Statistical Science Associate Director (Principal level) – BioPharmaceuticals, CVRM

AstraZeneca Canada offices will be closed from December 25th to January 1st, re-opening January 2nd. We encourage you to apply to jobs of interest and we will review applications upon our return.


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.

We are currently recruiting for Statisticians at Director or Associate Director level depending on your previous experience to join our growing team supporting the Early Clinical - Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolism (CVRM) portfolio, or our growing team supporting the Early Clinical - Respiratory & Immunology (R&I) / Vaccines & Immune Therapies (V&I)/ Neuroscience portfolio.

As part of the Data Science and AI organisation, you’ll use technology at the forefront of science in a creative environment, with the scope to develop new statistical ideas and approaches and apply them in your work.

At AstraZeneca, we’re applying groundbreaking approaches to science across many business areas – within the Early Biometrics & Statistical Innovation (EB&SI) department that you’ll be a part of, our data-centric focus helps us work efficiently and creatively to bring the right medicines to the right patients. Our teams use their expertise in statistics and programming to address drug development objectives and reduce uncertainty in product development, driving better business decisions with quantitative reasoning.

What you will do:

You will be expected to:

• Take a leadership role and drive statistical thinking in cross-functional team projects, within an international environment

• Contribute to strategic planning and quantitative decision making in early clinical development programmes

• Lead the delivery and oversight on drug project(s) and/or studies to time, quality and standards, including partnering with CROs and with Programming

• Participate in applying, adapting and/or developing statistical methodology

• Contribute to development of new procedures and standards to increase quality, efficiency, and effectiveness

Based on your experience, the role may also include:

• Interactions to influence key stakeholders and governance

• Acting as a technical expert in interactions with external providers and collaborators

• Mentoring and coaching junior staff and supporting them with education and training in statistics

• Working with regulatory agencies, e.g. attending meetings, answering questions

We offer the chance to influence drug development and the opportunity to gain experience across a range of challenging and exciting projects.

Essential in the role:

• MSc/PhD in Statistics or Mathematics (containing a substantial statistical component) with experience in pharma/healthcare or other relevant area

• Knowledge of the technical and regulatory requirements related to the role

• Leadership capabilities to be able to lead and direct project work

• Experience of data analysis and interpretation in a relevant area

• Solid understanding of programming in R and/or SAS

• Excellent written and spoken English. Excellent communication skills (including communicating with non-statisticians) and ability to build strong relationships

• Excellent collaboration skills required – the energy to work across global & functional boundaries, both internally and externally

• Ability to apply statistical expertise to complex problems, problem solving and quality focus

Desirable in the role, dependent on experience:

• Experience of programme and study design

• Experience in the relevant therapeutic area

• Experience of regulatory interactions

Great People want to Work with us! Find out why:

• GTAA Top Employer Award for 10 years
• Top 100 Employers Award
• Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Culture
• Learn more about working with us in Canada
• View our YouTube channel

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 emailing AZCHumanResources@astrazeneca.com.

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 authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.