Consulting Associate/Policy (Life Sciences practice)

About Charles River Associates

CRA is a leading global consulting firm that provides independent economic and financial analysis behind litigation matters, guides businesses through critical strategy and operational issues to become more profitable, and advises governments on the economic impact of policies and regulations. Our two main services – economic and management consulting – are delivered by practice groups that focus on specific areas of expertise or industries. Click here to learn how CRA can help you launch your career.

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.

Our dedicated Policy team works with Life Sciences companies, industry associations, government organizations, and advocacy groups to anticipate and respond to policy challenges. Our projects focus on analysing ongoing or anticipated policy challenges, assessing the impact on patients, competition or innovation, and helping clients with developing solutions that address these challenges whilst supporting their commercial priorities.

We are seeking a Consulting Associate with a strong understanding of key Life Sciences policy issues to join our US team. Depending on experience, candidates may also be considered for a more senior position.

Job Overview

As an integral member of the policy team, you will help us deliver rigorous analysis and high-impact solutions. We provide professional development and mentoring to contribute to a global Life Sciences practice, allowing you to work with colleagues from across our offices and gain experience in a wide range of geographies, therapy areas, aspects of the industry and project types.

Consulting Associates at CRA work alongside senior and junior colleagues on a variety of client engagements. In this role, you will contribute to key components of projects by conducting research and analysis, developing clear insights, and preparing client-ready deliverables. You will manage your own tasks and deadlines and, with guidance from senior colleagues, take responsibility for defined projects or workstreams. You will also delegate, and review tasks completed by more junior colleagues, providing clear direction and feedback. As your experience grows, you will take on increasing responsibility for project management and delivery. We highly value a strong work ethic, curiosity, creativity, a positive attitude, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn and take ownership of high-quality work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct targeted primary and secondary research and support qualitative and quantitative tasks within agreed project frameworks
• Analyse and synthesise evidence to identify relevant findings, implications, and emerging insights
• Manage assigned projects or workstreams under senior oversight
• Contribute to client meetings and internal team discussions
• Prepare clear, accurate, and well-structured sections of reports, presentations, and other client deliverables
• Help structure and delegate tasks to junior colleagues, provide day-to-day guidance, review their work, and offer feedback while maintaining accountability for quality and deadlines
• Contribute to internal knowledge development and practice-building activities
• Support business development efforts, including research and drafting contributions for proposals
• Support the team’s external visibility through research for thought leadership, events, and sector outreach where relevant

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in an analytical subject or relevant to consulting in Life Sciences policy (e.g., health policy, economics, finance, health economics, public health, business, or life sciences)
• 2-5 years of relevant experience gained through consulting, research, industry, government, or academia is preferred
• Demonstrated interest in Life Sciences policy issues and a willingness to build knowledge across US and international markets
• Ability to work independently and with ambiguity
• Strong grounding in quantitative and qualitative analytical methods, with the ability to problem solve, interpret evidence and communicate findings clearly
• Experience using data analysis tools such as Python or R is preferred but not required
• Strong attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to deliver high-quality work within agreed timelines
• Ability to work collaboratively, respond constructively to feedback, and manage multiple tasks in a project-based environment
• Strong verbal communication skills, with excellent written English; additional language skills are preferred
• CRA is proud of its ability to manage work/life balance. However, some travel may be required, and successful candidates must demonstrate a willingness and ability to travel to client locations when necessary

We know that great candidates don't always meet every requirement. If you believe your skills, experience, and potential make you a strong candidate, we'd encourage you to apply.

To Apply

To be considered for a position in the United States, we require the following:

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

If you are interested in applying for one of our international locations, please visit our Careers site to view and apply for available jobs.

Career Growth and Benefits 

• CRA’s robust skills development programs, including a commitment to offering 100 hours of training annually through formal and informal programs, encourage you to thrive as an individual and team member. Beginning with research and analysis skill building, training continues with technical training, presentation skills, internal seminars, and career mentoring and performance coaching from an assigned senior colleague. Additional leadership and collaboration opportunities exist through internal firm development activities.
• We offer a comprehensive total rewards program including a superior benefits package, wellness programming to support physical, mental, emotional and financial well-being, and in-house immigration support for foreign nationals and international business travelers.

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 recognize that individuals realize a range of benefits when working from home periodically. We currently expect that individuals spend at least 3 to 4 days a week working in the office (which may include traveling to another CRA office or to client meetings), 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. Stating 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.