Statistical Science Director - Oncology

AstraZeneca plc; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca plc in Cambridge seeks a Director of Statistics to lead a biometrics team delivering design, analysis, interpretation, and regulatory preparation across projects. You will guide junior staff, collaborate across functions, and set statistical strategy for product development and submissions.

This role requires an MSc in Statistics/Mathematics, extensive trial experience, and a proven track record of independent leadership.

Qualifications

• MSc in Statistics, Mathematics or equivalent with substantial statistical content.
• Experience as a statistician in clinical trials, pharmaceutical development, regulated research, and/or related areas of statistical applications.
• Track record of leading independently.
• Exemplary technical skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop a group of statisticians.
• Lead statistical design and strategy for product development, preclinical studies, regulatory strategy and health technology assessment.
• Ensure quality of study designs, documents, delivery and interpretation and submission.
• Provide global leadership and mentor statistics staff.
• Represent statistical strategy in governance and externally with health authorities/boards.

Skills

Leadership

Statistical analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

MSc in Statistics or Mathematics

PhD in Statistics

Tools

SAS

R

Python

Job description

The Director, Statistics has sufficient experience in the pharmaceutical industry to independently lead a biometrics team to deliver project and/or technical level activities related to design, delivery and interpretation, high level internal governance committees and/or regulatory submissions. This individual is able to lead, perform and communicate results of more technical analyses, and able to guide and lead less experienced staff. Competent individual contributor with excellent cross-functional collaboration.

Accountabilities

The Director, Statistics may lead, manage, and develop a group of statisticians as well as provide project support and/or advance statistical methodology.

The accountabilities for supporting projects directly include:

• To lead, manage and develop a group of statisticians
• Work according to agreed functional and regional SHE strategy by ensuring proper management of SHE risks, incidents, reporting, follow-up and improvements
• 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
• Maintain knowledge of statistical methodology in relevant areas and promote, investigate and implement novel statistical approaches
• Represent statistical strategy and decision making at internal decision-making governance including review boards, therapy area leadership teams and ESPC/LSPC
• Mentor/coach and support the technical education and training of Statistics staff

Essential Requirements

• MSc in Statistics, Mathematics (containing a substantial statistical component), or recognised equivalent to stats MSc
• Experience as a statistician with clinical trials, pharmaceutical development, regulated research, and/or related areas of statistical applications
• Track record of background in leading independently
• Exemplary technical skills

Desired Requirements

• PhD in Statistics
• TA or disease area knowledge expertise
• Exposure to business development opportunities (e.g.in licencing)
• Project management skills
• Proficiency in programming SAS and/or R and Python

Join the team unlocking the power of what science can do. We are working towards treating, preventing, modifying and even curing some of the world's most complex diseases. Here we have the potential to grow our pipeline and positively impact the lives of billions of patients around the world. We are committed to making a difference by fusing data and technology with the latest scientific innovations to achieve the next wave of breakthroughs. Our combination of curiosity and courage drives us to explore new possibilities without fear of failure. We celebrate our successes and learn from our failures along the way. Our inclusive environment allows us to work seamlessly as one team, using diverse global knowledge to create the greatest impact on disease.

If your passion is science and you want to be part of a team that makes a bigger impact on patients' lives, then there's no better place to be.

Date Posted

29-Sep-2026

Closing Date

16-Oct-2026

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.