life sciences

Life Sciences Practice

Our focus areas

The Life Sciences Practice works with life sciences (pharmaceutical, medical device, biotech, and diagnostic) companies in the following areas. Click below to learn more and view recent engagements.

What do we look for in candidates?

We are seeking final-year (Full-time) or penultimate-year (Intern) undergraduate, master’s, MBA, or PhD students with an interest in life sciences and degrees that demonstrate strong analytical thinking and quantitative aptitude. Some relevant areas of study include (but are not limited to):

  • Economics (and related subjects including Business Administration, Finance, Health Economics, and Public Policy), Physical and Biological Sciences, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, or another quantitative discipline.
  • Role of junior staff

    New consultants contribute in a variety of ways, leveraging their specific background, interests, and academic training. Common roles for new consultants include:

    • Conducting secondary research to develop insights into specific markets or therapeutic areas, leveraging academic literature, leading industry data sources, and other publicly available information.
    • Designing, executing, and analyzing primary market research with healthcare stakeholders such as patients, physicians, payers, pharmacists, caregivers and patient advocacy groups.
    • Analyzing quantitative data and building models to support clients’ strategic decisions or evaluate and assess past behavior.
    • Working with experienced project teams, learning analytical frameworks, participating in formal trainings, and developing consulting skills to meet client objectives.
    • Gaining exposure to industry-leaders and building a solid understanding of the life sciences sector.
  • Role of interns

    Interns begin to learn many of the same skills as new consultants, through either internal or direct client projects. Your internship experience is likely to include:

    • Gaining hands-on life sciences consulting experience while working with seasoned project teams and making meaningful contributions.
    • Connecting, training, and socializing with a cohort of other interns and consultants.
    • Start developing an understanding of life sciences business challenges and potential solutions and presenting those insights to colleagues;
    • Form meaningful relationships with experienced consultants, a direct supervisor, and an assigned “onboarding buddy” each of whom can provide career guidance and offer opportunities.
  • The team celebrates the opening of the Cambridge, UK office

  • Colleagues show off their stripes on Rare Disease Day

  • Team “CRA Life Sciences” poses during the annual Bike MS: Waves to Wine event in support of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

  • Europe’s life sciences team gathers for a meet-up in Munich

Want to hear more stories directly from CRA employees? Head to our careers blog to read about the CRA experience.

Interested in joining CRA's Life Sciences Practice?

View openings