Executive Director, Biostatistics

Exelixis Inc; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 271,000 - 385,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with generous company contributions

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision

15 accrued vacation days in the first year

Job summary

Exelixis Inc in Alameda, California is seeking a Director of Biostatistics to lead the biostatistics function in developing statistical strategies for clinical trials across multiple phases. The candidate will supervise project statisticians and ensure compliance with regulatory standards while aligning project objectives with company goals.

The ideal applicant will have a PhD in Statistics/Biostatistics, extensive experience in oncology trials, and strong skills in statistical analysis and project management.

This role offers a comprehensive benefits package along with a competitive salary range.

Qualifications

• PhD in Statistics/Biostatistics with at least 15 years of experience.
• Managed clinical trials in oncology for at least 5 years.
• In-depth knowledge of statistical experimental designs.

Responsibilities

• Lead biostatistics function in developing statistical strategies.
• Oversee statistical designs and analyses for clinical trials.
• Collaborate with study teams to deliver reports and publications.

Skills

People management

Communication skills

Conflict management skills

Statistical analysis

Project management

Knowledge of FDA/EMA/ICH guidelines

Education

PhD in Statistics/Biostatistics or related discipline

MS/MA degree in Statistics/Biostatistics or related discipline

Tools

SAS

Cytel Studio

East

nQuery

Job description

SUMMARY / JOB PURPOSE

Leads the biostatistics function in developing statistical strategy, design, and analyses for conducting clinical trials in all phases for multiple compounds. Understands at a deep level clinical trials principles and norms. Applies sound statistical methodology to meet project objectives, health authority guidelines, and regulatory requirements. Develops and/or applies statistical theories, methods, and software. Partners in clinical development program, study design, establishing standards for clinical conduct, and the collection, management and/or reporting of data. Recruits, develops, and supervises project statisticians. Develops and implements biostatistics department policies, standards, practices, and work‑instructions in coordination with senior department leader and leaders in other functions. Leads initiatives for process improvement and or standardizations for biostatistics activities and deliverables. Provides strategic statistical and regulatory guidance to anticipate challenges, mitigate risk, and ensure project success. Manages timelines, deliverables, and budgets of contract research organizations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide vision and direction for the development and implementation of department standards and practices.
• Provide oversight of standardization and/or process improvement initiatives.
• Provide strategic input on Exelixis clinical development programs.
• Provide technical oversight of the statistical design, conduct, and analysis of clinical trials in all phases.
• Review protocols and case report forms for soundness of trial design.
• Review statistical analysis plans for all phases of a trial.
• Direct analysis, interpret study results, and collaborate with study team to deliver interim reports, final reports, safety updates and publications.
• Guide the successful completion of major programs, projects and/or functions by identifying and implementing appropriate techniques and evaluation criteria.
• Lead or manage the work of others by providing guidance to subordinates or teams based on organizational goals and company policy, with responsibility for results, including costs, methods, and staffing.
• Manage statistical analysis of data obtained from Phase I – IV clinical studies in support of NDAs.
• Interact with FDA or EU Authority staff to ensure clinical studies meet regulatory requirements.
• Attend meetings with FDA or EU Authority to ensure ongoing agreement on project development.
• Contribute to the development of Requests‑for‑Proposals for evaluation of Contract Research Organizations for biostatistics, programming, and data management activities.
• Evaluate and manage contract research organizations and other vendors, including scope‑of‑work, timelines, deliverables, and budgets.
• Interpret, execute, and recommend modifications to company‑wide policies and/or divisional programs.
• Build strong relationships both within and outside biostatistics.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise biostatisticians.
• Indirectly supervise employees in other functions through a dotted line structure or via other subordinate supervisors.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE / KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• MS/MA degree in Statistics/Biostatistics or related discipline and a minimum of 16 years of related experience.
• PhD in Statistics/Biostatistics or related discipline and a minimum of 15 years of related experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience in oncology.
• May require certification in assigned area.
• Managed clinical trials in oncology for at least 5 years and other therapeutic areas for 10 years.
• Supervision of multiple statisticians required.
• Has led phase 1‑4 (preferably phase 3) oncology studies.
• Knowledgeable regarding FDA/EMA/ICH guidelines for drug development, new methodology in statistics and statistical/clinical data analyses.
• In‑depth knowledge of CDISC standards.
• Ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects and multiple compounds, and deliver high‑quality work according to tight timelines.
• Direct experience with FDA/EU Authority preferred.
• Strong people management and interpersonal skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong conflict management skills.
• Comprehensive and detailed knowledge of statistical experimental designs, analyses, and clinical trial requirements, particularly pertaining to oncology trials.
• Developed/reviewed SDTM/ADaM specifications.
• Excellent knowledge of FDA/EU/ICH statistical guidelines.
• Must have experience in state‑of‑the‑art data organization and statistical analyses using statistical software such as SAS, EAST, nQuery, Cytel Studio.
• Has understanding of other disciplines such as data management, clinical operation, clinical science, regulatory affairs, and drug safety.
• Project management and contract negotiation with outside vendors.
• Uses broad expertise or unique knowledge and skills to contribute to development of company objectives and principles and to achieve these goals in creative and effective ways.
• Develops technical and/or business solutions to complex problems.
• Applies strong analytical and business communication skills.

JOB COMPLEXITY

• Works on significant and unique issues where analysis scenarios require an evaluation of intangibles.
• Works on complex issues where analysis scenarios require an in‑depth knowledge of the company.
• Exercises independent judgment in methods, techniques, and evaluation of criteria for obtaining results.
• Participates in corporate development of methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for projects, programs, and people.
• Ensures budgets and schedules meet corporate requirements.
• Creates formal networks involving coordination among groups.
• Regularly interacts with executives and/or major customers.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Base pay range: $271,000 – $385,000 annually (dependent on geographic region).
• Additional compensation includes a discretionary annual bonus program and, for field sales staff, a sales‑based incentive plan.
• Company stock purchase plan and long‑term incentives.
• 15 accrued vacation days in the first year; 17 paid holidays (including a company‑wide winter shutdown in December); up to 10 sick days per calendar year.
• Comprehensive benefits package: 401(k) plan with generous company contributions; group medical, dental and vision coverage; life and disability insurance; flexible spending accounts.

Disclaimer: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.