Strategy Insights & Planning Associate Consultant - Clinical Operations

Zs Associates; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ZS Associates is seeking a Strategy Insights and Planning Associate Consultant for their Clinical Operations team. The role involves collaborating with pharmaceutical clients to enhance clinical trial quality, applying analytical and communication skills, and contributing to project delivery. A background in life sciences and experience in clinical operations is essential for success in this impactful position. Enjoy a flexible work environment that balances remote and on-site work while helping shape industry standards.

Benefits

Comprehensive health and well-being package

Financial planning assistance

Annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in clinical operations or similar roles.
• Strong understanding of GCP and trial protocols.
• High motivation and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with clients to improve quality across clinical development lifecycle.
• Lead engagements focused on clinical quality and operational risk mitigation.
• Mentor and support development of Associates on projects.

Skills

Clinical operations

Data management

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's, PhD or Master’s degree in life sciences, public health, or related field

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, our most valuable asset is our people. 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.

Our most valuable asset is our people.

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 part of your success here. Learn more about our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and the networks ZS supports to assist our ZSers in cultivating community spaces, obtaining the resources they need to thrive, and sharing the messages they are passionate about.

Strategy Insights and Planning Associate Consultant - Clinical Operations

ZS's Strategy Insights and Planning teams partner with clients to design and deliver solutions to help them tackle a broad range of business challenges. Our teams work on multiple projects simultaneously, leveraging advanced data analytics and problem-solving techniques. Our recommendations and solutions are based on rigorous research and analysis underpinned by deep expertise and thought leadership.

What you’ll do

• Collaborate with pharmaceutical and biotech clients to improve quality, operational rigor, and risk-based approaches across the clinical development lifecycle
• Apply your experience in clinical operations and research to support end-to-end trial delivery, including study startup, patient enrollment, site monitoring, and data management
• Lead or support engagements focused on clinical quality, site performance, trial efficiency, and operational risk mitigation
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research—such as stakeholder interviews, operational data review, and risk analysis—to derive insights that drive decision making
• Synthesize findings and recommendations through clear, compelling written and verbal communication to clients and internal stakeholders
• Help manage project timelines, workstreams, and client communications, ensuring deliverables are met with a high standard of quality
• Contribute clinical operations expertise to internal knowledge development and capability building in areas such as Good Clinical Practice (GCP), ICH guidelines, and trial risk monitoring

• Mentor and support development of Associates on your projects and teams

What you’ll bring

• A Bachelors, PhD or Master’s degree in life sciences, public health, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience in clinical operations, such as: Clinical Research Associate (CRA), Clinical Trial Monitor, or other CRO-based role or Clinical trial management, data management, or operational risk roles at a pharmaceutical company
• Strong understanding of GCP, clinical trial protocols, and regulatory expectations

• High motivation, strong work ethic, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced team environment

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate operational insights into impactful narratives for stakeholders

• Passion for advancing industry standards in clinical quality, risk-based monitoring, and operational excellence — consulting experience is not required

Perks & Benefits:

ZS offers a comprehensive total rewards package including health and well-being, financial planning, annual leave, personal growth and professional development. Our robust skills development programs, multiple career progression options and internal mobility paths and collaborative culture empowers you to thrive as an individual and global team member.

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're building a diverse and inclusive company where people bring their passions to inspire life-changing impact and deliver better outcomes for all. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and recognize the value that candidates with all backgrounds, including non-traditional ones, bring. If you are interested in joining us, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet 100% of the requirements listed above.

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.

To Complete Your Application:

Candidates must possess or be able to obtain work authorization for their intended country of employment.An on-line application, including a full set of transcripts (official or unofficial), is required to be considered.

NO AGENCY CALLS, PLEASE.

Find Out More At:

www.zs.com