Job Description

Job Title: Statistical Science Director
Introduction to role:
The Statistical Science Director has extensive experience working as a statistician in the pharmaceutical industry. This role involves leading the statistical strategy or technical activities related to design, delivery, and interpretation, high-level internal governance committees, and regulatory submissions of a project. The individual is recognized externally as a methodology expert and can lead, perform, and communicate results of complex analyses while guiding less experienced staff. This role requires excellent cross-functional collaboration.
Accountabilities:
The Statistical Science Director may lead a project and/or support statistical methodological advances. The accountabilities for supporting projects directly include:
- Lead the statistical design and strategy for product development plans, preclinical studies, regulatory strategy, health technology assessment, and/or commercial activities as appropriate for the stage of the product.
- Lead the statistical content and ensure quality for study designs, documents, delivery, interpretation, and submission.
- Quantify the benefit, risk, value, and uncertainty of the emerging product profile and communicate these effectively within the team.
- Provide global leadership to others and direct project work delivered by internal and external staff.
- Partner with CROs to ensure delivery to quality and time.
- Represent AZ externally, which may include health authorities, advisory boards, conferences, workshops, and/or payer interactions.
- Maintain knowledge of statistical methodology in relevant areas and promote, investigate, and implement novel statistical approaches.
- Represent statistical strategy and decision-making at internal decision-making governance including review boards, therapy area leadership teams, and ESPC/LSPC.
- Mentor/coach and support the technical education and training of Statistics staff.
The accountabilities for supporting statistical methodological advances are (technical focus):
- In-depth knowledge of technical/regulatory requirements with experience in pharma/healthcare.
- Up-to-date implementation of novel statistical approaches.
- Experience with and broad awareness of regulatory interactions and/or submissions.
- Excellent communication skills/builds strong relationships.
- Nationally recognized externally. Invited to attend or speak at seminars and external meetings. Well-rounded statistician with publications on a range of topic areas. Publications resulting from external collaborations.
- Expert leadership role able to lead/direct work across a team.
Essential Skills/Experience:
Project:

• MSc/PhD in Statistics, Mathematics (containing a substantial statistical component), or recognized equivalent to stats MSc
• Track record of background in leading independently
• Exemplary technical skills

Technical:

• Usually PhD in statistics or a relevant topic
• Track record of expert Leadership role or nationally recognized externally as a statistical technical expert

Desirable Skills/Experience:
- TA or disease area knowledge expertise
- Exposure to business development opportunities (e.g., in licensing)
- Project management skills
- Proficiency in programming SAS and/or R and Python
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.
AstraZeneca offers an environment where you can thrive amidst uncertainty and ambiguity. We embrace change as the only constant, taking calculated risks to deliver new medicines to patients. Our high-exposure roles allow us to shape end deliverables and embrace global opportunities across all Therapy Areas. With a commitment to continuous improvement, we foster an inspiring learning environment where every setback is seen as a chance to improve. Our collaborative mindset ensures that we leverage diverse perspectives to maximize impact.
Ready to make a difference? Apply now to join our team!
Date Posted 26-Aug-2025
Closing Date 19-Sept-2025
AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.