📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Sr Account Director, Business Development (RWE/ Non-Interventional Studies)- US, Remote
🔹 Company: Thermo Fisher Scientific
🔹 Location: Morrisville, North Carolina, USA (Remote)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Business Development
🔹 Date Posted: May 12, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote (US)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving new business development and customer growth across pharmaceutical and biotech clients
- Collaborating with account teams to create strategic account plans and engagement strategies
- Building and maintaining strong client relationships as a trusted advisor
- Leading cross-functional teams to promote Thermo Fisher Scientific's full range of products and services
- Managing the sales process, including proposal development, bid defense, and contract negotiations
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, relationship-building, and operational execution. Successful candidates will have a strong understanding of the biopharma industry, real-world evidence (RWE), and non-interventional studies (NIS).
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Spearhead new business development and customer growth across pharmaceutical and biotech clients, aiming to grow pipeline and achieve authorization targets
✅ Collaborate across the account team and SMEs to create strategic account plans based on a thorough understanding of the client’s needs, defining account priorities and engagement plans to drive action
✅ Develop and strengthen relationships with client stakeholders by positioning yourself as a trusted advisor, sharing insights on industry trends and PPD’s capabilities
✅ Lead cross-functional teams of SMEs to promote PPD’s full range of products and services
✅ Collaborate in development of proposals and client presentations, lead bid defense meetings, and support contract negotiations for new business growth
✅ Maintain SalesForce (CRM) with attention to detail and rigorous documentation discipline
ASSUMPTION: This role involves frequent travel (25-50%) both domestically and internationally, requiring adaptability and strong communication skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent and relevant formal academic/vocational qualification
Experience: 5-10 years of experience selling real-world solutions and consultancy services to medical affairs, safety, clinical development, market access, and HEOR clients
Required Skills:
- Solid understanding of RWE / RWD trends and advancements
- Demonstrated experience in identifying and developing sales leads, making professional presentations, managing the sales process, and handling contract negotiations
- Project management success across multi-disciplinary teams
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with the Challenger Sales Model
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in business development, a solid understanding of the biopharma industry, and experience working with RWE and NIS will be well-suited for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 per year (AI-estimated, based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time, with occasional travel (25-50%) both domestic and international
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Thermo Fisher Scientific operates in the biotechnology research industry, focusing on serving science to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer.
Company Size: With over 10,000 employees, Thermo Fisher Scientific is a large organization that offers numerous opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: The company was founded in 2006 through the merger of Thermo Electron and Fisher Scientific.
Company Description:
- Thermo Fisher Scientific is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue of approximately $40 billion
- The company's mission is to enable customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer
- Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a wide range of products and services, including analytical instruments, laboratory supply chain programs and eCommerce, laboratory equipment, lab services, specialty diagnostics, life sciences, pharma services, and CDMO
Company Specialties:
- Analytical Instruments
- Laboratory Supply Chain Programs and eCommerce
- Laboratory Equipment
- Lab Services
- Specialty Diagnostics
- Life Sciences
- Pharma Services and CDMO
Company Website: thermofisher.com
ASSUMPTION: As a large organization, Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a diverse range of opportunities for career growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, requiring a high degree of expertise and experience in business development and real-world evidence.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Account Director reports directly to the Vice President of Business Development and works closely with cross-functional teams, including account teams and SMEs.
Work Arrangement: This role is remote, with occasional travel (25-50%) both domestically and internationally.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a Vice President or Director role within the business development team
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and collaborate with industry experts
- Access to professional development and training opportunities
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have a strong desire to grow within the organization and a willingness to take on new challenges as they arise.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Remote (with occasional travel)
Office Location(s): Morrisville, North Carolina, USA
Geographic Context:
- Morrisville is a suburb of Raleigh, North Carolina, with a population of approximately 25,000
- The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and a vibrant food scene
- North Carolina is home to a thriving biotechnology industry, with numerous research institutions and pharmaceutical companies based in the state
Work Schedule: Full-time, with occasional travel (25-50%) both domestic and international
ASSUMPTION: The remote work arrangement allows for a high degree of flexibility and work-life balance, while occasional travel is required to build and maintain client relationships.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final interview with the Vice President of Business Development
Key Assessment Areas:
- Industry knowledge and understanding of real-world evidence
- Sales and business development skills
- Project management and leadership abilities
- Communication and interpersonal skills
Application Tips:
- Highlight your experience with real-world evidence and non-interventional studies in your resume and cover letter
- Tailor your application to demonstrate your understanding of the biopharma industry and Thermo Fisher Scientific's products and services
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your sales and project management experiences
ATS Keywords: Real-world evidence, non-interventional studies, business development, sales, project management, biopharma, pharmaceutical, Challenger Sales Model
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their expertise and fit for the position.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- SalesForce (CRM)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will be comfortable using CRM software and project management tools to manage their sales pipeline and team activities.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Quality
- Innovation
- Performance
- Teamwork
Work Style:
- Collaborative
- Results-driven
- Adaptable
- Customer-focused
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?
- Are you comfortable working remotely and managing your time effectively?
- Do you have a proven track record of building and maintaining strong client relationships?
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate a strong fit with Thermo Fisher Scientific's company values and work style, as well as a willingness to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with working in a remote environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Occasional travel (25-50%) both domestically and internationally
- Managing a diverse sales pipeline and multiple client relationships
- Keeping up with industry trends and advancements in real-world evidence and non-interventional studies
- Balancing strategic thinking with operational execution
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will be able to overcome these challenges and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other senior account director or business development roles within the biopharma industry, but with a specific focus on real-world evidence and non-interventional studies
- Compared to other roles within Thermo Fisher Scientific, this position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of business development and real-world evidence
- Career paths for this role may include advancement to a vice president or director role within the business development team or transition to a more specialized role within the real-world evidence or non-interventional studies group
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their long-term career goals and how this role aligns with their desired career path when applying.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a strategic account plan for a top-tier pharmaceutical client, including a comprehensive analysis of their real-world evidence needs and a tailored solution to address those needs
- Leading a cross-functional team to develop and execute a successful bid defense strategy for a competitive tender, resulting in a multi-million dollar contract win
- Conducting a comprehensive market analysis to identify new business opportunities within the real-world evidence and non-interventional studies space
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have a proven track record of delivering results in similar projects and a strong understanding of the real-world evidence and non-interventional studies landscape.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical sales cycle for a real-world evidence or non-interventional studies project?
- How does the business development team collaborate with other departments, such as marketing and operations, to ensure successful project execution?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the business development team?
- How does Thermo Fisher Scientific support its employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, particularly for remote workers?
- Can you provide an example of a successful real-world evidence or non-interventional studies project that the company has executed, and what role did the business development team play in its success?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should use the interview process to gather information about the role, the team, and the company, as well as to demonstrate their qualifications and fit for the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the following link: Apply Now
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience with real-world evidence, non-interventional studies, and business development
- Prepare for the interview process by researching Thermo Fisher Scientific and the biopharma industry, as well as practicing your responses to common interview questions
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
