Qualitative Research Manager

Barrington James; New York (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Barrington James is seeking an experienced Qualitative Research Manager to join our pharmaceutical and healthcare market research team in New York. You will lead design, execution, and delivery of high-impact qualitative studies across oncology, neuroscience, immunology, diabetes, and other complex areas.

The role involves moderating IDIs and focus groups, translating findings into actionable insights, and presenting recommendations to clients.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of market research experience, preferably in pharma/biotech.
• Strong experience in qualitative research, including IDIs and focus groups.
• Understanding of product lifecycle and clinical development.
• Excellent written, verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Familiarity with integrating quantitative findings into qualitative work.

Responsibilities

• Design, manage, and deliver all aspects of custom qualitative market research projects from inception through final delivery.
• Develop research approaches, discussion guides, screeners, and other project materials aligned with client objectives.
• Moderate qualitative research, including in-depth interviews, telephone/virtual interviews, and focus groups.
• Analyze qualitative findings and translate research into clear, actionable insights and recommendations.
• Author high-quality reports, presentations, and other client deliverables.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of quality, timelines, and client service.
• Partner closely with pharmaceutical and biotech clients to understand business challenges and develop creative research solutions.
• Present findings and recommendations confidently to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, particularly on large and complex research engagements.
• Contribute to business development activities, including proposals, research approaches, and client presentations.
• Maintain and develop strong client relationships through proactive communication and high-quality project delivery.
• Travel occasionally for client meetings, research activities, and presentations as required.

Skills

Qualitative research

Moderation of IDIs & focus groups

Client-facing

Project management

Report writing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Qualitative Research Manager to join a dynamic team specializing in pharmaceutical and healthcare market research. This is an exciting opportunity to work on high-impact research projects that generate meaningful insights across a range of therapeutic areas, including oncology, neuroscience, immunology, diabetes, and other complex disease areas.

The ideal candidate is curious, analytical, creative, and passionate about understanding patient, healthcare professional, and market perspectives. You will play a key role in designing and delivering high-quality qualitative research while working closely with clients and cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, manage, and deliver all aspects of custom qualitative market research projects from inception through final delivery.
• Develop research approaches, discussion guides, screeners, and other project materials aligned with client objectives.
• Moderate qualitative research, including in-depth interviews, telephone/virtual interviews, and focus groups.
• Analyze qualitative findings and translate research into clear, actionable insights and recommendations.
• Author high-quality reports, presentations, and other client deliverables.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of quality, timelines, and client service.
• Partner closely with pharmaceutical and biotech clients to understand business challenges and develop creative research solutions.
• Present findings and recommendations confidently to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, particularly on large and complex research engagements.
• Contribute to business development activities, including proposals, research approaches, and client presentations.
• Maintain and develop strong client relationships through proactive communication and high-quality project delivery.
• Travel occasionally for client meetings, research activities, and presentations as required.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant market research experience, ideally within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or healthcare sectors.
• Strong experience in qualitative market research, including moderation of IDIs and focus groups.
• Demonstrated understanding of pharmaceutical and biotech market research needs across the product lifecycle, including Phase II–IV clinical development, pre-launch, launch, and mature/in-line products.
• Strong understanding of qualitative research methodologies, analysis, and reporting.
• Familiarity with quantitative research processes and the ability to understand and incorporate quantitative findings into broader research deliverables.
• Excellent written, verbal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to think critically, identify meaningful insights, and develop creative solutions to complex business questions.
• Comfortable working collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.
• Strong client-facing skills with the ability to build trusted relationships with pharmaceutical and biotech stakeholders.

What We’re Looking For:

We are looking for someone who is curious, commercially minded, collaborative, and passionate about qualitative research. You should enjoy solving challenging business questions, engaging with clients, moderating research, and turning complex information into clear insights that can influence pharmaceutical strategy and decision-making.

This role offers the opportunity to work on innovative healthcare research projects while developing your expertise within a collaborative and high-performing environment.