Global Head of Biostatistics

The Opportunity

As the Global Head of Biostatistics, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight across all Therapeutic Area (TA)-aligned Biostatistics teams, ensuring a cohesive and high-performing Biostatistics function that drives excellence in service of our strategy through study design, data analysis, and insights generation.

You will report to the Global Head, PD Data Sciences & Analytics (PD-DSA), and you will be responsible for shaping the Biostatistics strategy across all therapeutic areas in alignment with broader PD-DSA and company objectives, as well as your organization’s overall performance. Your role will be instrumental in advancing innovative statistical methodologies, fostering collaboration across internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring the highest scientific rigor in all statistical activities.

You will lead a global, high-performing organization of approximately 100-125 Biostatistics professionals focused on late-stage development. Your direct reports will be a team of five therapeutic area-aligned Biostatistics Leaders. Sitting on the PD-DSA leadership team, you will collaborate with senior leaders in PD-DSA and beyond to influence and contribute to the overall strategy and success of late-stage development programs at Roche.

PD-DSA SHARED LEADERSHIP OBJECTIVES

Develop and set a clear PD-DSA strategy and goals that align with Roche’s broader objectives, ensuring that you integrate Roche’s One Pharma strategy, PD goals, and R&D Excellence methods into the strategic direction

Embed and drive the adoption of PD-DSA’s strategic imperatives of Data, Digital/AI, and Design (the 3Ds) across your teams’ workflows, taking ownership of this mindset shift to ensure a seamless integration of these principles into daily operations

Act as a role model for your teams by delivering excellence in all aspects of your work (what you do, how you do it, and the impact you have), fostering a culture of learning, growth, and continuous improvement that empowers team members to reach their potential

Define and create clear accountability across each function in your organization and beyond, ensuring that you work in lock-step with your colleagues and partners to maintain alignment and drive cross-functional collaboration

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Leadership and Strategy

Provide strategic leadership and oversight across all five Therapeutic Area-aligned Biostatistics leaders and their teams, ensuring a consistent and high-quality approach to Biostatistics across all therapeutic areas

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Biostatistics strategy that aligns with Roche’s research and development objectives
• Ensure that biostatistical considerations are integrated early in study designs and development programs, aligning with regulatory and scientific best practices
• Partner closely with senior leadership across PD-DSA, clinical development, regulatory affairs, and data science teams to shape the future of statistical contributions within Roche
• Represent Biostatistics as a strategic function, influencing high-level decision-making and driving cross-functional collaboration to optimize study designs and data strategies
• Evaluate challenges as they arise and develop innovative solutions for teams to execute
• ​ Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

Act as the primary liaison between the Biostatistics function and key stakeholders across Clinical, Regulatory, and Data Science teams to drive alignment and shape outcomes for shared objectives; connect key stakeholders with therapeutic area Biostatistics Leaders as nuanced questions arise

Ensure seamless collaboration between Biostatistics and external partners, including regulatory agencies, academic institutions, and industry consortia

Represent Roche in industry forums, regulatory discussions, and cross-industry collaborations to influence and stay ahead of emerging biostatistics trends

Align closely with the PD-DSA-led Innovation Council and broader AI strategy to ensure Biostatistics contributes meaningfully to the company’s digital and AI transformation initiatives

​ Quality Oversight and Scientific Rigor

Ensure the highest scientific rigor and adherence to regulatory standards in all statistical methodologies and study designs across therapeutic areas.

Champion the adoption of AI, digital, and advanced statistical methodologies to enhance study designs and improve efficiency in data analyses.

Oversee the prioritization and implementation of modern digital and AI capabilities in study design and statistical approaches

Maintain and enforce compliance with industry regulations, GCP, and biostatistical best practices across all programs.

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• Team Development
• Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing global team of biostatistics leaders, ensuring their continued professional growth and ability to drive strategic impact
• Establish a strong culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning within the Biostatistics function
• Define clear performance metrics and success criteria for the Biostatistics function, ensuring alignment with organizational goals
• Partner with P&C and leadership to attract, retain, and develop top biostatistical talent to support long-term organizational success

Who You Are

PhD, or other advanced degree in Statistics, Biostatistics, or Mathematics

More than 15 years experience (significant experience working at a senior level) in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry with an emphasis in molecule and molecule-enabling strategy; ability to consult and understand medical issues

In-depth knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), international and in-country regulations, guidelines and their application, and all other applicable compliance standards related to data and statistical sciences and industry conventions

Thorough understanding of the end-to-end drug development lifecycle, particularly on elements involving data and statistical sciences, advanced analytics methods and data visualization tools and techniques

• Experience and understanding the new trends with all relevant data types (e.g., high-dimensional data) and analytics
• Track record of establishing successful internal and external partnerships with relevant partner organizations and able to act as an ambassador for Roche
• Willingness to adopt new technologies and methodologies, deep interest in AI and digital advancements
• Influential and confident communicator
• Strong English language skills
• International travel as required - estimated at 20%

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Relocation: Relocation assistance is being offered for this position

Locations: South San Francisco, Boston, Basel, Welwyn and Mississauga

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco, CA is $338,240 - $443,940.  Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law.  A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance.  This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.