Statistical Science Associate Director

The Statistical Science Associate Director has extensive experience working as a statistician in the pharmaceutical industry, capable of independently performing and leading statistical work within a project. This individual is recognized as a methodology expert and can lead and direct Biometrics work either in-house or in partnership with CROs to ensure delivery to quality and time.

Accountabilities:

• The Statistical Science Associate Director may work as a lead statistician for a project or indication in clinical or preclinical therapeutic areas.
• Leading the delivery and oversight on multiple studies/indications within a project, potentially as a Global Project Statistician for a standard drug project.
• Contributing to statistical methodological advances.

The accountabilities for supporting projects directly include:

• Lead the statistical thinking and contributions to the delivery of studies, development plans, regulatory strategy, health technology assessment, and/or commercial activities.
• Direct project work, including statistical staff and/or CRO partners, to ensure delivery to standards, quality, and time.
• Develop design options and provide high-quality decision support to enable the business to make informed decisions about a study or project.
• Quantify the benefit, risk, value, and uncertainty of the emerging asset/product profile.
• Investigate and apply novel statistical approaches for relevant statistical issues and/or regulatory guidance and/or value demonstration, including modeling and simulation.
• Mentor/coach and support the education and training of statistics staff.

The accountabilities for supporting statistical methodological advances include:

• Ability to consult across project teams within the area of expertise.
• Application of expert skills to investigate and apply novel statistical approaches for relevant statistical issues and/or regulatory guidance and/or value demonstration, including modeling and simulation.
• Produce pragmatic solutions, often within a tight time scale where the emphasis will be to deliver first, then refine and develop solutions thereafter.
• Contribute to or lead the development of a process improvement and/or capability area within the department.
• Establish and improve standards and best practices, applying novel statistical approaches to increase effectiveness and efficiency.
• Interact with external scientists and represent AstraZeneca Biometrics externally via publications and presentations on novel statistical approaches and best practices.
• Mentor/coach and support the education and training of statistics staff in the technical arena.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Masters degree with 10+ years of relevant experience OR PhD with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong knowledge of programming in R and/or SAS.
• Knowledge of the technical and regulatory requirements related to the role.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build strong relationships.
• Usually PhD in Statistics or a relevant topic.
• Experience of independent research.
• Delivering innovative statistical solutions in an applied environment.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Project Management Skills.
• Proficiency in SAS and R/Python languages.
• Knowledge of Bayesian statistics from theory to computation is a plus.
• Track record of research and methodological development in Statistics, supported by scientific publications in first-class statistical journals.

At AstraZeneca, we push the boundaries of science to change the practice of medicine and transform the lives of patients living with cancer! With one of the broadest and deepest Oncology pipelines in the industry, we offer opportunities to work on novel molecules at all development stages. Our collaborative environment empowers us to take smart risks, challenge norms, and learn from failures. We are committed to making meaningful differences for patients through our science-driven approach. Ready to make an impact? Apply now!