Principal Statistician

AstraZeneca
London
4 days ago
Create job alert

Principal Statistician

Location – Remote, UK

Duration – 6 months

Outside IR35


The statistician has experience in the pharmaceutical industry to independently perform and lead statistical work within a drug project, an indication within a more complex drug project or within more complex clinical studies. This individual is able to lead and direct biometrics work either in house or partnering with CROs to ensure delivery to quality and time.


Typical Accountabilities


The Principal Statistician may work as a lead statistician:

  • For a project or an indication in clinical therapeutic areas, or on more complex clinical studies
  • Leading the delivery and oversight on multiple studies/an indication within a drug project, potentially as a Global Project Statistician for a standard drug project


The accountabilities can include:

  • Lead the statistical thinking and contributions to the delivery of clinical studies, development plans, regulatory strategy, health technology assessment and/or commercial activities
  • Direct project work, including statistical staff and/or CRO partners, to ensure delivery to standards, quality and time
  • Develop design options and provide high quality decision support to enable the business to make informed decisions about a study or project
  • Quantify the benefit, risk, value and uncertainty of the emerging drug product profile
  • Investigate and apply novel statistical approaches, for relevant statistical issues and/or regulatory guidance and/or value demonstration, including modelling and simulation
  • Contribute to/or lead the development of a process improvement and/or capability area within the department
  • Establish and improve standards and best practice
  • Mentor/coach and support the education and training of statistics staff


Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

  • MSc/PhD in Statistics, Mathematics (containing a substantial statistical component), or recognised equivalent to stats MSc
  • Strong knowledge of programming in R and/or SAS
  • Knowledge of the technical and regulatory requirements related to the role
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to build strong relationships
  • Project management skills


Key stakeholders and relationships (globally)

  • All levels of functions within biometrics
  • Therapeutic area physicians and scientists
  • Collaboration partners in other departments
  • Drug project leading roles
  • Vendor counterparts as well as project managers and other biometrics contacts


We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.


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.

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Principal Statistician

Principal Statistician

Clinical Research Associate (Fellow)

Principal MEdical Writer

Principal Oncology Pharmacist (Hybrid)

Principal Scientist

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Biotechnology vs. Pharmaceutical Research vs. Bioinformatics Jobs: Which Path Should You Choose?

The biotechnology sector has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting and impactful fields in science and industry. Driven by advancements in genetic engineering, molecular biology, and computational technologies, biotechnology is revolutionising healthcare, agriculture, environmental management, and beyond. In the UK, numerous start-ups, research institutes, and multinational corporations are investing heavily in biotech-related innovations, creating a wealth of new career opportunities. Yet for those looking to break into the biotech job market, the variety of roles can be overwhelming. You’ll often see “Biotechnology,” “Pharmaceutical Research,” and “Bioinformatics” used as catch-all terms, sometimes interchangeably. Which area truly suits your interests and skill set? And how do these subfields differ in day-to-day responsibilities, salary prospects, and future growth potential? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll demystify three key pillars of modern biotech—Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Research, and Bioinformatics. We’ll cover the distinct skills and typical job titles within each, highlight salary ranges in the UK, and provide real-world examples to help you visualise the work involved. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of which path best matches your passions and career goals. And if you’re ready to take the next step, visit www.biotechnologyjobs.co.uk to explore current vacancies, from research scientists to bioinformatics specialists.

Which Programming Languages Should You Learn for a Career in Biotechnology?

From genome sequencing and drug discovery to cellular engineering and clinical diagnostics, biotechnology is revolutionising how we understand and harness living systems for medicine, agriculture, and beyond. As biotech labs generate massive datasets—think omics (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics), high-throughput screening, and clinical trials—the demand for skilled programmers and data scientists continues to grow. If you’re exploring roles on www.biotechnologyjobs.co.uk, you may be asking: Which programming languages are most valuable for a biotech career? The answer depends on the subfield of biotech you plan to focus on: bioinformatics, computational biology, lab automation, or data engineering. Each area has its go-to languages—for instance, Python or R for data analysis and machine learning, C++ for HPC and algorithmic tool development, or MATLAB for signal processing and advanced modelling. This guide dives into: Key programming languages central to biotechnology roles. Pros, cons, and typical use cases of each. A hands-on project idea to get you started in bioinformatics. Essential resources tips for www.biotechnologyjobs.co.uk.

UK Visa & Work Permits Explained: Your Essential Guide for International Biotech Talent

The United Kingdom has emerged as one of the world’s leading biotechnology hubs, offering a vibrant ecosystem for breakthrough research, cutting-edge start-ups, and major pharmaceutical giants. From the acclaimed “Golden Triangle” of London–Oxford–Cambridge to other biotech hotspots such as Manchester and Edinburgh, the UK stands at the forefront of life sciences innovation. If you’re an international biotech professional aiming to contribute to discoveries in genomics, molecular biology, regenerative medicine, or drug development, securing the right visa or work permit is an essential first step on your journey. Navigating the UK immigration system, however, can be a challenging process. This comprehensive guide will clarify the key visa routes, work permit requirements, and practical steps you need to follow to launch or advance your biotech career in the UK. Whether your goal is to join a major pharmaceutical company, a high-growth start-up, or an academic research institution, understanding the visa landscape will empower you to make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.