Director, Statistical Programming Innovation

Premier Research; España; On-site; PHP 9,404,000 - 14,420,000; Full time

Job summary

Premier Research is seeking a Director of Statistical Programming Innovation to join our Biostatistics team. The role focuses on driving modernization of programming practices, building reusable tools, and leading AI-enabled initiatives to improve efficiency and quality.

The candidate will oversee migration from SAS-based processes to R/Python pipelines, set standards for Shiny apps, and mentor junior staff while shaping the technical roadmap across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Data Science, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years in statistical programming with R and SAS in CRO/pharma settings.
• 5+ years in technical leadership roles.
• 2+ years as supervisor/manager.
• Strong proficiency in R for data manipulation, automation, and analysis.
• Proven track record building tools/pipelines to improve efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the technical roadmap for innovating statistical programming practices, tools, and infrastructure.
• Evaluate, pilot, and implement AI-assisted tools to improve programming efficiency, quality, regulatory and GDPR compliance.
• Identify opportunities to replace manual SAS processes with automated pipelines using R, Python, or AI.
• Design, build, and maintain reusable tools, macros, packages, and templates for efficiency and consistency.
• Lead migration/integration where SAS workflows are modernized with R/Python solutions.
• Provide technical direction for R Shiny apps (interactive review tools, dashboards, exploration tools).
• Set standards for Shiny app architecture, modularity, performance, and deployment.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop direct reports, fostering continuous learning and excellence.

Skills

Leadership

R

SAS

R Shiny

Python

Automation

Mentoring

Education

BS in Statistics/CS/Math/Data Science

Tools

Teal

Shiny

Posit Connect

Job description

Premier Research is looking for a Director, Statistical Programming Innovation to join our Biostatistics team.

You will help biotech, medtech, and specialty pharma companies transform life-changing ideas and breakthrough science into new medicines, devices, and diagnostics. What we do is profoundly connected to saving and improving lives, and we recognize our team members are the most valuable asset in delivering success.

• We are here to help you grow, to give you the skills and opportunities to excel at work with the flexibility and balance your life requires.
• Your ideas influence the way we work, and your voice matters here.
• As an essential part of our team, you help us deliver the medical innovation that patients are desperate for.

Join us and build your future here.

What You'll Be Doing

• Defines and drives the technical roadmap for innovating statistical programming practices, tools, and infrastructure
• Evaluate, pilot, and implement AI-assisted tools to improve programming efficiency, quality, regulatory and GDPR compliance
• Identify opportunities to replace manual and traditional SAS-based processes with automated, reproducible pipelines using R, Python or other emerging technology including AI solutions
• Designs, builds, and maintains reusable tools, macros, packages, and templates that improve efficiency and consistency across programming deliverables
• Leads migration and integration efforts where traditional SAS workflows are modernized or supplemented with R/Python-based solutions
• Provides technical direction and hands-on guidance for the design, development, and deployment of R Shiny applications (e.g., interactive review tools, safety/efficacy dashboards, TLF exploration tools)
• Sets standards for Shiny app architecture, modularity (e.g., use of frameworks such as teal), performance, and deployment (e.g., Posit Connect)
• Supervises, manages, mentors, and develops direct reports, building their capabilities in both traditional and modern programming approaches. Fosters a culture of continuous learning, experimentation, and technical excellence

What We're Looking For

• BS or equivalent from an accredited college or university in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related quantitative field, or equivalent experience with programming in a scientific field. Equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered.
• 10+ years of statistical programming experience, including demonstrated expertise in R and SAS in CRO or pharmaceutical environments
• 5+ years in technical leadership role
• 2+ years of experience as supervisor/manager
• Strong working proficiency in R for data manipulation, automation, and/or statistical analysis
• Proven hands on and leadership experience building tools, macros, or pipelines that improved efficiency or standardization for a programming function