Qualitative Research Scientist

IQVIA provides scientific services spanning clinical trials, real world evidence, and consulting in all areas of the product lifecycle. The Patient Centered Solutions (PCS) team leads the industry in generating data to ensure that the patient voice is incorporated into the development and commercialization of medication and other drug/non-drug interventions. We focus on understanding and meeting the needs of our clients – mostly life science/pharmaceutical companies – through the application of broad consulting expertise and scientific knowledge to design rigorous research. This research includes qualitative (e.g. interviews, focus groups), quantitative (e.g. clinical outcome assessments (COAs)/patient-reported outcomes (PROS), preference research) and passive (e.g. digital health technology tools) approaches to understand patient, caregiver and healthcare professional experiences and expectations of disease and treatment. We are also one of the largest owners and developers of new COAs, which we license to pharmaceutical sponsors, research organizations, and universities for clinical research. We seek to set a new bar for well-designed COA measures with automated scoring services and benchmark datasets to aid interpretation.  

We are looking for a qualitative research scientist with experience developing Clinical Outcome Assessment (COA) measures to lead primarily internal instrument development projects.  While this will be your principal responsibility, you will also contribute to client project work designing, conducting, analyzing, reporting, and disseminating qualitative research activities. You may also help to build a small but growing unit of scientists in our PCS Qualitative Research Center of Excellence responsible for driving quality and consistency, and for advancing the science of qualitative research. In this context, you will have opportunities to lead business development, training, governance, and thought leadership workstreams in a rapidly expanding organization. You will work with a diverse team of multifaceted experts in a global, collaborative work environment that is rich in development and growth. Joining our team assures you of a rewarding and progressive career in supporting patient-focused qualitative research.

Responsibilities

• Lead application of primary and secondary research methods (literature review, concept elicitation, concept mapping, item generation, cognitive debriefing, linguistic validation) to the development of novel COA measures which may be IQVIA-owned, or partnered with another party such as a license holder or patient organization, or for a pharmaceutical sponsor 
• Design, conduct, analyze, report, and disseminate qualitative research activity that meets the standards of Patient Focused Drug Development and industry best practice
• Oversee the work of qualitative researchers, moderators, and coders within the project team for each instrument development project
• Assist Qualitative Research Center of Excellence leader to build and manage the team, which may include one or more of the following:
• Lead one or more initiatives related to business development, training, governance, or thought leadership; own selected SOPS, Work Instructions, and templates used in qualitative research
• Assess moderator candidates for approval/qualification to support PCS projects
• Contribute to design and delivery of training programs to enhance qualitative research proficiency of PCS staff
• Field ad hoc scientific and operational queries from PCS and other IQVIA staff related to qualitative research processes
• Assist Quality Assurance as necessary to respond to audits or CAPAs related to qualitative research projects

Qualifications

• Masters or doctoral degree; relevant fields may include outcomes research, psychology, sociology, medical anthropology, or market research, but open to others
• At least 6 years of experience developing COA instruments and delivering qualitative research
•  Have been an author on at least one qualitative research publication or conference platform presentation
• Familiar with FDA and/or EMA guidances on patient-focused drug development, particularly related to COA development 
•  Experience designing and delivering survey and mixed methods research also desirable
•  Demonstrable analytical, interpretative, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to learn quickly, adapt, and apply new knowledge
• Strong capability in juggling priorities so that deadlines are met while retaining consistently high-quality outcomes
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skill in business English; may include presentations, workshop facilitation, business and report writing; additional languages an advantage
• Ability to manage and collaborate with individuals at all levels within the organization and build relationships while working remotely

Physical capability

• Extensive use of telephone and video [and face-to-face] communication requiring accurate perception of speech.
• Extensive use of keyboard requiring repetitive motion of fingers.
• Regular sitting for extended periods of time.
• Travel as required.

If you are interested in joining us, please submit your application in English and make sure to clearly outline your background in COA development and qualitative research.

At IQVIA, we believe in pushing the boundaries of human science and data science to make the biggest impact possible – to help our customers create a healthier world. The advanced analytics, technology solutions and contract research services we provide to the life sciences industry are made possible by our 85,000+ employees around the world who apply their insight, curiosity and intellectual courage every step of the way. Learn more at jobs.iqvia.com

IQVIA is a leading global provider of clinical research services, commercial insights and healthcare intelligence to the life sciences and healthcare industries. We create intelligent connections to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative medical treatments to help improve patient outcomes and population health worldwide. Learn more at https://jobs.iqvia.com