Postdoctoral Research Fellow Statistics

Merck; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A biopharmaceutical company is looking for a quantitative scientist to join its team in Greater London under a 3-year fixed-term contract. The role involves statistical modeling, patient preference research, and developing methodologies for benefit-risk assessment. Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant field and be proficient in statistical analysis. This position requires excellent communication skills and the ability to work in cross-functional teams. The offered position is temporary, and hybrid work arrangements are available.

Qualifications

• PhD must be obtained no more than six months before the starting date.
• Experience in preference research or clinical research environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assess patient preference research landscape.
• Carry out simulations based on clinical trial data.
• Develop structured benefit-risk frameworks.
• Identify patient characteristics using statistical learning.

Skills

Fluency in English (oral and written)

Statistical modeling

Data simulations

Leadership skills

Problem-solving skills

Ability to design experiments

Excellent communication skills

Education

PhD in biostatistics or related field

Job description

Job Description – 3-year Fixed-Term

We are a research‑driven biopharmaceutical company. Our mission is built on the simple premise that if we “follow the science” and that great medicines can make a significant impact to our world. And we believe that a research‑driven enterprise dedicated to world‑class science can succeed by inventing medicine and vaccine innovations that make a difference for patients across the globe.

You will be part of the BARDS organization which has a presence in the US, Europe and Asia Pacific. By joining our company, in this role you will apply your skills and experience in support of developing scientifically based arguments aiming to provide fair accessibility to drugs and vaccines making a real difference in patient’s lives.

The Biostatistics and Research Decision Sciences (BARDS) organization has a proud record of providing comprehensive analytical and methodological expertise to support our company’s strategic goals. Our quantitative scientists aspire to maintain the highest quality output while adopting the most efficient and effective scientific and operational procedures that will promote breakthrough innovation, collaboration and professional activity.

Primary Activities (Responsibilities)

• Assess patient preference research landscape to inform weighting of benefits and risks for quantitative benefit‑risk profile.
• Based on real clinical trial data, carry out simulations as needed to address realistic scenarios/issues identified as relevant for BR subgroup analysis.
• Develop expertise in developing a structured BR framework and quantitative BR methodologies (e.g., Multi‑Criteria Decision Analysis [MCDA]) to address multiple and potentially conflicting criteria, differing perspectives, and uncertainty.
• Develop expertise in statistical learning (e.g., clustering and Principal Component Analysis) to identify patient characteristics to treatment response.
• Develop expertise in visual analytics to develop appropriate visual/graphical displays to support interpretation and aid decision‑making.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with internal and external experts in the field.
• Deliver high‑quality peer review publications and present research results to internal and external audiences.

Qualifications

Education and Minimum Requirement:

PhD in biostatistics, quantitative epidemiology, mathematics, or any other scientific disciplines with substantial quantitative statistics elements. You must have completed your PhD no longer than six months before the starting date.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Fluency in English (oral and written).
• Skilled in statistical modeling and data simulations.
• Experience and willingness to work in a global cross‑functional team.
• Strong leadership, problem‑solving and trouble‑shooting skills.
• Proven ability to complete research projects, as evidenced by peer‑reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Ability to independently design experiments, interpret data, and incorporate data into statistical models.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must also demonstrate the ability to learn, be proactive and motivated, and consistently focus on details and execution.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience in preference research, statistical machine learning and/or quantitative BR assessments in a clinical research environment is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience leveraging Gen AI tools to enhance daily workflows and support coding tasks.
• Understanding of biology of disease and drug development.
• Publication record in peer reviewed statistical/medical journals.

Closing Date for Applications

23/01/2026

Required Skills: Accountability, Adaptability, Scientific Research, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Data Modeling

Preferred Skills:

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Employee Status: Temporary (Fixed Term)

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Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid

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Job Posting End Date: 01/24/2026

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