Team Lead, Statistical Programming, Oncology; Director

Purpose & Scope

As a senior statistician, data scientist, or clinical programmer, you will manage 4+ direct reports and have a major influence on the leadership and technical capabilities of the department. You may act as Global Statistical Lead (GSTATL), Global Programmer Lead (GPROGL), Real‑World Data Scientist Lead (RWDSL), Lead Product Statistician (LPS), Statistical Biomarker Lead (SBL), or a Regional/ Site Head.

• Advise asset teams on challenging statistical/epidemiological design, analysis and decision‑making issues for interventional and non‑interventional studies.
• Explain how real‑world data and clinical trial post‑hoc analyses can support drug development, pricing submissions and the growth strategy in general.
• Describe how omics and biomarkers can support drug development and the BOLD objectives.
• Coordinate programming support for all stakeholders worldwide, performing and supervising modeling and simulations and leveraging external experts to provide input to clinical development issues.
• Provide oversight on statistical/scientific/programming matters for meetings with regulatory authorities, HTAs, key opinion leaders and similar experts.
• Review key project‑level documents.
• Participate in due diligence activities, external initiatives or working groups.
• Present and defend complex solutions to governance committees (KACHI, PRC, MA‑C, EC), key stakeholders, or regulatory bodies in a compelling and impactful way.
• Stay at the cutting edge of methodology development in statistics, epidemiology, regulatory and HTA guidelines, and industry trends in drug development, particularly with respect to the primary focus of interest, and signal relevant developments in a timely manner for the company.
• Ensure efficient and innovative programming approaches are selected for each deliverable.
• Research, create, validate, implement, and teach complex methodologies to keep the department at the forefront of innovative drug development.

• Supervise (first‑line manager) 4+ direct reports.
• Assist with recruitment, development, career management, and retention of staff.
• Oversee adherence to timelines, standards, and processes for work assigned to team members.
• Ensure compliance of direct reports with Astellas policies and procedures.

• Bachelor’s or master’s in statistics, mathematics, or related field.
• 12+ years of relevant programming experience in the pharmaceutical industry and working with vendors (15+ years for a Bachelor’s degree).
• 8+ years’ experience as a lead programmer on global clinical studies and projects or global process and system initiatives.
• 5+ years’ experience mentoring or leading statistical programmers.
• Prior experience in oncology.
• Prior experience leading a team.

This position is based in Northbrook, Illinois. Remote work from anywhere in the US is available. The role offers a hybrid working solution, allowing time in the office and flexibility to work from home, in accordance with Astellas' Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.

$170,450 – $243,500 (final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and organizational equity considerations).

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off options, including vacation and sick time, plus national holidays including year‑end shut down
• 401(k) match and annual company contribution
• Company‑paid life insurance
• Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
• Long‑Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
• Company fleet vehicle for eligible positions
• Referral bonus program