Director, Data Science Innovation for Clinical Operations

GSK’s success absolutely depends on our people. While getting ahead of disease together is about our ambition for patients and shareholders, it’s also about making GSK a place where people can thrive. We want GSK to be a place where people feel inspired, encouraged and challenged to be the best they can be. A place where they can be themselves – feeling welcome, valued and included. Where they can keep growing and look after their wellbeing. So, if you share our ambition, join us at this exciting moment in our journey to get Ahead Together.

This is an exciting opportunity to channel your passion for innovation in the field of Statistics and Data Science to help shape the future of the Biostatistics function and transform the way in which GSK uses data and quantitative thinking to drive decision-making in R&D.

Biostatistics is the single-largest functional group of Statisticians, Programmers and Data Scientists within GSK R&D, numbering approx. 900 permanent people in the US, UK, Europe and India. Our mission is to put statistical thinking at the heart of R&D decision-making; to ensure that predictive models and well-designed experiments and trials deliver robust evidence as the input to those decisions – ultimately making the R&D process more efficient. We are investing in our cutting-edge innovation capabilities by expanding the Statistics & Data Science Innovation Hub (SDS-IH) led by Prof Nicky Best. The vision of SDS-IH is to be the catalyst for innovation and advanced data-driven decision making. To achieve this, we are forming agile teams dedicated to untangling and resolving complex data challenges across R&D, constructing robust data pipelines, comprehensive analytics, and dynamic dashboards to enable stakeholders to take data-informed decisions in real-time.

At the heart of SDS-IH lies a diverse coalition of Statisticians and Data Scientists - a synthesis of unique skills and experiences. Together, we are the architects of novel quantitative methodologies, systems, and tools – a living embodiment of our vision.

Why join The Statistics & Data Science Innovation Hub?

We are expanding our data science capabilities in Clinical Operations by creating this Director role to lead innovative analytics initiatives across our clinical trial portfolio. The successful candidate will drive the development and implementation of sophisticated predictive models that enhance clinical trial execution and operational decision-making. By leveraging historical trial data and real-time operational metrics, this role will help transform how we plan, execute, and monitor clinical studies

Our vision is to build an integrated analytics ecosystem for Clinical Operations that enables data-driven decisions throughout the trial lifecycle. Through the development of advanced modeling capabilities and automated monitoring systems, we aim to enhance patient recruitment, improve resource allocation, and accelerate study timelines. This role will be instrumental in creating scalable solutions that set new standards for operational excellence in clinical trials, ultimately helping us bring innovative medicines to patients more efficiently.

Key Responsibilities:

This role reports to the Head of Data Science Innovation for R&D Operations within SDS-IH. As a leadership position in the R&D Operations pillar, it provides dedicated Data Science support to Clinical Operations.

• Provide dedicated Data Science support to Clinical Operations

• Identify new opportunities for business benefits through Data Science solutions

• Develop pilot tools and solutions for Clinical Operations

• Collaborate with senior Clinical Operations leaders

• Manage Data Science Leaders and work with technical experts

• Work with R&D Tech partners on complex solutions

• Promote Data Science tools and methods internally/externally

• Stay current with latest Data Science tools and methods

• Ensure clear messaging for Biostatistics and Data Science communities

Basic Qualifications

• MSc in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering or related quantitative discipline

• Experience supporting Clinical Operations (preferred), Pharma R&D, or healthcare industry

• Proven track record of entrepreneurship and business impact through fit-for-purpose Data Science solutions

• Experience with version control, testing, continuous integration/development, and environment management

• Proficiency in R and Python

• Leadership experience in project planning and solution delivery

• Strong stakeholder management in a matrix organization and excellent communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering or related quantitative discipline

• Thorough knowledge of the drug development process

• Ability to solve complex problems analytically and programmatically

• Awareness of other analytics languages like SAS

• Proficiency in best coding practices

• Knowledge of High Performance and Cloud Computing (Azure, AWS, GCP)

• Familiarity with AI/ML methods like MLOps and Agile

• Familiarity with high-dimensional and unstructured data sources

• Background in operational optimization and process improvement

• Significant experience supporting decision-making under uncertainty.

#LI-GSK*

Why GSK?

Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

GSK is a global biopharma company with a special purpose – to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together – so we can positively impact the health of billions of people and deliver stronger, more sustainable shareholder returns – as an organisation where people can thrive. We prevent and treat disease with vaccines, specialty and general medicines. We focus on the science of the immune system and the use of new platform and data technologies, investing in four core therapeutic areas (infectious diseases, HIV, respiratory/ immunology and oncology).

Our success absolutely depends on our people. While getting ahead of disease together is about our ambition for patients and shareholders, it’s also about making GSK a place where people can thrive. We want GSK to be a place where people feel inspired, encouraged and challenged to be the best they can be. A place where they can be themselves – feeling welcome, valued, and included. Where they can keep growing and look after their wellbeing. So, if you share our ambition, join us at this exciting moment in our journey to get Ahead Together.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are open to all talent. In the US, we also adhere to Affirmative Action principles. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to neurodiversity, race/ethnicity, colour, national origin, religion, gender, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, disability, genetic information, military service, covered/protected veteran status or any other federal, state or local protected class*(*US only).

We believe in an agile working culture for all our roles. If flexibility is important to you, we encourage you to explore with our hiring team what the opportunities are.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on Ukdiversity.recruitment@gsk.com or 0808 234 4391. 

Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments, we will not be able to support you through these channels. However, we have created a UK Recruitment FAQ guide. Click the link and scroll to the Careers Section where you will find answers to multiple questions we receive .

As you apply, we will ask you to share some personal information which is entirely voluntary. We want to have an opportunity to consider a diverse pool of qualified candidates and this information will assist us in meeting that objective and in understanding how well we are doing against our inclusion and diversity ambitions. We would really appreciate it if you could take a few moments to complete it.  Rest assured, Hiring Managers do not have access to this information and we will treat your information confidentially.

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