At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead programming for studies and drive innovation in statistical analysis.
- Company: Join ViiV Healthcare, a pioneer in HIV treatment and care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on mentorship and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fight against HIV while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Statistics or Computer Science; expertise in R programming required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
The Principal Statistical Programmer will lead programming activities for one or more studies, ensuring high-quality development, validation, and delivery of complex analysis outputs. Drive technical excellence, innovation, and standards adoption while providing strategic insights into study data. Mentor junior programmers and influence programming approaches through strong technical leadership and communication.
This role will provide YOU the opportunity to lead key activities to progress YOUR career. These responsibilities include some of the following:
- Technical Leadership & Delivery
- Lead programming for studies, ensuring efficient development and validation of analysis packages.
- Select appropriate tools/languages and solve complex technical challenges.
- Identify and implement improvements, including use of AI/ML.
- Contribute to departmental initiatives and technical strategy.
- Quality & Compliance
- Ensure adherence to standards (e.g., GPP, CDISC) and regulatory requirements.
- Perform QC on critical outputs and technical documents (e.g., cSDRG, ADRG).
- Maintain governance and oversee TMF compliance.
- Strategy & Innovation
- Drive adoption of modern technologies, standards, and Agile practices.
- Provide technical input on programming strategies and study design.
- Act as SME for emerging tools when needed.
- Communication & Mentorship
- Communicate technical concepts, risks, and timelines clearly to stakeholders.
- Mentor junior programmers and share best practices internally and externally.
- Collaboration & Execution
- Support sprint planning and project delivery across studies.
- Collaborate cross-functionally and manage data access appropriately.
- Support regulatory interactions and contribute to CoE activities.
Accountabilities
- Serve as Lead Programmer for complex or multiple studies.
- Ensure quality, compliance, and efficient execution of programming activities.
- Make data-driven decisions and proactively address risks and issues.
Basic Qualification
We are seeking professionals with the following required skills and qualifications to help us achieve our goals:
- Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Expertise in R programming.
- 6+ years of clinical programming experience.
- 5+ years of experience in the Pharmaceutical or Biotechnology industry.
- Experience using generative AI tools and coding assistants (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Codex, and Claude) to improve programming efficiency, automation, code quality, and analytical workflows in clinical programming.
Preferred Qualification
If you have the following characteristics, it would be a plus:
- Strong experience supporting HIV clinical trials and drug development within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
- Advanced degree in Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related discipline.
- Experience using generative AI tools and coding assistants (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Claude, or Codex) to improve programming productivity and automation.
- Familiarity with modern software engineering practices, including Git-based workflows, reusable frameworks, and automation pipelines.
- Experience with R, Python, and open-source analytics tools within regulated clinical development environments.
- Experience contributing to standards development, process improvement, or digital transformation initiatives.
- Knowledge of Agile delivery methodologies and collaborative product development approaches.
- Demonstrated experience leading programming activities for complex clinical studies or multiple projects.
- Strong understanding of CDISC standards, regulatory expectations, and quality/compliance requirements.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience mentoring or guiding junior team members.
At ViiV Healthcare, our mission is to ensure that the impact of HIV is minimised for individuals and communities worldwide. We are deeply committed to:
- Patient Focus – Always putting the needs of those living with HIV first.
- Transparency, Respect, and Integrity – Maintaining open communication, mutual respect, and a high ethical standard in everything we do.
- Courage and Accountability – Demonstrating bold leadership by making agile, evidence-based decisions and taking responsibility for outcomes.
- Development and Teamwork – Investing in our team members’ growth and building collaborative, impact-driven partnerships internally and externally.
As part of our 30-year legacy of improving lives with HIV, ViiV Healthcare is not just a place to work—it is a community where every team member is empowered to bring their very best to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Our holistic approach extends beyond medicine to supporting sustainable community programs and improving access to care.
Principal Statistical Programmer in Durham employer: Gsk
GSK is an exceptional employer located in Greater London, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Senior FinOps Product Manager, you will have the opportunity to drive impactful projects while benefiting from robust employee growth opportunities and a culture that values diverse perspectives. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on agile methodologies, GSK empowers its employees to thrive in their careers while contributing to meaningful advancements in cloud financial management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Statistical Programmer in Durham
✨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!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
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 Gsk. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
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 Gsk!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Statistical Programmer in Durham
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 Gsk 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 Gsk.
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 Gsk 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 Gsk
✨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 Gsk. 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 Gsk'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 Gsk. This shows your passion for the industry!
