Statistical Science Director- Oncology

AstraZeneca; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biopharmaceutical company in Cambridge seeks a Statistical Science Director to lead statistical strategy for drug development in oncology. The role demands a strong background in biostatistics, experience with clinical trials, and the ability to collaborate effectively. Candidates should hold a relevant MS or Ph.D. and be skilled in SAS and R/Python. Competitive salary and a commitment to innovation in healthcare are offered.

Qualifications

• Strong, proven experience in statistical roles in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry.
• Direct experience of clinical trials in pharmaceuticals or healthcare.
• Knowledge of Bayesian statistics is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the statistical design and strategy for product development.
• Ensure quality of study designs and submissions.
• Quantify benefits and risks of product profiles.
• Provide global leadership in project work.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Interpersonal skills

Collaborative mindset

Innovation in statistical science

Education

MS Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Biostatistics

Ph.D. in Statistics or Mathematics

Tools

SAS

R

Python

Job description

Location

Cambridge

Salary

Competitive

Introduction

Play a critical role in making our pipeline accessible to patients.

Do you have expertise in, and passion for, Biostats? Would you like to apply your skills to impact all phases of drug development and regulatory interactions, in a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life changing medicines? Then AstraZeneca might be the one for you!

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 disease. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.

Join the team dedicated to Oncology, with an ambition to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. It’s our big vision that unites and encourages us. With multiple indications and high‑quality molecules at all stages of our innovative pipeline, we keep pushing forward. Fusing cutting‑edge science with the latest technology to achieve breakthroughs. Backed by investment, we are striving to deliver 6 new molecular entities by 2025.

We work on some of the most sophisticated and exciting challenges. A fast‑paced and agile team, we are empowered and trusted to innovate and experiment. With access to our extensive capabilities and comprehensive pipeline, you’ll be involved in countless submissions and a wide range of engaging projects along the complete drug development process.

Typical Accountabilities

As a Statistical Science Director you may lead, manage, and develop a group of statisticians as well as provide project support and/or advance statistical methodology.

Main responsibilities

• Lead the statistical design and strategy to product development plans, preclinical studies, regulatory strategy, health technology assessment and/or commercial activities as appropriate for the stage of the product.
• Lead the statistical content and ensure quality for study designs, documents, delivery and interpretation and submission.
• Quantify the benefit, risk, value and uncertainty of the emerging product profile and can communicate these effectively within the team.
• Provide global leadership to others and direct project work delivered by internal and external staff.
• Partner with CROs to ensure delivery to quality and time.
• Represent AZ externally which may include health authorities, advisory boards, conferences, workshops and/or payer interactions.

You will have

• A Statistics, Mathematics, Biostatistics, related MS Degree.
• Strong, proven experience in statistical role in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry.
• Direct experience of clinical trials in pharmaceuticals or healthcare environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• A collaborative mindset.
• Genuine dedication to drive innovation to advance statistical science.
• Prior oncology experience.

We would prefer for you to have:

• Ph.D. Statistics or Mathematics with high statistical component.
• Project Management Skills.
• Proficiency in SAS and R/Python language.
• Track record of research and methodological development in Statistics, supported by scientific publications in first class statistical journals.
• Knowledge of Bayesian statistics from theory to computation is a plus.

What’s next?

We welcome your application no later than 26th November 2025.

Where can I find out more?

Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram – LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram.

Ready to make a difference?

Apply now to join our team!

Date Posted

11-Nov-2025

Closing Date

26-Nov-2025

Our 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.