Title: Business Analyst – Pharma Research IT
Location: Lexington, MA 02421 (Hybrid, flexible depending on work needs)
Duration: 1 year

TOP 3 SKILLS:

• Strong background in business analysis within a pharmaceutical Research environment
• Deep understanding of scientific workflows and data management needs
• Good knowledge on Research systems such as Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN), Scientific Data Management Systems (SDMS), and research databases

Job Summary:

• In the scope of a Research Digital program in the Boston area, we are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Business Analyst to support our pharmaceutical Research division in the evaluation, selection, and implementation of critical research systems such as ELN, SDMS, and research databases.
• The ideal candidate will have a strong background in business analysis within a pharmaceutical Research environment and a deep understanding of scientific workflows and data management needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Requirements Gathering & Analysis: The Business Analyst will work closely with Research scientists, IT teams, and other stakeholders to gather and analyze business and technical requirements. This involves conducting interviews, workshops, and observations to understand scientific workflows and data needs. The analyst will translate these insights into clear, actionable User Requirement Specifications that guide system selection and implementation.
• System Evaluation & Selection: The analyst will support the evaluation and selection of Research systems such as Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN), Scientific Data Management Systems (SDMS), and research databases. This includes conducting market research, preparing and managing RFPs, assessing vendor capabilities (including internal suppliers), and performing fit-gap analyses to ensure selected solutions align with business and scientific requirements.
• Implementation Support: During system implementation, the analyst will collaborate with project managers, system engineer and validation teams to ensure that business requirements are accurately translated into digital solutions. They will support the development and execution of test cases, facilitate user acceptance testing (UAT), and ensure that the final product meets user expectations and regulatory standards.
• Stakeholder Engagement: The analyst will serve as a key liaison between scientific users, IT, and external vendors, ensuring clear and continuous communication throughout the project lifecycle. They will facilitate alignment across teams by organizing and leading stakeholder meetings, gathering feedback, and ensuring that all parties are informed and engaged.
• Documentation & Training: The analyst will be responsible for producing comprehensive documentation, including user stories, process flows, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training materials. They will also support training sessions and change management initiatives to ensure smooth adoption and effective use of new systems by end users.

Education:

• The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• A complementary background in Information Systems, Computer Science, or Business Analysis is highly desirable, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the role.

Experience and Skills:

• Candidates should have a minimum of five years of experience as a Business Analyst, with at least three years spent working within a pharmaceutical Research environment.
• Demonstrated experience in the selection and implementation of systems such as ELN, SDMS, IMS, or research databases is essential.
• Familiarity with FAIR data principles and related IT implementations in drug discovery is expected.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities are required, along with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. The candidate should be proficient in business analysis methodology, and comfortable working with cross-functional teams based in US and EU in a program involving multiple Business Analysts, Project Managers, System Architects, Data Engineers, etc. A solid understanding of scientific workflows and data management practices is critical to success in this role.
• Languages: Fluency in English is required, both written and spoken, to ensure effective communication across global teams and with external partners.
• Professional Attributes:
• Scientific Mindset: Comfortable working in a scientific environment and understanding complex research workflows.
• Detail-Oriented: Able to manage detailed requirements and ensure accuracy in documentation and implementation.
• Collaborative: Strong interpersonal skills and a team-oriented approach to problem-solving.
• Adaptable: Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with evolving priorities.

 

 


At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position’s starting pay is: $68.00/hr.