Statistical Science Director

Job Title: Statistical Science Director

GCL: F

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to lead statistical strategy that shapes pivotal decisions across global medicine development? As Statistical Science Director at AstraZeneca, you will turn sophisticated evidence into clear direction, guiding programs from early discovery through registration and beyond. Your work will directly influence how quickly and confidently we bring entrepreneurial therapies to patients.

Do you thrive on turning uncertainty into actionable insight? In this high-visibility role, you will be a key voice at decision forums, set standards for study design and quantitative difficulty, and mentor a dedicated team. You will collaborate across therapy areas and teams, applying biometrics expertise in new ways to enhance impact on patient outcomes and business value.

Accountabilities:

• Statistical Design Leadership: Lead statistical design and strategy across product development plans, preclinical studies, regulatory pathways, health technology assessment and commercial activities aligned to the product’s stage.
• Study Excellence and Delivery: Own statistical content for study designs, protocols, analysis plans, interpretation and submissions, ensuring transparency, difficulty and timely delivery.
• Benefit–Risk and Uncertainty: Quantify benefit, risk, value and uncertainty of emerging product profiles and communicate insights that drive confident decisions.
• Global Leadership and Team Direction: Provide leadership and direction to internal and external statisticians; mentor, coach and support technical education and training for the Statistics community.
• External Partnerships and Representation: Partner with CROs to meet quality and timelines; represent AstraZeneca with health authorities, advisory boards, conferences, workshops and payer interactions.
• Methodology Innovation: Maintain deep knowledge of statistical methodology; promote, investigate and implement novel approaches (e.g., adaptive designs, Bayesian methods) that strengthen decision-making.
• Strategic Governance Influence: Represent statistical strategy and decision-making at internal governance, including review boards, therapy area leadership teams and ESPC/LSPC, shaping progression and investment decisions.
• Project Leadership or Methodological Advancement: Lead projects end-to-end and/or drive statistical methodological advances that elevate enterprise-wide standards.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Min 12+ years of experience as a Statistician in pharma/healthcare industry
• Up to date and implements novel stats approaches
• Experience with and broad awareness of regulatory interactions and/or submissions
• Ability to provide Input to Clinical Development Plan & Exemplary technical skills such as Clinical Trial Protocol, Regulatory Interaction, Data-driven analysis, Decision Making in drug development, Sophisticated Statistical Computation & Methodology
• Excellent communication skills/ builds strong relationships
• Track record of expert Leadership role or nationally recognized externally as a statistical technical expert

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• PhD or equivalent in Statistics, Biostatistics, or a related quantitative field
• Proven impact across multiple therapy areas, including experience with health technology assessment and payer evidence
• Expertise in advanced trial designs and decision analysis (adaptive, Bayesian, platform/master protocols)
• Proficiency in R and/or SAS and modern reproducible analysis practices; familiarity with version control and scalable computing
• Track record of leading cross-functional teams and partnerships with CROs to deliver to quality and time
• Experience influencing internal governance bodies and external collaborators, including health authorities
• Ability to translate complex quantitative evidence into clear recommendations for senior leaders

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we fuel 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.

Why AstraZeneca:

Join a company where bold, curious minds work side by side to solve hard problems and move quickly from insight to impact. You will influence high-visibility decisions, apply ground breaking methods to real-world data, and see your work translate into medicines that make a tangible difference for patients across the globe. We bring diverse teams together to spark new thinking, value kindness alongside ambition, and provide the support, challenge and recognition needed to grow while creating outcomes that matter.

Step into a high-exposure director role where your statistics shape real-world outcomes—send your application today and start making decisive impact!

Date Posted

Closing Date

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.