Sr Research Analyst - Biopharmaceuticals

Description

JM Search is the leading retained executive search firm for private equity, and other growth-oriented private and public organizations. We have spent more than 40 years identifying, attracting, and retaining high-performing company builders within our own firm and understand how to scale without sacrificing culture. We care deeply about providing continuous development opportunities for each member of our team – from recent graduates to our managing partners – and believe by caring for our people, they in turn care for our clients.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Develop & Execute Targeted Search Strategies

• Partner with Client Partners and Recruiters to define search objectives and develop targeted executive search strategies for retained search engagements.
• Design and execute research strategies that identify executive talent, competitive talent pools, and target organizations aligned with client objectives.
• Apply advanced research methodologies and creative sourcing techniques to identify and engage passive executive talent with minimal oversight.
• Leverage expertise in the biopharmaceutical industry to advise search teams on market dynamics, talent availability, and competitive landscapes. 

Provide Advanced Market Research & Analysis

• Conduct in-depth market, competitive, and organizational research to support executive search engagements and new business opportunities.
• Develop comprehensive market maps, organizational charts, succession pipelines, and executive talent landscapes.
• Monitor industry trends, company growth, financing activity, acquisitions, leadership changes, and emerging therapeutic areas to inform search strategy.
• Synthesize complex information into actionable insights and recommendations for Client Partners and Recruiters. 

Identify & Assess Executive Talent 

• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize executive leaders using advanced research methodologies, industry networks, and executive search technologies.
• Develop diverse, high-quality candidate slates aligned with client objectives.
• Assess executive talent based on functional expertise, leadership experience, organizational fit, and career progression.
• Build and maintain relationships with executives to develop long-term market intelligence and talent networks. 

Manage Internal Client Relationships 

• Serve as a trusted research advisor to Client Partners and Recruiters throughout each engagement.
• Proactively communicate market intelligence, search progress, and candidate insights.
• Recommend strategic adjustments to search strategy based on market findings.
• Escalate search challenges appropriately while maintaining exceptional internal client service.  

Serve as a Biopharma Market Expert 

• Demonstrate expertise across the biopharmaceutical value chain, including: Discovery Research, Translational Medicine, Preclinical Development, Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs, Biometrics, Technical Operations & Manufacturing, Quality & Compliance, Commercial, Market Access, and Corporate Leadership.
• Advise search teams on organizational structures, reporting relationships, executive succession trends, and leadership talent across the drug development lifecycle.
• Continuously build knowledge of emerging technologies, therapeutic modalities, and the evolving biopharmaceutical marketplace. 

Coordinate Search Execution & Documentation

• Prepare executive candidate profiles, position specifications, market intelligence reports, organizational analyses, and client presentations.
• Coordinate research deliverables, interviews, client meetings, and project milestones to ensure timely execution.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation within Thrive in accordance with firm standards. 

Maintain Research Excellence & Data Integrity 

• Ensure the accuracy of candidate information, market intelligence, organizational research, compensation data, and executive movement within internal systems. 
• Promote best practices in research methodology, documentation, and data quality. 
• Contribute to the firm's knowledge base by capturing market intelligence and search insights. 

Contribute to Business Development & Resource Development

• Support business development by developing market maps, talent intelligence, competitive analyses, and search examples for proposals and client pursuits.
• Identify emerging companies, executive talent, and market trends that create opportunities for new client engagements.
• Mentor Research Associates and junior team members, sharing expertise in executive search research, market intelligence, and project execution.  

Requirements

Competencies: 

Executive Search Strategy - Develops and executes sophisticated research strategies that support retained executive search engagements and influence client outcomes.

Biopharmaceutical Industry Expertise - Demonstrates deep knowledge of the biopharmaceutical industry, organizational structures, therapeutic areas, and executive leadership across the drug development lifecycle from Discovery through Commercialization.

Market Intelligence & Talent Mapping - Produces actionable market intelligence, competitive analyses, executive talent maps, and organizational insights that strengthen search strategy and business development

Executive Talent Assessment - Evaluates executive leaders through analysis of leadership capabilities, functional expertise, career progression, organizational impact, and cultural alignment.

Strategic Partnership - Serves as a trusted advisor to Client Partners and Recruiters by providing informed recommendations, challenging assumptions when appropriate, and contributing strategic market perspectives.

Project Leadership – Independently manages multiple executive search engagements while ensuring exceptional quality, responsiveness, organization, and attention to detail.

Knowledge Sharing & Mentorship – Coaches and develops junior researchers while contributing to practice knowledge, research methodologies, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience conducting research within a retained executive search, executive recruiting, or specialized life sciences search environment. Ability to manage multiple executive search engagements in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.
• Demonstrated expertise using advanced and creative research methodologies to identify passive executive talent and develop executive talent landscapes.
• Strong knowledge of the biopharmaceutical industry, including executive leadership functions spanning Discovery Research through Commercialization.
• Ability to synthesize complex market information into strategic recommendations that influence search execution and client decision-making. Excellent analytical, writing, presentation, and communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced education in life sciences, business, or a related discipline preferred.
• Advanced proficiency with executive research platforms, LinkedIn Recruiter, Microsoft Office Suite, and executive search databases.  

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package including a healthy 401(k) match, excellent health, vision, and dental benefits, and flexible working options. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.