Patient-Centered Prediction Lead

Zs Associates; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and well-being support

Flexible working arrangements

Comprehensive rewards packages

Job summary

Zs Associates is seeking a Patient-Centered Prediction Lead in Boston, MA. This role requires an individual with deep expertise in biomarker selection and translational science to spearhead patient-centered prediction initiatives. Responsibilities include engaging with senior R&D leaders and fostering a hybrid model of work that balances remote and on-site initiatives.

The ideal candidate will possess a PhD, extensive experience in pharma R&D, and a strong analytical background. ZS offers flexible working arrangements, and a strong focus on employee growth and health benefits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in pharma R&D, focusing on patient-centered prediction.
• Advanced knowledge in translational science and biomarker research.
• Experience defining research lifecycle from target identification to clinical entry.

Responsibilities

• Define and validate the patient-centered prediction offering.
• Engage R&D leaders at pharma and biotech organizations.
• Develop a repeatable practice with frameworks and methodologies.

Skills

Biomarker research

AI applications

Client engagement

Analytical skills

Translational medicine

Education

PhD, MD, or equivalent in relevant scientific discipline

Tools

Precision medicine tools

Statistical analysis software

Job description

Patient-Centered Prediction Lead

ZS delivers successful projects in biomarker selection, patient segmentation, translational hypothesis validation, and multi‑modal data integration, and demand for this work is growing. You’ll bring deep expertise to that work, own an account, and contribute to how ZSD delivers patient‑centered prediction, drawing on the firm’s strengths in AI, bioinformatics, and data excellence.

What you’ll do:

• Define and validate ZSD’s patient‑centered prediction (PCP) offering, building a client‑ready proposition covering forward translation, reverse translation, and patient stratification
• Engage senior R&D leaders at pharma and biotech organizations to prove market demand, originate engagements, and build a pipeline of opportunities in the PCP space
• Move PCP from point solutions to a repeatable practice with reusable frameworks, accelerators, and methodologies the broader team can deliver
• Hire and develop the PCP team, starting with the first support hires and building toward a multi‑person practice
• Establish ZSD’s external credibility in patient‑centered prediction through thought leadership, conference presence, and published perspectives
• Connect PCP to ZSD’s existing strengths in AI, bioinformatics, and data excellence
• Serve as a domain‑credible thought partner for senior R&D stakeholders, translating complex translational science challenges into actionable ZSD solutions

What you’ll bring:

• Advanced degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) in a relevant scientific discipline: translational science, biomarker research, computational biology, statistical genetics, or related
• 10+ years of experience in pharma R&D, a life sciences platform company, or a translational science function, with a focus on patient‑centered prediction, biomarkers, or translational medicine
• Experience spanning the discovery‑development boundary; understanding the full research lifecycle from target identification through clinical entry
• Deep familiarity with the data types used across the research lifecycle: trial biospecimens, on‑study PD/ctDNA/MRD reads, real‑world evidence, population cohorts, and multi‑modal omics (bulk and single‑cell, spatial transcriptomics, methylation, imaging)
• Credible as a thought partner with senior R&D leaders on patient‑centered prediction topics; able to engage across both scientific and business dimensions
• Experience defining and shaping a new offering, practice area, or capability
• Strong analytical and computational orientation; familiarity with precision medicine tools, model‑informed drug development, and AI applications in translational sciences
• Experience in a consulting firm, life sciences platform company, pharma services organization, or pharma/biotech R&D environment preferred
• Fluency in English
• Client‑first mentality
• Intense work ethic
• Collaborative spirit and problem‑solving approach

How you’ll grow:

• Cross‑functional skills development & custom learning pathways
• Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities
• Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s‑curves, individual contribution and role expansions

Perks & Benefits:

At ZS, your growth matters. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that supports your health and well‑being, financial future, time away, and professional development. With robust skills‑building programs, multiple career progression paths, internal mobility, and a deeply collaborative culture, you’ll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, expand your capabilities, and thrive as part of a global community. For details on total rewards in United States, visit ZS US office locations | Where we work | ZS.

Hybrid working model:

We are committed to giving our employees a flexible and connected way of working. A flexible and connected ZS allows us to combine work from home and on‑site presence at clients/ZS offices for the majority of our week. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face‑to‑face connections.

Travel:

Travel is a requirement at ZS for client facing ZSers; business needs of your project and client are the priority. While some projects may be local, all client‑facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed. Travel provides opportunities to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth by working in different environments and cultures.

ZS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities without regard to any class protected by applicable law.