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- Tasks: Lead innovative open-source projects in Biometric & Data Science, driving strategic development and collaboration.
- Company: Join UCB, a global biopharmaceutical leader focused on neurology and immunology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in clinical research while championing open-source principles.
- Qualifications: MSc preferred in relevant fields with strong programming skills and stakeholder management experience.
- Other info: Be part of a caring culture that values inclusion and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Senior Project Lead Programmer to join us in our Biometric & Data Science team, to be based in any of our Brussels (Belgium), Monheim (Germany), Slough (UK) or Raleigh (US) offices.
About The Role
The Senior Project Lead Programmer will drive the strategic development, governance, and execution of open-source initiatives within the Biometrics function. This role is central to advancing innovation in statistical programming, data science, and clinical analytics through open collaboration, transparent tooling, and community engagement. The position will work closely with Programming and Biostatistics teams to ensure open-source efforts are scientifically rigorous, regulatory-compliant, and operationally impactful.
Provide strategic, technical, operating, and tactical transformation change and implementation of state-of-the-art programming and play a central leading role in the continuous transformation of the BDS organization at all levels: talent, capability build/needs, optimized and efficient operating model, initiatives, systems and strategy. Will optimize scoping, input, and solution provision through collaborations cross functionally.
Who You’ll Work With
You will report into the Head of Programming Visualisation & Reporting.
What You’ll Do
- Define and implement the programming team’s open-source innovation strategy aligned with the department goals.
- Develop the vision and roadmap for open-source tools that directly support the Biometrics department, including programming, visualization, and reporting needs but not limited to.
- Drive innovation in clinical trial analyses, using R to improve the efficiency of study results analysis delivery for the Programming team.
- Champion open-source principles across departments including R&D, IT, Regulatory Affairs, and Data Science.
- Represent the company in external open-source consortia (e.g., Pharmaverse, PHUSE, etc.).
- Responsible to lead high complex projects with multiple stakeholders (internal and external stakeholders) and articulated structure.
- Lead and shape the continuous learning and upskilling culture for a modern Biometrics (Programming) organization.
Interested?
For this position you’ll need the following education, experience and skills:
- MSc (preferred) in Statistics, Mathematical, Statistical Computer Science or Life Science, or equivalent.
- Deep understanding of open-source ecosystems, licensing models, and software development practices.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across scientific and technical domains.
- Experience with regulatory environments and data standards (e.g., CDISC, HL7).
- Proficiency in platforms like GitHub and tools such as R, Python, Docker, and CI/CD pipelines.
- Experience contributing to or leading open-source projects in clinical research or statistical programming.
Are you ready to ‘go beyond’ to create value and make your mark for patients? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!
About Us
UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are over 9,000 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.
Why work with us?
At UCB, we don’t just complete tasks, we create value. We aren’t afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equal opportunities to do their best work. We ‘go beyond’ to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that’s on our patients, our employees, or our planet.
Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential. At UCB, we’ve embraced a hybrid-first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless expressly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.
UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable laws. Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on EMEA-Reasonable_Accommodation@ucb.com. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.
Senior Project Lead Programmer (UK) employer: UCB
Contact Detail:
UCB Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Lead Programmer (UK)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those already working at UCB or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you've got experience with R, Python, or any open-source projects, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Bring examples of your work to interviews to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready to discuss how you would tackle real-world problems related to statistical programming and data science. Think about innovative solutions and be prepared to share your thought process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at UCB.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Lead Programmer (UK)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Project Lead Programmer role. Highlight your expertise in open-source programming, data science, and any relevant projects you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background fits our needs. Be specific about your experience with open-source tools and your vision for innovation in clinical trial analyses.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, demonstrate your strong communication skills in your application. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated across teams or represented your work externally.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is seen by the right people and helps us keep track of all candidates efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCB
✨Know Your Open-Source Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of open-source ecosystems and licensing models. Be ready to discuss how you've contributed to or led open-source projects, especially in clinical research or statistical programming. This will show that you understand the core of what the role is about.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to demonstrate your proficiency in R, Python, and tools like GitHub and Docker. You might be asked to solve a technical problem or discuss your experience with CI/CD pipelines, so having specific examples ready will help you stand out.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Think about how you can articulate complex ideas clearly, especially when discussing stakeholder management across scientific and technical domains. Practise explaining your past projects in a way that highlights your collaborative approach.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with regulatory environments and data standards like CDISC and HL7. Being able to discuss how these standards impact programming and data science will demonstrate your readiness to tackle the challenges of the role.