Associate Director – Statistical Science (Biostatistics)

BENGALURU (IN)HYBRIDPOSTED: 9/25/2026
PHARMAFull time
HIRING ORGANIZATIONASTRAZENECAPharmaceuticals / Biopharmaceuticals / Healthcare
AstraZeneca

ROLE OVERVIEW

AstraZeneca's Statistical Science Associate Director role sits at the heart of the company's evidence-generation engine, shaping how pivotal trials in oncology and other therapeutic areas are designed, simulated and interpreted. Based in Bengaluru and operating on a hybrid model, this individual-contributor position carries genuine decision-making weight: the statistics you deliver directly inform go/no-go calls on multi-million-dollar development programmes. Because AstraZeneca runs one of the industry's most ambitious oncology pipelines, the role offers exposure to complex adaptive designs, event-driven analyses and regulatory-grade submissions across global markets. It is a compelling opportunity for a senior biostatistician who wants to move beyond single-study delivery into portfolio-level influence, mentoring talent, directing CRO partners and applying novel statistical methodology. The position blends scientific rigour with visible strategic impact, making it a strong platform for progression toward Global Statistical Science Director or Biometrics leadership.

ROLE DEFINITION & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • •Lead statistical design, analysis and interpretation for one or more Phase II/III studies or an indication within a complex project, acting as study statistician of record.
  • •Build and evaluate study design options, including adaptive, group-sequential and Bayesian approaches, and present trade-offs to governance teams.
  • •Conduct statistical modelling and simulation, such as event-driven timing and predictive probability of success, to forecast interim and final analysis readouts.
  • •Direct internal statistical staff and CRO biometrics partners, reviewing deliverables for quality, timeline adherence and SOP compliance.
  • •Author and review statistical analysis plans, TLF shells, randomisation specifications and statistical sections of protocols, CSRs and regulatory submissions.
  • •Provide high-quality decision support to clinical and development leadership, translating statistical uncertainty into clear risk-benefit recommendations.
  • •Investigate and implement novel statistical methodology aligned with regulatory guidance, including ICH E9/E9(R1) and FDA/EMA oncology endpoints.
  • •Mentor junior statisticians and contribute to internal training, standards and process improvement initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • MSc or PhD in Statistics, Biostatistics, or a recognised equivalent quantitative discipline.
  • Minimum 5+ years of pharmaceutical or biotech development experience covering data analysis and interpretation.
  • Demonstrated experience in programme design and execution, ideally designing and running a Phase III oncology study.
  • Strong hands-on programming ability in R and/or SAS for analysis and simulation work.
  • Proven track record leading biometrics delivery, including oversight of CRO partners.
  • Working knowledge of technical and regulatory requirements such as ICH-GCP and ICH E9(R1) governing clinical statistics.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to build strong relationships across functional boundaries.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • •Bayesian Modelling & MCMC Simulation
  • •Real-World Evidence and External Control Arm Methods
  • •Machine Learning for Biomarker Subgroup Analysis
  • •Multi-Therapeutic-Area or Global Team Experience
  • •Define.xml and Electronic Submission Package Preparation

REQUIRED VERIFIED SKILLS

Clinical Trial Design & Simulation
R / SAS Programming
Statistical Analysis Plan (SAP) Authoring
Adaptive & Group-Sequential Designs
Interim & Event-Driven Analysis Modelling
ICH E9(R1) Estimands Framework
CDISC SDTM & ADaM Standards
Oncology Endpoints & Survival Analysis
CRO Oversight & Vendor Management
Regulatory Submission Statistics (FDA/EMA)

COMPENSATION & REWARDS

Salary: Competitive / Disclosed upon candidate shortlisting

ORGANIZATION CONTEXT & CULTURE

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines. The company operates in various therapeutic areas, including Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. AstraZeneca is committed to pushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines and improve patient outcomes worldwide.

TEAM SIZE: 89,000+ employees
INDUSTRY: Pharmaceuticals / Biopharmaceuticals / Healthcare

EXPECTED CAREER ROADMAP

From this level, the natural trajectory is into Global Statistical Science Director or Head of Biometrics roles within three to five years, taking on broader indication or franchise ownership and larger teams. AstraZeneca's internal mobility means strong performers often move into Clinical Development, Data Science & AI, or Regulatory Affairs leadership, or step across therapy areas such as respiratory, cardiovascular and rare disease. Externally, the title is highly portable: comparable Associate Director and Director positions at Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, IQVIA, Parexel and Indian CROs such as Syneos and ICON are routinely filled by statisticians with Phase III oncology and submission experience. India's growing global capability hubs in Bengaluru and Hyderabad also create strong domestic demand for senior biostatistical talent.

APPLICATION ADVISORY

Tailor your CV to show ownership, not participation: quantify Phase II/III studies led, patient numbers, submission dossiers supported and CRO teams directed. Be ready to walk through a real design problem end-to-end — endpoint selection, sample size, interim timing and estimand definition. Interviewers probe simulation methods in R/SAS and how you handled a protocol amendment or regulatory pushback. Prepare a concise story on mentoring and cross-functional influence, and refresh ICH E9(R1) estimands and oncology survival endpoints before the technical round.

READY TO SUBMIT?

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