Statistical Science Associate Director

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science‑led, patient‑focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. At AstraZeneca, we are pioneering new frontiers by identifying and treating patients earlier, working towards the aim of eliminating cancer as a cause of death. Come and join our AZ team where you will play a pivotal role in this exciting period of development!

In this role, you’ll direct end‑to‑end Biometrics activities, driving quality and timelines through in‑house teams or in partnership with CROs, ensuring robust, data‑driven decisions that advance our medicines.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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 modelling and simulation.
• Mentor/coach and support the education and training of statistics staff.
• Application of expert skills to investigate, apply novel statistical approaches, for relevant statistical issues and/or regulatory guidance and/or value demonstration, including modelling 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 practice, apply novel statistical approaches to increase effectiveness and efficiency.
• Interact with external scientists and represent AstraZeneca Biometrics externally via publications and presentations on best practice.

Requirements

• MSc/PhD in Statistics, Mathematics (containing a substantial statistical component), or recognised equivalent to stats MSc.
• 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.
• Proven experience of independent research delivering innovative statistical solutions in an applied environment.

Desirables

• 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.

In Office Requirement

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life‑changing medicines. In‑person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That’s why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn’t mean we’re not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

Competitive salary and benefits package on offer! The successful candidate will have access to a flexible employee benefits fund, including holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save Plans, a performance recognition scheme and a competitive, generous remuneration package.

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.