At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead programming teams and oversee complex studies in a dynamic, agile environment.
- Company: Join a leading pharmaceutical company committed to innovation and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, remote work options, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities to work on cutting-edge AI/ML projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in clinical programming while mentoring the next generation of programmers.
- Qualifications: Proficiency in programming languages and extensive experience in clinical programming leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 70100 - 100000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Programming Leader to join our Clinical Programming team, providing project-level/study-level leadership and oversight across multiple complex studies within our global pipeline. This role operates within an agile, squad-based environment, where you will oversee project or multiple-studies programming strategy and delivery, collaborate with cross‑functional teams, and guide other study lead programmers and programmers to ensure high‑quality and timely outputs.
Responsibilities
- Ensure that all project programming activities are aligned with strategic business goals and conducted within established timelines and budgets.
- Establish clear roles and responsibilities to drive efficiency, transparency, and accountability across stakeholders, ensuring accurate and timely resource estimates through task‑level estimation and project planning tools.
- Take ownership of governance frameworks, identifying risks early and devising mitigation plans, ensuring timely escalation.
- Provide leadership and oversight to programming teams, ensuring rigorous quality control and adherence to standards such as CDISC, GCP, FDA/EMA guidelines.
- Champion the adoption of agile principles, new technologies, tools and methodologies (including risk‑based QC and AI/ML‑enabled automation) to improve programming efficiency, data analysis capabilities and study operations, and address complex technical challenges across projects.
- Represent programming in internal and external discussions, articulating complex technical information and programming strategies to technical and non‑technical audiences, and influencing project direction and decision‑making by presenting compelling data and insights.
- Collaborate with cross‑functional and global matrix teams (including Project Programmers, biostatistics, clinical, data management, regulatory and agile leaders) to define and document study and project strategies, manage risks, and maintain consistency across multiple complex studies.
- Mentor junior programmers and other study lead programmers by providing guidance and support in technical programming tasks and industry best practices.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications & Skills
- Demonstrated proficiency in at least one programming language and ability to evaluate and select appropriate tools or languages for specific tasks.
- Extensive experience in statistical programming and clinical programming leadership, including significant experience in CDISC standards and study/project oversight (e.g. as Study Lead Programmer) across complex or multiple studies.
- Strong experience working in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry with advanced understanding of clinical trials and therapeutic areas, applied to enhance programming outputs and decision‑making.
- Proven ability to lead discussions on programming strategies, displays, and custom programs, author or advise on key programming and analysis documents, and provide expert advice on complex technical issues and standards implementation.
- Demonstrated ability to articulate complex technical information effectively to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders, maintaining proactive communication to manage expectations, address risks and support faster decision‑making.
- Strong understanding of governance, quality control, data integrity and compliance with regulatory requirements and programming standards.
- Experience leading and developing teams in direct and matrix structures, providing mentorship and driving staff engagement.
Preferred Qualifications & Skills
- Experience championing and guiding others in the use of Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML) tools or applying these tools to improve efficiency across project and multiple studies.
- Experience leading cross‑functional and external initiatives and representing programming in internal technical discussions, forums, or working groups.
- 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 managing multiple squads or teams, ensuring appropriate workload and backlog prioritisation, showcasing squad performance and reliability, and aligning resource planning and talent development with future business needs.
- Expertise in Oncology therapeutic area specific requirements like RECIST1.1.
- Strong expertise in CDISC standards and its application.
- Demonstrated proficiency in R.
Programming Leader in London employer: Gsk
At GSK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Programming Leader in our Clinical Programming team, you will have the opportunity to lead complex studies within a global pipeline while benefiting from extensive professional development and mentorship opportunities. Our commitment to agile methodologies and cutting-edge technologies ensures that you will be at the forefront of advancements in the pharmaceutical industry, all while working in a supportive environment that values diversity and encourages personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programming Leader in London
✨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 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 Programming Leader in London
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!
