[2027 PhD/ABD graduates] Consulting Associate (Life Sciences practice)

About Charles River Associates

Charles River Associates is a leading global consulting firm that provides economic, financial, and business management expertise to major law firms, corporations and governments around the world. CRA advises clients on economic and financial matters pertaining to litigation and regulatory proceedings, and guides corporations through critical business strategy and performance-related issues. Since 1965, clients have engaged CRA for its combination of industry experience and rigorous, fact-based analysis that provide clients with clear, implementable solutions to complex business concerns.

Learn more about our work by reviewing our Services and Industries on our website.

Position Overview

CRA’s Life Sciences practice helps pharmaceutical, biotechnology, diagnostics and medical device companies achieve optimum performance across key aspects of their business, including innovation, commercial success, organization, and reputation, all for the long-term benefit of patients, clinicians, employees, and shareholders. We work with life sciences businesses directly as well as with their legal counsel, industry associations, government organizations, and advocacy groups from the earliest stages of research into new therapy areas, through product development, to the delivery of products that will achieve commercial success and fulfill the expectations of our clients and their key stakeholders.

Consulting Associates are important members of CRA project teams and work together with experienced Senior Associates and Principals to deliver consulting, strategic marketing, and market research projects to clients. In this role you will own and personally deliver components of the client engagement, contributing to the overall success of each engagement. As you demonstrate strong advisory and project management skills, your responsibilities will grow rapidly. Consulting Associates will be a part of an integrated team that executes and delivers across a wide variety of consulting projects through:

• Work closely with senior colleagues to deliver policy consulting projects that address specific client needs;
• Conduct independent research to identify, collect, manage and analyze data;
• Contribute to internal discussions that build insights from the analytical process and you will help integrate findings into the broader project work;
• Conduct telephone or face-to-face interviews with clients or external stakeholders;
• Assume responsibility to generating sections of client reports, presentations and other client deliverables (e.g. excel Workbooks) whilst under close supervision;
• Proactively developing your knowledge of the life sciences industry as well as consulting methodologies;
• Work on multiple projects at the same time.

Explore how CRA can help you launch your career and click here to learn why PhDs choose CRA.

Desired Qualifications

• PhD degree in a life sciences-related discipline with a completion date of Late 2026/Summer 2027;
• Curious and analytical thinkers who bring creative approaches to non-standard problems;
• Effective written and oral communication skills;
• Eagerness to learn new skills and programming languages;
• Demonstrated high level of initiative and leadership;
• Strong teamwork and collaboration capabilities;
• Excellent time management and task prioritization skills;
• Clear and demonstrated interest in consulting through coursework, work experience, activities, or attendance at CRA recruiting events;
• Demonstrated understanding of, and ability to explain, economic, financial and/or accounting concepts, and quantitative and qualitative analysis methods;
• As much of our work occurs in our offices, minimal travel is required.

To Apply

To be considered for this position, we require:

• Resume/CV – please include current address, email and telephone number;

Work Location Flexibility

CRA creates a work environment that enables our colleagues to benefit from being together in the office to best deliver on our promise of career growth, mentorship and inclusivity. At the same time, we realize that individuals realize a range of benefits when working from home periodically. We currently ask that individuals spend 3 to 4 days a week on average working in the office (which may include traveling to another CRA office or to a client's location), with specific days determined in coordination with your practice or team.

Our Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River Associates is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Salary and other compensation

A good-faith estimate of the annual base salary range for this position is $110,000-$126,500. Starting pay within this range may vary based on factors such as education level, experience, skills, geographic location, market conditions, and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position may be eligible for additional bonus incentive compensation. CRA offers a comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility requirements, which may include: medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; life and disability insurance; paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays); paid parental leave; wellness programs and employee assistance resources; and commuter benefits.