Statistical Science Associate Director
Cambridge (3 days onsite per week)
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we are pioneering new frontiers by identifying and treating patients earlier, working towards the aim of eliminating cancer as a cause of death.
Come and join our AZ team where you will play a pivotal role in this exciting period of development!
Join us as a Statistical Science Associate Director and lead high‑impact statistical strategy across our clinical portfolio. You’ll bring deep pharmaceutical experience to independently shape and deliver statistical work for a project or an indication within a complex program, and be recognised as a methodology expert. In this role, you’ll direct end‑to‑end Biometrics activities, driving quality and timelines through in‑house teams or in partnership with CROs, ensuring robust, data‑driven decisions that advance our medicines.
Key Responsibilities:
The Statistical Science Associate Director may work as a lead statistician
1. For a project or indication in clinical or preclinical therapeutic areas
2. Leading the delivery and oversight on a multiple studies /indication within a project, potentially as a Global Project Statistician for a standard drug project
3. Contributing to statistical methodological advances
The accountabilities for supporting projects directly include:
4. Lead the statistical thinking and contributions to the delivery of studies, development plans, regulatory strategy, health technology assessment and/or commercial activities
5. Direct project work, including statistical staff and/or CRO partners, to ensure delivery to standards, quality and time
6. Develop design options and provide high quality decision support to enable the business to make informed decisions about a study or project
7. Quantify the benefit, risk, value and uncertainty of the emerging asset/product profile
8. Investigate and apply novel statistical approaches, for relevant statistical issues and/or regulatory guidance and/or value demonstration, including modelling and simulation
9. Mentor/coach and support the education and training of statistics staff
The accountabilities for supporting statistical methodological advances include:
10. Ability to consult across project teams within area of expertise
11. Application of expert skills to investigate, apply novel statistical approaches, for relevant statistical issues and/or regulatory guidance and/or value demonstration, including modelling and simulation
12. Produce pragmatic solutions, often within a tight time scale where the emphasis will be to deliver first, then refine and develop solutions thereafter
13. Contribute to/or lead the development of a process improvement and/or capability area within the department
14. Establish and improve standards and best practice, apply novel statistical approaches to increase effectiveness and efficiency
15. Interact with external scientists and represent AstraZeneca Biometrics externally via publications and presentations on best practice
16. Mentor/coach and support the education and training of statistics staff in the technical arena
Requirements:
17. MSc/PhD in Statistics, Mathematics (containing a substantial statistical component), or recognised equivalent to stats MSc
18. Strong knowledge of programming in R and/or SAS
19. Strong knowledge and understanding of the technical and regulatory requirements related to the role
20. Developed negotiation and interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate complex interests, build trust, and secures agreement with senior stakeholders and collaborators.
21. Highly developed operational and project management skills with experience leading multi‑workstream projects end‑to‑end.
22. Proven experience of independent research
23. Delivering innovative statistical solutions in an applied environment
Desirables:
24. Proficiency in SAS and R/Python languages
25. Knowledge of Bayesian statistics from theory to computation is a plus
26. Track record of research and methodological development in Statistics, supported by scientific publications in first class statistical journals
In Office Requirement:
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.
Competitive salary and benefits package on offer!
The successful candidate will have access to a flexible employee benefits fund, including holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save Plans, A performance recognition scheme and a competitive, generous remuneration package.
Date Posted
12-Mar-2026
Closing Date
21-Mar-2026Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.