Research Associate

VML; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000

Job description

Who We Are: At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences.

Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

The Medical Consulting team is part of VML HEALTH, a global healthcare with a vision to make the world of health human-centric with connected brands. VML HEALTH has offices across the world & three global healthcare hubs in London, New York, & Milan. The Medical Consulting team focuses on early engagement across a range of disciplines including Commercial, Medical Affairs, HEOR, Market Access, Clinical Development, Patient Advocacy & Policy, Development and Regulatory teams – notably biopharmaceutical, medical device and diagnostics companies and also healthcare service industries & patient advocacy organizations. We have offices in London and Manchester. We support organisations to achieve more effective decision making through a focus on early cross functional working initiatives, enhanced focus on patient perspective programmes, and integrated planning and execution of value-based development and commercialisation projects and programmes. We run a variety of global accounts involving close collaboration with our creative, digital, medical education, and marketing teams to bring creative solutions for clients as they move forward in development and launch of their assets. Our philosophy is one of realizing potential for everyone who joins our team (“We Grow our People to Grow our Business”) – in whatever form that takes. We believe in open feedback, clear career development pathways, and supporting people to achieve their goals. The Manchester Medical Consulting team represents a new opportunity for individuals to grow their skills in a person-centric environment while contributing to the growth of the business.

The role:

The Research Associate will be required to provide strong research support and reliable resource to the business unit, aiding the effective delivery of client programs and business pitches to achieve first class market access for a range of products within various therapeutic fields.

Responsibilities:

• Act as an associate to senior staff members and take a lead on delivering activities where appropriate under the direction of senior staff members.
• Play a pivotal role in ensuring all projects are effectively managed, budgets are kept, and timelines are adhered to.
• Responsible for mentoring junior members of staff and providing support in ensuring structured training is delivered throughout the business unit.
• Develop relationships with the client base to support delivery of projects and programs.
• Provide robust scientific research support (desk and qualitative) to inform development of internal knowledge and strategy for new clients and pitches.
• Deliver effective project tracking support to Assistant Project Managers as required, including:
• Project analysis and evaluation.
• Report on project progress and profitability.
• Support best practice project management with the Assistant Project Manager.
• Manage client liaison and external stakeholder recruitment for effective delivery of client activities.
• Work with the business units to support the monitoring of environmental issues and new business development.
• Gain experience working on all key products.
• Maintain best practice in line with CMO processes and systems.
• Contribute to the continuing and ongoing achievements of CMO goals through the successful delivery of client projects to agreed standards within customer timelines.
• Keep excellent records and communicate efficiently and professionally with the internal project team and the client.
• Coordinate and liaise with project and Client Support Services teams.
• Undertake any other duties as may be required from time to time by CMO and their clients.

Requirements:

• Strong ability to champion change and demonstrate a strong, flexible work ethic.
• Work effectively as a team member, with the ability to demonstrate leadership skills and take ownership where appropriate.
• Takes an active role in contributing towards personal development of oneself and junior staff members.
• Interpersonal skills at all levels.
• Computer literacy.
• Strong written and verbal communication including presentations and report writing.
• Planning and organization.
• Client image and style awareness.
• Efficient administration.
• Microsoft Office skills.

Qualifications:

• Experience within the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare sector, or scientific academia.

At VML, we are committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our organization—creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers—who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interaction.

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.