What are the responsibilities and job description for the Qualitative Research Director position at Smith Hanley Associates?
Title: Qualitative Research Director (Healthcare/Pharmaceutical Focus)
Location: Remote, Raleigh OR Atlanta
Compensation: $125-150k bonus
Contact: Lindsey Bartlett - lbartlett@smithhanley.com
We’re looking for a Director-level qualitative research lead with strong pharmaceutical industry experience. This is someone who’s hands-on, thrives in an autonomous yet collaborative environment, and brings fresh perspective without ego. This is a true end-to-end research role: from writing screeners and discussion guides to moderating interviews and writing strategic reports. Clients range from major pharmaceutical firms to innovative startups, and the work spans patients, physicians, caregivers, and more.
Benefits:
- No micromanagement
- Paid healthcare plans for employees
- ESOP
Key Responsibilities
- Lead qualitative research projects from start to finish (design, moderation, analysis, reporting)
- Conduct in-depth interviews (IDIs), primarily in healthcare/pharmaceutical
- Build trusted relationships with clients through excellent research and strategic thinking
- Collaborate with internal teams who handle logistics, sample/recruiting, and operational support
- Potentially travel domestically and internationally depending on project needs
- Contribute to business development through great client work and organic relationship building
- Participate in and contribute to the firm’s collaborative, team-based culture
What We’re Looking For
- 6–10 years of qualitative research experience, ideally including healthcare/pharma
- Skilled moderator — someone who can comfortably interview physicians, patients, caregivers
- Able to manage multiple projects and work independently with minimal oversight
- Strong writer and communicator, able to synthesize insights clearly and strategically
- Comfortable in a flat, non-hierarchical, team-oriented culture
Salary : $120,000 - $150,000