Statistical Science Associate Director

At AstraZeneca, we pride ourselves on crafting a collaborative culture that champions knowledge-sharing, ambitious thinking and innovation – ultimately providing employees with the opportunity to work across teams, functions and even the globe.

Recognizing the importance of individualized flexibility, our ways of working allow employees to balance personal and work commitments while ensuring we continue to create a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork by engaging face-to-face in our offices 3 days a week. Our head office and BlueSky Hub in downtown Toronto are purposely designed with collaboration in mind, providing space where teams can come together to strategize, brainstorm and connect on key projects.

Our dedication to sustainability is also central to our culture and part of what makes AstraZeneca a great place to work. We know the health of people, the planet and our business are interconnected which is why we’re taking ambitious action to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, from climate change to access to healthcare and disease prevention.

Introduction to role:

The Statistical Science Associate Director brings extensive experience as a statistician in the pharmaceutical industry, capable of independently performing and leading statistical work within projects. This role involves directing Biometrics work, either in-house or in partnership with CROs, ensuring timely and quality delivery. The individual will be recognized as a methodology expert and will contribute significantly to statistical methodological advances.

Accountabilities:

For a project or indication in clinical or preclinical therapeutic areas:

• Leading the delivery and oversight on multiple studies/indications within a project, potentially as a Global Project Statistician for a standard drug project
• Contributing to statistical methodological advances

The accountabilities for supporting projects directly include:

• Lead the statistical thinking and contributions to the delivery of studies, development plans, regulatory strategy, health technology assessment, and/or commercial activities
• Direct project work, including statistical staff and/or CRO partners, to ensure delivery to standards, quality, and time
• Develop design options and provide high-quality decision support to enable informed decisions about a study or project
• Quantify the benefit, risk, value, and uncertainty of the emerging asset/product profile
• Investigate and apply novel statistical approaches for relevant statistical issues, regulatory guidance, and value demonstration, including modeling and simulation
• Mentor/coach and support the education and training of statistics staff

The accountabilities for supporting statistical methodological advances include:

• Ability to consult across project teams within the area of expertise
• Application of expert skills to investigate and apply novel statistical approaches for relevant statistical issues, regulatory guidance, and value demonstration, including modeling and simulation
• Produce pragmatic solutions within tight time scales, focusing on delivery first, then refining and developing solutions thereafter
• Contribute to or lead the development of process improvement and/or capability areas within the department
• Establish and improve standards and best practices, applying novel statistical approaches to increase effectiveness and efficiency
• Interact with external scientists and represent AstraZeneca Biometrics externally via publications and presentations on novel statistical approaches and best practices
• Mentor/coach and support the education and training of statistics staff in the technical arena

Essential Skills/Experience:

• MSc/PhD in Statistics, Mathematics (containing a substantial statistical component), or recognized equivalent to stats MSc
• Knowledge of the technical and regulatory requirements related to the role
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build strong relationships
• Experience in Oncology and/or Pharma Statistics

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Project Management Skills
• Proficiency in SAS and R/Python languages
• Knowledge of Bayesian statistics from theory to computation is a plus
• Track record of research and methodological development in Statistics, supported by scientific publications in first-class statistical journals

At AstraZeneca, we push the boundaries of science to change the practice of medicine and transform patients' lives. Our pioneering spirit drives us to make bold moves that truly improve patient outcomes. With one of the broadest and deepest Oncology pipelines in the industry, you will have numerous opportunities to work with new and novel drugs. We foster a collaborative environment where diverse knowledge from across the business and external partners is leveraged to tackle the toughest medical challenges. Empowered by our collective courage and curiosity, we take smart risks, challenge norms, and learn from failures. Join us at the forefront of applying science to studies using innovative approaches that shape the future of Oncology.

Are you interested in working at AZ, apply today!

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination. AstraZeneca is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Such accommodation is available on request in respect of all aspects of the recruitment, assessment and selection process and may be requested by emailingAZCHumanResources@astrazeneca.com.

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AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.