Life Sciences R&D Transformation Principal

Cognizant; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 122,000 - 194,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Paid holidays

401(k) plan

Disability insurance

Paid Parental Leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

Cognizant Consulting seeks a Consulting Principal, Life Sciences – R&D to guide strategic transformations across preclinical through clinical development for pharma, biotech and CRO clients. You will lead engagements, shape operating models, and drive scientific decision-making with cross-functional teams.

You will mentor consultants, advance AI and data-enabled discovery initiatives, and partner with account teams to expand the firm’s Life Sciences footprint in a hybrid work setup.

Qualifications

• 14–18 years of professional experience in pharma/biotech/CRO R&D
• Demonstrated expertise in R&D transformation and digital initiatives
• Proven track record leading complex consulting engagements
• Experience working with external research partners and CROs

Responsibilities

• Lead discovery-to-clinical development advisory engagements
• Shape discovery operating models and portfolio strategy
• Guide teams across biology, chemistry, translational science and data platforms
• Drive client outcomes with risk-based planning, governance and value realization
• Support business development and expand consulting footprint

Skills

Executive communication

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Education

Life sciences degree

Job description

Cognizant Consulting seeks a Consulting Principal, Life Sciences – R&D to guide strategic transformations across preclinical through clinical development for pharma, biotech and CRO clients. You will lead engagements, shape operating models, and drive scientific decision-making with cross-functional teams.

You will mentor consultants, advance AI and data-enabled discovery initiatives, and partner with account teams to expand the firm’s Life Sciences footprint in a hybrid work setup.