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Job Title


Consulting Principal - Life Sciences, R&D


Company : Cognizant


Location : Imlaystown, NJ


Created : 2026-04-04


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

About Cognizant Consulting Cognizant Consulting is more than Cognizantu2019s consulting practiceu2014weu2019re a global community of 5,000+ experts dedicated to helping clients reimagine their business. Blending our deep industry and technology advisory capability, we create innovative business solutions for Fortune 500 clients. And now, weu2019re looking for our next colleague whou2019ll join us in shaping the future of business. Could it be you? As a Consulting Principal in Life Sciences - R&D , you will make an impact by leading strategic transformation engagements across the endu2011tou2011end research and development value chain for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and CRO clients. You will be a valued member of Cognizantu2019s Life Sciences Consulting team and will work collaboratively with senior client stakeholders, account leadership, and crossu2011functional consulting and technology teams to deliver measurable business outcomes. In this role, you will Clinical Trial Transformation Advisory u00b7 Lead consulting engagements focused on clinical trial strategy, operational excellence, and digital enablement across Phase Iu2013IV development. u00b7 Advise clients on improving clinical trial productivity, patient recruitment, site performance, and monitoring effectiveness. u00b7 Design and implement future-ready operating models incorporating decentralized trials, risk-based monitoring, and intelligent clinical operations. u00b7 Identify and assess opportunities to leverage AI, advanced analytics, and digital platforms to accelerate clinical development. Engagement Leadership & Delivery u00b7 Manage end-to-end consulting engagements, including problem structuring, solution design, delivery governance, and value realization. u00b7 Lead multidisciplinary teams of consultants, domain specialists, and technology experts. u00b7 Ensure delivery excellence through structured methodologies, robust program management, and proactive risk mitigation. u00b7 Present insights, analyses, and recommendations to senior client stakeholders and executive leadership. Business Development & Account Expansion u00b7 Identify and develop consulting opportunities across pharmaceutical sponsors, biotechnology companies, and CROs. u00b7 Lead proposal development, solution positioning, and client presentations for strategic consulting pursuits. u00b7 Partner with account teams to expand the consulting footprint across clinical operations, data strategy, and digital clinical platforms. u00b7 Contribute to practice revenue growth and achievement of consulting pipeline targets. Thought Leadership & Practice Development u00b7 Develop consulting frameworks and reusable assets related to clinical trial transformation and digital innovation. u00b7 Produce thought leadership on emerging industry trends and topics. u00b7 Represent the firm at industry forums, client roundtables, and innovation workshops. Team Leadership & Talent Development u00b7 Mentor consultants and managers to build clinical trial domain expertise and consulting capabilities. u00b7 Foster a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and client impact. u00b7 Support the recruitment, onboarding, and development of Life Sciences consulting talent. What will help you stand out u00b7 Bacheloru2019s or Masteru2019s degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Medicine, Biotechnology, or a related discipline u00b7 14u201318 years of professional experience, including consulting or industry experience within pharmaceutical or CRO R&D u00b7 Demonstrated expertise in R&D transformation and associated digital initiatives u00b7 Proven track record leading complex consulting engagements and supporting business development activities u00b7 Strong executive communication, stakeholder management, and problemu2011solving skills These will help you succeed + Experience with R&D operational excellence and transformation programs + Exposure to AI, data, and digital innovation within Life Sciences R&D + Knowledge of regulatory compliance and GxP environments + Experience developing consulting assets, methodologies, or thought leadership + Prior experience leading or mentoring consulting teams Working model We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this roleu2019s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 2-3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs. Compensation The annual salary for this position is between $122,400 - $194,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizantu2019s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizantu2019s applicable plans. Benefits + Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance + 17 paid holidays plus Paid Time Off. + 401(k) plan and contributions. + Long-term/Short-term Disability. + Paid Parental Leave. + Employee Stock Purchase Plan Post closing date Applications will be accepted until March 31th, 2026. _The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project youu2019re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations_Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.