Global Head of Biostatistics

About the role

The Position 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 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.
• Evaluate challenges as they arise and develop innovative solutions for teams to execute.
• 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.
• Represent Biostatistics as a strategic function, influencing high-level decision-making and driving cross-functional collaboration to optimize study designs and data strategies.
• 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.
• Maintain and enforce compliance with industry regulations, GCP, and biostatistical best practices across all programs.
• 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.

Requirements

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%
Relocation: Relocation assistance is being offered for this position

Qualifications

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

Benefits

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.

Pay

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.

Schedule

Actual hours may vary based on business needs and responsibilities.