Job Description

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. 700 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 and increasing the probability of success. We are investing in our cutting-edge innovation capabilities by creating the new Statistics & Data Science Innovation Hub (SDS-IH) led by Prof Nicky Best.

SDS-IH’s mission is to build capability and deliver data-driven approaches to decision making across the organization. To achieve this vision we are creating new ways of working and rebalancing skills across Biostatistics: for example by creating agile teams to give complete focus to resolving data issues across R&D, and building new data pipelines, analytics and dashboards to enable senior stakeholders to take data-informed decisions in real-time.  The SDS-IH team itself is a model for our vision, consisting of Statisticians and Data Scientists with a variety of different skills and backgrounds, working together to develop novel quantitative methodologies, systems and tools.

Why join The Statistics & Data Science Innovation Hub?

As Head of Predictive Modelling, you will lead the Predictive Modelling capability pillar within SDS-IH. Your remit is to build and inspire a team of talented statisticians and data scientists with deep expertise in modern statistical and machine learning methods, whose focus is to deliver statistically rigorous and robust predictive modelling solutions to enable data-informed decision-making across R&D.

Core responsibilities:

Devise and implement a strategy to build data pipelines from multiple sources (e.g. biological, pre-clinical, clinical, epidemiological, EHRs) and use cutting edge statistical and machine learning methods to develop predictive models and build platforms for complex simulation of in-silico trials to support data-informed decision-making across the R&D portfolio
Create and foster partnerships with other quantitative groups to build a collaborative network of predictive modelling expertise across R&D and ensure that statistically rigorous and robust methodology is understood and consistently applied to build prediction models that inform decision-making across all functions in R&D
Devise and implement strategies for developing and embedding higher levels of technical expertise in predictive modelling within Biostatistics
Proactively seek opportunities to interact with external scientific groups (industry, academia, regulators) and vendors through presentations, publications and collaborations, in order to drive innovation and uptake of predictive analytics within GSK and across the pharmaceutical industry
Participate on an ad hoc basis in internal review committees and governance boards as SME
Ad-hoc consultancy to senior R&D and GSK leaders on predictive modelling analysis and interpretation issues
Member of the SDS-IH Leadership Team with accountability for developing and driving the Predictive Modelling pillar strategy and ensuring alignment of priorities with the overall SDS-IH group and wider Biostatistics organisation.

Essential requirements:

PhD in statistics, mathematics, data science, computer science or related quantitative discipline.
International reputation in advanced statistical modelling (including Bayesian methods) and modern machine learning techniques as evidenced by e.g. publications in major scientific journals, conferences or other scientific proceedings, active participation in relevant industry consortia.
Considerable leadership experience and proven record of using quantitative skills to influence decision making and deliver value/business impact
Demonstrable evidence of learning agility and unbiased approach to solving modelling and prediction problems using appropriate tools and methods 
Thorough working knowledge of R and/or Python, and experience of using MCMC software packages (e.g. JAGS, Stan, BUGS) or writing MCMC code
Superb written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to effectively communicate complex technical and statistical ideas to non-specialists

Please also include an application cover letter with your CV, to tell us why you would be suited to this role as Head of Predictive Modelling, Statistics and Data Science.

Why GSK?

GSK is a place where outstanding people do amazing things. As a science-led global healthcare company, we exist to help people do more, feel better, live longer. This special purpose – along with our goal of being one of the world’s most innovative, best performing and trusted healthcare companies – helps us attract some of the best and brightest minds in the world. 

We take pride in providing access to all and continually focus on our opportunity and obligation to do more to improve inclusion and diversity: for our people inside GSK; in the way we do business; and in the communities where we operate.

We want our company to be a place where diversity of people and thought is valued everywhere and where we’re all able to be ourselves and feel a sense of belonging. An inclusive organization where we all feel valued, engaged and supported, knowing that our work makes an important contribution to our mission. Reinforced by our clear values and expectations, it is part of our DNA. Together we achieve extraordinary things for our patients and consumers, who rely on us each and every day.

We offer competitive salaries, benefits, training and development, and are committed to the continuous development of your technical skills and competencies.

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