Associate Director - Biostatistician in Statistical Methodology

Biostatistician in Statistical Methodology – Associate Director

Location: Cambridge

Salary: Competitive

At AstraZeneca, we work together across global boundaries to make an impact and find answers to challenges. We do this with the utmost integrity, even in the most difficult situations because we are committed to doing the right thing. We continuously forge partnerships that help pursue world-class medicines in new ways, combining our people’s exceptional skills with those of people from all over the globe. Our Oncology Biometrics department is an integral part of the Oncology R&D organisation.

We drive excellent design in order to generate the appropriate data needed for quality decision making. The goal of Oncology Biometrics is to deliver value to the pipeline by excellence in delivery, improved decision making and engaging and shaping the external environment whilst accessing and implementing innovative solutions.

You will sit within our Statistical Innovation group in Oncology Biometrics (OBM) department, which is a methodological hub for statistical design and analysis of clinical trials. Working as part of OBM, you’ll be able to access technology at the forefront of science in an innovative environment, where you will have the scope to develop creative statistical ideas and approaches, and to apply them in your work.

Main duties and responsibilities

Joining a team of statistical methodology experts, you will provide key input as you work to find solutions to problems at critical stages in the drug development cycle.

This is exciting and technically challenging work in a dynamic and constantly changing landscape. Your key focus will be on producing pragmatic solutions, often within a tight time scale where the emphasis will be to deliver first, then refine and develop your solutions thereafter.

You will contribute to, or lead capability build in the development and implementation of innovative methodological approaches in oncology R&D. You will also provide expert consultancy on key issues for fellow statisticians working in our therapeutically aligned statistics groups, as well as medical scientists and other key roles across the business. This will involve participating in strategic activities such as capability build projects, which can directly impact improvements to the way clinical trials are designed and analysed in AstraZeneca. This will also involve developing and implementing new methodology, interacting with external scientists and regulators, through publications, presentations and cross-industry collaborations. There will also be a focus on proactively identifying new areas where Statistical Innovation can add value, developing collaborative relationships with the external scientific/academic community.

We are looking for a biostatistician with experience in biomarker discovery, validation and biomarker-guided clinical trial design acts as the analytical lead in developing innovative studies that match therapies to specific patient populations. Potential work includes crafting adaptive trial protocols, determining power and sample sizes for molecularly defined subgroups, and developing statistical analysis plans (SAPs) for biomarker validation.

Summary and Qualifications 

Statistical Associate Director is responsible for providing statistical support to clinical trial design and analysis, data analysis and results interpretation for clinical studies at different phase of development.  They engage in using modelling and simulations to exploit information to inform design and decision-making. They collaborate across multiple functions including programming team (internal or external), computational pathology, translational medicine teams to implement statistical analysis plan. Partners both internally and externally including with equivalent role in Oncology R&D Unit.

They collaborate closely with translational scientists to analyze complex, high-dimensional genomic, proteomic, or imaging data, ensuring the validity of diagnostic assays. This role requires interpreting complex biomarker data, writing regulatory reports for FDA/EMA submissions, and contributing to Clinical Study Reports (CSRs).

Requirements:

• MS or PhD in Statistics or a related discipline, preferably followed by several years of experience of independent academic research and/or clinical drug development

• Documented ability of delivering innovative statistical solutions in drug development and evaluation, study design, and data analysis and interpretation 

• Familiarity with oncology-related biomarkers (e.g., ctDNA), translational research methodologies, and regulatory requirements for biomarker evaluation.

• Track record of research and methodological development in Statistics

• Desire to apply your scientific competence on practical problems, for the benefit of patients

Desirable Requirements:

• Knowledge of Bayesian methods and applications and statistical methods related to biomarkers

• Knowledge / research experience in the development of statistical methodology related to the design of Late Phase clinical trials.

• High level of competence in global and cross-skilled collaborative working

• Strong knowledge of programming in R and/or SAS

• Broad awareness of statistical issues against the evolving scientific and regulatory landscape

When we put unexpected teams in the same room we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect work at pace challenge perceptions. That's why we work on average a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique ambitious world.

AstraZeneca is where curiosity meets courage! We are committed to making a difference by fusing data technology with scientific innovations to achieve breakthroughs that redefine what's possible. Our inclusive environment encourages collaboration across academia biotechs industry leveraging diverse global knowledge for swift impact on disease. With opportunities for lifelong learning exploration this is a place where your passion for science can truly make a difference.

SO, WHAT’S NEXT?

We welcome your application no later than 12 May 2026

Where can I find out more?

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Ready to make a difference? Apply now to join our team!

Date Posted

28-Apr-2026

Closing Date

12-May-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.