Title: Consulting Principal - Life Sciences, RD
Location: Jersey City, NJ, United States
Job categoryConsulting
Work modelHybrid
Job Description:
About Cognizant Consulting
Cognizant Consulting is more than Cognizant's consulting practice-we're a global community of 5,000+ 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 a Consulting Principal in Life Sciences - R&D, you will make an impact by leading strategic transformation engagements across the end‑to‑end research and development value chain for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and CRO clients. You will be a valued member of Cognizant's Life Sciences Consulting team and will work collaboratively with senior client stakeholders, account leadership, and cross‑functional consulting and technology teams to deliver measurable business outcomes.
In this role, you will
Clinical Trial Transformation Advisory
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 and assess opportunities to leverage AI, advanced analytics, and digital platforms to accelerate clinical development.
Engagement Leadership & Delivery
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, robust program management, and proactive risk mitigation.
Present insights, analyses, and recommendations to senior client stakeholders and executive leadership.
Business Development & Account Expansion
Identify and develop consulting opportunities across pharmaceutical sponsors, biotechnology companies, and CROs.
Lead proposal development, solution positioning, and client presentations for strategic consulting pursuits.
Partner with account teams to expand the consulting footprint across clinical operations, data strategy, and digital clinical platforms.
Contribute to practice revenue growth and achievement of consulting pipeline targets.
Thought Leadership & Practice Development
Develop consulting frameworks and reusable assets related to clinical trial transformation and digital innovation.
Produce thought leadership on emerging industry trends and topics.
Represent the firm at industry forums, client roundtables, and innovation workshops.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
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 the recruitment, onboarding, and development of Life Sciences consulting talent.
What will help you stand out
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Medicine, Biotechnology, or a related discipline
14-18 years of professional experience, including consulting or industry experience within pharmaceutical or CRO R&D
Demonstrated expertise in R&D transformation and associated digital initiatives
Proven track record leading complex consulting engagements and supporting business development activities
Strong executive communication, stakeholder management, and problem‑solving skills
These will help you succeed
Experience with R&D operational excellence and transformation programs
Exposure to AI, data, and digital innovation within Life Sciences R&D
Knowledge of regulatory compliance and GxP environments
Experience developing consulting assets, methodologies, or thought leadership
Prior experience leading or mentoring consulting teams
Working model
We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 2-3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs.
Compensation
The annual salary for this position is between $122,400 - $194,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.
Benefits
Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
17 paid holidays plus Paid Time Off.
401(k) plan and contributions.
Long-term/Short-term Disability.
Paid Parental Leave.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Post closing date
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