Head of Patient Science, Instrument Development & Thought Leadership

About the role

IQVIA is looking for a Head of Patient Science, Instrument Development and Thought Leadership in Paris. The role leads the strategic, scientific and regulatory development of Clinical Outcomes Assessments (COAs) and composite measures, which include patient-reported outcomes (PROs), observer-reported outcomes (ObsROs) and clinician-reported outcomes (ClinROs). These instruments are used in clinical trials and real-world studies by biopharmaceutical and medical device companies, and in daily clinical practice by physicians. The aim is to ensure the patient perspective is rigorously measured and integrated into drug development, endpoint strategy, regulatory submissions and commercialization.

Key responsibilities

• Define instrument development strategies across therapeutic areas, aligned with licensing and services, R&DS priorities and goals, FDA/EMA guidance on patient-focused drug development and HTA requirements.
• Lead the development, validation and implementation of new and existing COA instruments, including psychometric evaluation, qualitative research and endpoint definition, and support client-facing COA endpoint strategy projects.
• Engage with regulatory bodies (FDA, EMA) on newly developed COAs intended to replace older, declining instruments.
• Direct advanced methodologies, with a focus on domains of health, including digital measurement plans, electronic COA strategies and patient experience data analytics.
• Partner with licensing and services, research and design, clinical operations, biometrics, regulatory and commercial teams to expand COA utility.
• Mentor and build a team of scientists, guide them in COA methodologies and best practices, and take part in acquisition science and staff integration.
• Represent the company as an expert at scientific conferences (e.g. ISPOR, ISOQOL, CPATH) and in industry consortia.

Required profile

• Advanced degree (PhD, Master's or equivalent) in psychology, behavioral measurement, health services research, epidemiology, pharmacy, public health or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of professional experience in COA/outcomes research within pharmaceutical, CRO or consultancy settings, with a strong publication record.
• Proven experience managing high-performing teams and influencing senior leaders across multiple geographies and functions.

Required skills

• Deep understanding of COA methodology, psychometrics, FDA/EMA patient-focused drug development guidelines and qualitative research methods.
• Excellent scientific writing and verbal communication, able to explain complex data to regulators and senior leadership.
• Ability to build relationships with global stakeholders and to work flexibly in a fast-paced environment.