Leads the innovation and technology roadmap for statistical programming in pharmaceutical and CRO environments. Evaluates AI tools, modernizes SAS workflows with R and Python, develops reusable packages and automated pipelines, and provides technical direction for R Shiny applications. Establishes architecture and deployment standards, while supervising, mentoring, and developing statistical programming staff.
Premier Research is looking for a Director, Statistical Programming Innovation & Technology to join our Biostatistics team.
You will help biotech, medtech, and specialty pharma companies transform life-changing ideas and breakthrough science into new medicines, devices, and diagnostics. What we do is profoundly connected to saving and improving lives, and we recognize our team members are the most valuable asset in delivering success.
We are here to help you grow, to give you the skills and opportunities to excel at work with the flexibility and balance your life requires.
Your ideas influence the way we work, and your voice matters here.
As an essential part of our team, you help us deliver the medical innovation that patients are desperate for.
Join us and build your future here.
What you'll be doing:
- Defines and drives the technical roadmap for innovating statistical programming practices, tools, and infrastructure
- Evaluate, pilot, and implement AI-assisted tools to improve programming efficiency, quality, regulatory and GDPR compliance
- Identify opportunities to replace manual and traditional SAS-based processes with automated, reproducible pipelines using R, Python or other emerging technology including AI solutions
- Designs, builds, and maintains reusable tools, macros, packages, and templates that improve efficiency and consistency across programming deliverables
- Leads migration and integration efforts where traditional SAS workflows are modernized or supplemented with R/Python-based solutions
- Provides technical direction and hands-on guidance for the design, development, and deployment of R Shiny applications (e.g., interactive review tools, safety/efficacy dashboards, TLF exploration tools)
- Sets standards for Shiny app architecture, modularity (e.g., use of frameworks such as teal), performance, and deployment (e.g., Posit Connect)
- Supervises, manages, mentors, and develops direct reports, building their capabilities in both traditional and modern programming approaches. Fosters a culture of continuous learning, experimentation, and technical excellence
What we're looking for:
- BS or equivalent from an accredited college or university in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related quantitative field, or equivalent experience with programming in a scientific field. Equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered.
- 10+ years of statistical programming experience, including demonstrated expertise in R and SAS in CRO or pharmaceutical environments
- 5+ years in technical leadership role
- 2+ years of experience as supervisor/manager
- Strong working proficiency in R for data manipulation, automation, and/or statistical analysis
- Proven hands on and leadership experience building tools, macros, or pipelines that improved efficiency or standardization for a programming function
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