Principal Statistical Methodologist

UCB S.A.; Princes Risborough; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

UCB is seeking a Principal Statistical Methodologist in the UK to shape how evidence is generated across the drug development lifecycle, from early development to regulatory approval and lifecycle work.

You will provide expert statistical consultation on trial design and analysis, develop and apply advanced methods, and translate complex quantitative concepts into clear insights for cross-functional partners.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in statistics, mathematics, or a closely related discipline.
• 3+ years of biostatistics experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Experience with statistical methodology for clinical development is an advantage.
• Strong programming skills in R; other tools considered.

Responsibilities

• Provide statistical consultation on trial design and analysis across multiple development stages.
• Develop and implement innovative statistical approaches, including model-based methods using frequentist and Bayesian techniques.
• Run or guide advanced analyses and simulations to inform design options, sample size, and power trade-offs.
• Communicate complex quantitative topics clearly using visuals, simulations, and plain language for diverse audiences.
• Contribute to internal learning by delivering training on advanced statistical concepts for non-statisticians and statisticians.
• Contribute to the group's external profile through scientific publications, conference presentations, and cross-industry initiatives.

Skills

Biostatistics

Statistical consultation

Advanced statistical methods

Trial design

Education

Doctoral degree in statistics or mathematics

Tools

R

Job description

Make your mark for patientsWe are looking for a Principal Statistical Methodologist who is curious, collaborative, and strategic to join our Statistical Innovation team within Biometric and Data Sciences (BDS), based in Slough (UK).

About the role

You will help shape how evidence is generated and communicated across the drug development lifecycle-from early clinical development to regulatory approval and lifecycle work. You will provide expert statistical consultation on trial design and analysis, develop and apply advanced methods, and translate complex quantitative concepts into clear insights for cross-functional partners. You will also contribute to scientific communications and external collaboration through publications and industry initiatives.

Who you will work with

You will be part of a team that provides statistical consultancy across therapy areas and development stages, partnering closely with colleagues in clinical development, regulatory strategy, data science, and medical
affairs. The team values curiosity and problem solving, practical innovation, clear communication, and collaboration-bringing novel statistical approaches into real study decisions and sharing learnings with the wider scientific community.

What you will do

• Provide statistical consultation on clinical trial design and analysis across multiple development stages and therapy areas.
• Develop and implement innovative statistical approaches, including model-based methods using frequentist and Bayesian techniques.
• Run or guide advanced analyses and simulations to inform design options, sample size, and power trade-offs.
• Communicate complex quantitative topics clearly using visuals, simulations, and plain language for diverse audiences.
• Contribute to internal learning by delivering training on advanced statistical concepts for non-statisticians and statisticians.
• Contribute to the group's external profile through scientific publications, conference presentations, and participation in cross-industry initiatives and working groups.

Interested? Here is what we are looking for

• Doctoral degree in statistics, mathematics, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• 3+ years of experience working in biostatistics within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Experience in statistical methodology for clinical development (early to late stage) is an advantage.
• Expertise in advanced statistical methods and innovative trial design; experience with causal inference and estimands is an advantage.
• Strong statistical programming skills (R preferred; equivalent tools considered).
• Sound knowledge of ICH guidelines and understanding of regulatory requirements from major health authorities.
• Ability to work effectively with autonomy, manage multiple priorities, and deliver timely, high-quality outputs.

Are you ready to 'go beyond' to create value and make your mark for patients? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

About us

UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are over 9,000 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.

Why work with us

At UCB, we don't just complete tasks, we create value. We aren't afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equal opportunities to do their best work. We 'go beyond' to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that's on our patients, our employees, or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential.

At UCB, we've embraced a hybrid-first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless expressly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.UCB is