About Charles River Associates
Charles River Associates is a leading global consulting firm that provides economic, financial, and business management expertise to major law firms, corporations and governments around the world. CRA advises clients on economic and financial matters pertaining to litigation and regulatory proceedings, and guides corporations through critical business strategy and performance-related issues. Since 1965, clients have engaged CRA for its combination of industry experience and rigorous, fact-based analysis that provide clients with clear, implementable solutions to complex business concerns. Our two main services – economic and management consulting – are delivered by practice groups that focus on specific areas of expertise or industries. Through a collegial environment, formal and informal training opportunities, and a broad array of professional development resources, your experience at CRA will open doors for you as you launch and accelerate your career.
Position Overview
CRA’s Life Sciences practice provides life sciences companies, law firms, and regulatory agencies around the globe clarity and solutions to the industry’s most complex issues. The practice’s litigation team arms clients with industry-leading economic analysis and testimony in litigation and arbitration engagements worldwide. Our services are grounded in a comprehensive understanding of pharmaceutical, biologic, medical device, and diagnostic markets, allowing us to provide clients with the industry and analytical expertise needed to solve their most complex issues. Economic and finance expertise is complemented by experience advising life sciences companies on critical business and policy issues. We seek Associates in our Boston, MA, or Washington, DC offices.
Candidates interested in life sciences strategy consulting should apply here.
Associates have the unique opportunity to learn from and work alongside some of the most respected scholars, specialists, and industry experts in the world. You will have access to internal training programs focused on creative problem-solving, communications, and technical skill development. In addition, our firm offers extracurricular activities where you can take on a leadership role in recruiting, training, and volunteer activities in the local community. A typical economic consulting Associate would:
- Develop financial and economic analyses and valuation models using spreadsheets and databases
- Ensure reliability of analysis through quality control review
- Perform exploratory data analysis, model building, and regression analysis using Excel and coding languages such as Stat, R, Python, or SAS
- Leverage analytical tools to extract insights from messy data
- Review and summarize analyst reports, academic literature, client documents, depositions, license agreements, and industry trade press
- Assist in the production and development of research summaries, expert reports, and the presentation of findings, including creation of visuals like tables and charts
- Review analyses and mentor junior consultants towards ensuring the integrity and accuracy of analyses
- Proactively develop your knowledge of the life sciences industry as well as consulting methodologies, including actively participating in internal development trainings
As most of our work is done in the office, minimal travel is required.
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree with strong achievement in an analytic or quantitative focus (Economics, Finance, Public Policy, Accounting or related discipline). Master’s degree preferred. We are accepting applications from recent graduates and candidates in the workforce.
- Recent bachelor’s graduates or individuals without directly relevant experience may be hired at the Analyst title
- Demonstrated knowledge of quantitative and qualitative concepts pertaining to economics, valuation, financial modeling, data analysis, and accounting
- Experience with data analysis, data visualization, and statistical programming in Stata, R, Python, or SAS is preferred
- Command of a broad range of research and quantitative analysis skills (including strong Excel skills)
- Curious and analytic thinkers who bring creative approaches to non-standard problems
- Effective written and oral communication skills
- Demonstrated high level of initiative and leadership
- Strong teamwork and collaboration capabilities
- Excellent time management and task prioritization skills
- Prior knowledge of life sciences concepts is NOT required to be successful in this position
To Apply
To be considered for this position, please submit the following:
- Resume – please include current address, personal email and telephone number
- Cover letter – please describe your interest in CRA and how this role matches your goals
- Transcript – may be unofficial version
- Writing sample – we prefer a sole-authored submission from an existing work (class paper, thesis, internship, or work product) that includes your commentary on a quantitative analysis and/or relevant to the field of economics
NOTE: This position is immediately available. If you are a current student, please apply to the 2026 campus postings on our website.
Career Growth and Benefits
- CRA’s robust skills development programs, including a commitment to offering 100 hours of training annually through formal and informal programs, encourage you to thrive as an individual and team member. Beginning with research and analysis skill building, training continues with technical training, presentation skills, internal seminars, and career mentoring and performance coaching from an assigned senior colleague. Additional leadership and collaboration opportunities exist through internal firm development activities.
- We offer a comprehensive total rewards program including a superior benefits package, wellness programming to support physical, mental, emotional and financial well-being, and in-house immigration support for foreign nationals and international business travelers.
Work Location Flexibility
CRA creates a work environment that enables our colleagues to benefit from being together in the office to best deliver on our promise of career growth, mentorship and inclusivity. At the same time, we recognize that individuals realize a range of benefits when working from home periodically. We currently ask that individuals spend 3 to 4 days a week on average working in the office (which may include traveling to another CRA office or to a client's location), with specific days determined in coordination with your practice or team.
Our Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity
Charles River Associates is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.