At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead programming for clinical studies and mentor junior programmers in a global setting.
- Company: Join a leading pharmaceutical company focused on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by improving clinical programming processes.
- Qualifications: Proficient in programming languages with experience in the pharma/biotech industry.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Principal Programmer / Analyst for our Clinical Programming team, contributing to pipeline delivery across complex and pivotal studies in a global setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Independently lead programming activities for one or more studies, ensuring development, maintenance, and validation of complex analysis packages.
- Foster quality assurance by ensuring programming activities adhere to standards such as Good Programming Practices and CDISC standards.
- Mentor junior programmers by providing guidance and support in technical programming tasks and industry best practices.
- Lead programming support for regulatory interactions (e.g., EMA, FDA).
- Identify gaps and inefficiencies and recommend and implement innovative solutions aligned with standards and best practices.
- Establish and uphold governance frameworks, identify risks early and devise mitigation plans, ensuring timely escalation.
Basic Qualifications and Skills
- Demonstrated proficiency in at least one programming language and ability to evaluate and select appropriate tools or languages for specific tasks.
- Previous experience working in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry with advanced understanding of clinical trials and therapeutic areas.
- Ability to lead discussions on programming strategies, displays, and custom programs.
- Application of critical thinking to implement standards and collaborate with stakeholders where deviations are required.
- Strong understanding of governance, quality control, and compliance with regulatory requirements and programming standards.
- Ability to articulate complex technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications and Skills
- Experience guiding others in the use of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) tools or applying these tools to improve efficiency.
- Experience contributing to internal technical discussions, forums, or external technical organizations.
- Experience contributing to department strategies and key technical initiatives through working groups or sub-teams.
- Demonstrated networking and collaboration across departments, divisions, and external partners.
- Experience facilitating integration across matrix teams and contributing to planning and execution of programming activities.
- Experience guiding teams and individuals, fostering continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation.
- Expertise in Oncology therapeutic area specific requirements like RECIST1.1.
- Strong expertise in CDISC standards and its application.
- Demonstrated proficiency in R.
Application Deadline
Closing Date for Applications – 24th June 2026 (COB).
Equal Opportunity Statement
GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.
Principal Programmer / Analyst in Stevenage employer: GlaxoSmithKline
At GSK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for our Principal Programmer / Analyst role within the Clinical Programming team. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and continuous improvement, while our commitment to employee growth is evident through mentorship opportunities and access to cutting-edge AI/ML tools. Located in a dynamic global setting, we offer a unique chance to contribute to impactful studies that advance healthcare, all while ensuring adherence to the highest standards of quality and compliance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Programmer / Analyst in Stevenage
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
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If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like GlaxoSmithKline. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
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Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like GlaxoSmithKline!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Programmer / Analyst in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show GlaxoSmithKline that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at GlaxoSmithKline.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that GlaxoSmithKline does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at GlaxoSmithKline
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at GlaxoSmithKline. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into GlaxoSmithKline's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at GlaxoSmithKline. This shows your passion for the industry!
