MSc Medical Statistics Apprenticeship

Roche fosters diversity, equity and inclusion, representing the communities we serve. When dealing with healthcare on a global scale, diversity is an essential ingredient to success. We believe that inclusion is key to understanding people’s varied healthcare needs. Together, we embrace individuality and share a passion for exceptional care. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

The Product Development Data Science & Analytics (PDD) team in Welwyn Garden City is seeking high calibre apprentices to join our team and contribute to the development of our medicines.

As a Data Scientist at Roche Pharma, you will be actively shaping the future as a member of Data and Statistical Sciences (DSS) within PDD. Data Scientists at Roche are essential leaders in the field; they lead and implement a broad range of quantitative drug development strategies; they bring data to life and enable the organisation to make the best possible data-driven decisions.

Successful candidates will use their data science, statistical and technical skills to contribute to the success of data science and insights generation at Roche, working across a diverse molecule portfolio or key initiatives that shape our technical, business and healthcare environments.

Roche has a well-established early in career program and is committed to developing Data Scientists both professionally and personally. Roche aims to provide an impactful early in career experience and create pathways that launch careers.

Responsibilities:

As a MSc Medical Statistics Apprentice, you will combine study for a Medical Statistics MSc with practical on-the-job training. This includes providing your statistical and analytical expertise in multi-disciplinary teams alongside experienced statisticians to drive the design, conduct and analysis of clinical trials.

Examples of work you may undertake during the apprenticeship include:

• Plan and conduct exploratory analysis to answer important health-related questions

• Quality check the work of other statisticians to ensure consistency and to enable high-quality decision making

• Work collaboratively in cross-functional teams to help progress and deliver our clinical trials

• Engage with technical and essential skills training and knowledge sharing sessions

• Take opportunities to be involved in wider non-project roles, such as the organisation of internal meetings and development of new processes/initiatives

The MSc will be delivered by an approved provider. Our current MSc Medical Statistics Apprentices are enrolled at UCL, studying for an MSc in Statistics for Clinical Trials. The cost of the MSc, in addition to salary, will be paid by Roche.

Qualifications:  

• A minimum of an upper second-class (predicted or already achieved) bachelor's degree in a highly numerate discipline (e.g. mathematics or statistics) or relevant technical discipline

• Excellent academic record, keen to continue further study

• Track record of effectively working in a team environment

• Influential and confident communicator

• Fluency in written and spoken English

• Ability to work across multiple cultures and countries

• Willingness to travel as required 

• Experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry and/or understanding of the end-to-end drug development lifecycle would be beneficial but not required

• Experience in one or more programming languages (e.g. R, SAS, Python) is desirable but not required

• Eligible to work full-time in the UK

Start Date: September 2025

Location: Welwyn Garden City, UK 

Length of Assignment: 3 years (80% on-the-job training, 20% study)

Education Level: BSc

Preferred Background: Currently pursuing or recently completed a bachelor's degree in Mathematics or Statistics. Alternatively, candidates who can demonstrate evidence of strong mathematical ability and an interest in training in statistics are encouraged to apply.

Application Process:

Phase I:

Purpose - our focus on this first stage is to understand why you have applied for this role and what you will bring to the role to ensure team and personal success.

• Cover letter & CV

• Video interview

As part of your cover letter, Roche is keen to understand your motivation in applying for this position.  You should, therefore, provide responses to the following:

• Why Roche: What do you know about Roche and why do you want to work here?

• Why you: If you had to choose a single example or achievement in your life, that you feel would make you suitable for this role, what would it be and why?

Your cover letter should not exceed one page.

Applications without a cover letter may not be considered.

Phase II:

Final Assessment Centre Date: February 2025

Who we are

At Roche, more than 100,000 people across 100 countries are pushing back the frontiers of healthcare. Working together, we’ve become one of the world’s leading research-focused healthcare groups. Our success is built on innovation, curiosity and diversity.

Our UK Pharmaceutical head office is situated in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, with beautiful countryside surrounding the area. Supported by major motorways & airports as well as being a 30 minute train ride to London, access is easy. Our award-winning office, known as Hexagon Place, was opened in 2005 and provides a modern, flexible working environment with facilities that are second-to-none. Around 2,000 people work at our Welwyn office in Global Early Development (pRED), Global Product Development (PD), Commercial (Rx) and our Corporate functions.

Roche offer a competitive salary plus the excellent benefits you would expect from a blue-chip organisation. There is a fully equipped gym on-site, a library and information centre, and an active sports and social club. We also have a subsidised staff restaurant providing foods to cater for every taste throughout the day. At the heart of the building is an informal meeting area known as The Street which features a coffee shop, snack machine and cashpoint. A second building on-site, called The Hub, contains modern meeting room and conference facilities. Roche promotes personal well-being and work-life balance. Therefore, flexible working options will be considered for all roles at Roche UK. Roche is committed to creating a diverse & inclusive environment. The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of Roche.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of Roche Products Ltd. At Roche Products we believe diversity drives innovation and we are committed to building a diverse and flexible working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion or belief, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability or age. We recognise the importance of flexible working and will review all applicants’ requests with care. At Roche difference is valued and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer where you are encouraged to bring your whole self to work.