, governance, and workflows with scientific and commercial priorities.
• Design and lead implementation of strategic initiatives across the R&D value chain, using data-driven insights.
• Lead portfolio strategy assessments, including therapeutic area/disease area/indication prioritization, risk-adjusted pipeline valuation, and investment allocation.
• Integrate emerging technologies (e.g., AI/ML, real-world data platforms) into development workflows in partnership with digital and analytics teams.
• Manage internal project teams comprising consultants, providing coaching, QA oversight, and delivery leadership.
• Advise senior client stakeholders through structured engagements, executive workshops, and thought leadership.
• Contribute to business development efforts, including proposal writing, account growth, and intellectual property.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in management consulting or strategic roles within biopharma/biotech R&D.
• 4+ years delivering R&D operating model redesigns, transformation programs, or portfolio strategy projects.
• 4+ years working in the biopharma drug development lifecycle and understanding of how R&D functions across the broader organization to deliver results.
• 3+ years experience working with quantitative performance and portfolio/investment valuation frameworks, as well as scenario planning.
• Bachelor's degree from accredited university.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from accredited university with strong undergraduate academic record.
• 5+ years of experience in management consulting or strategic roles within biopharma/biotech R&D.

Nice to Have

• Advanced degree in business (i.e., MBA).
• Ability to synthesize complex science, business, and operational dynamics into clear recommendations.
• Prior experience in R&D management consulting at a leading life sciences consulting firm.
• Hands-on R&D experience at a top-tier biopharmaceutical company.

Skills

* Required skills