Scientific Data & Technology Strategy Associate Consultant - Discovery

ZS; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Travel opportunities

Total rewards package

Job summary

ZS is a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it. Collaborate with scientists, data engineers, and IT professionals to design data architectures, implement ETL/ELT pipelines, and integrate research technology across biopharmaceutical domains.

You will contribute to data management, analytics strategy, and cloud-native platform initiatives while promoting a client-first mindset and high-quality delivery. Hybrid work and travel are part of the role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master’s strongly preferred.
• Advanced degree in a scientific discipline with data/tech exposure is a plus.
• Experience bridging scientific and IT stakeholders is essential.

Responsibilities

• Partner with scientists, business stakeholders, and IT teams to translate research needs into technical designs.
• Define data models, metadata standards, and system architecture for data management and analytics.
• Lead implementation workstreams from design to deployment with alignment to business goals.
• Support ETL/ELT pipelines and cloud-native data platforms.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to a collaborative delivery environment.

Skills

English fluency

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Client-first mentality

Team collaboration

Growth mindset

Curiosity

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

MS or PhD in related scientific field

Tools

Databricks

Snowflake

RESTful APIs

Job description

ZS is a place where passion changes lives. As a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it, we transform ideas into impact by bringing together data, science, technology and human ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for all. Here you’ll work side‑by‑side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life‑changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers, worldwide. ZSers drive impact by bringing a client‑first mentality to each and every engagement. We partner collaboratively with our clients to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver company results across critical areas of their business. Bring your curiosity for learning, bold ideas, courage and passion to drive life‑changing impact to ZS.

What you’ll do:

• Partner with scientists, business stakeholders, and IT teams to translate scientific workflows and research needs into technical designs and practical solutions.
• Define conceptual and logical data models, metadata standards, integration patterns, and system architecture components to support research data management and analytics.
• Lead defined implementation workstreams from design through deployment, ensuring solutions are aligned with business needs, scientific workflows, and enterprise technology standards.
• Apply hands‑on experience with pharma datasets, cloud platforms, and cross‑system integrations to improve research technology ecosystems.
• Support research IT strategy, SDLC, and roadmap development by contributing technical recommendations, solution options, and implementation planning.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including scientists, data engineers, architects, business partners, and project managers, to integrate research technology and analytics into broader project objectives.
• Translate scientific and business needs into structured technical requirements, solution designs, and roadmap inputs.
• Support the design and implementation of ETL/ELT pipelines, cloud‑native data platforms, APIs, and cross‑system integrations.
• Contribute to research data management initiatives, including data modeling, metadata strategy, FAIR data principles, and information architecture across biopharmaceutical research domains.
• Support client readouts with evidence‑based presentations, clearly communicating technical findings, solution recommendations, and next steps.
• Mentor junior team members, share knowledge across teams, and contribute to a collaborative, high‑quality delivery environment.

What you’ll bring:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree strongly preferred, ideally in Computer Science, Data Science, Biomedical Engineering, Health Informatics, or a life science‑related field; Advanced degree, including MS or PhD, in a scientific discipline with data and/or technology exposure is a plus.
• At least 2.5 years of relevant professional experience in research technology, data platforms, pharma technology, consulting, biotech, pharma, or related environments.
• Hands‑on experience with pharma datasets, cloud platforms, and cross‑system integrations.
• Prior ownership of solution design components, including data models, integration patterns, technical requirements, or architecture documentation.
• Experience bridging scientific and IT stakeholders and translating scientific workflows into technical solutions.
• Experience with conceptual and logical data modeling, system architecture, metadata standards, and information architecture.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.
• Understanding of RESTful APIs, ETL/ELT pipelines, and cross‑system integration design.
• Experience with lakehouse and cloud‑native data platforms such as Databricks and Snowflake.
• Understanding of research data management and FAIR principles.
• Knowledge of how to interpret and enforce enterprise architecture and engineering standards.
• Knowledge of research information management and analytics applications such as research LIMS systems, ELN platforms, Certara, Schrödinger, GeneData, Watson, or similar platforms is preferred.
• Knowledge and experience in scientific data modeling or information architecture engineering across a range of biopharmaceutical research domains.
• Evidence of strong commitment to quality and client satisfaction.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with scientific, business, and IT audiences.
• Passion, curiosity, and a growth mindset, coupled with a deep commitment to an open and collaborative working environment.
• 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.

Considering applying?

At ZS, we honor the visible and invisible elements of our identities, personal experiences, and belief systems—the ones that comprise us as individuals, shape who we are, and make us unique. We believe your personal interests, identities, and desire to learn are integral to your success here. We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Learn more about our inclusion and belonging efforts and the networks ZS supports to assist our ZSers in cultivating community spaces and obtaining the resources they need to thrive. If you’re eager to grow, contribute, and bring your unique self to our work, we encourage you to apply.

Work Authorization:

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must have authorization to work in the United States that does not now or in the future require employer sponsorship.

To complete your application: An on‑line application, including a full set of transcripts (official or unofficial), is required to be considered.

NO AGENCY CALLS, PLEASE.

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.

Find Out More At: www.zs.com