“Head of Clinical Data Engineering & Programming
Thermo Fisher · 2 Locations
Job description
Work Schedule Standard (Mon-Fri) Environmental Conditions Office Job Description Head of Clinical Data Engineering & ProgrammingThis executive leadership role provides enterprise-level accountability across Statistical Programming and Clinical Data Programming, integrating deep technical expertise with strategic, operational, and talent leadership. The position is responsible for shaping a scalable, future-ready programming organization that consistently delivers high-quality study outcomes, enables regulatory confidence, advances standardization and automation, and strengthens the organization’s strategic differentiation. 1. Position SummaryStrategic mandate and enterprise value of the role Leadership scope spanning Statistical Programming and Clinical Data Programming Integration of strategic oversight with hands-on technical credibility Reporting structure and organizational significance 2. Key ResponsibilitiesSet and lead the end-to-end programming strategy across clinical studies, programs, and portfolios Provide executive oversight for the development and delivery of programming outputs, datasets, listings, tables, figures, and study-level deliverables Establish a high-performance environment that ensures consistency, quality, compliance, and inspection readiness across programming activities Serve as the senior technical authority for complex programming challenges, standards, and delivery risk resolution Shape strong cross-functional partnership with Biostatistics, Clinical Data Management, Medical Writing, Regulatory, and study leadership Champion standardization, automation, and modern technology adoption to improve delivery effectiveness and scalability Provide governance and strategic oversight of external partners, CRO relationships, and flexible delivery models 3. Leadership and Team ManagementBuild and lead a high-performing, future-ready programming organization with strong succession and capability depth Define organizational design, capability strategy, and resource planning to support business growth and delivery resilience Set clear strategic priorities, performance expectations, and governance mechanisms to drive operational excellence Develop leadership bench strength through active coaching, mentoring, and sponsorship of technical and business talent Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation across global, matrixed, and cross-functional teams 4. Technical and Operational ExcellenceSet the strategic direction for programming standards, validation frameworks, and reusable delivery assets Ensure sustained regulatory submission readiness and alignment with applicable industry and customer standards Strengthen data integrity, traceability, audit readiness, and documentation rigor across the programming lifecycle Maintain technical relevance across SAS, R, Python, and emerging clinical data technologies to guide strategic decisions and complex problem-solving Advance simplification, productivity, and automation strategies that improve quality, speed, and scalability 5. Cross-Functional CollaborationServe as a senior partner to clinical operations, biostatics, data management, regulatory, quality, and technology stakeholders Represent programming leadership in governance forums, strategic planning, and executive decision-making discussions Align programming investment and execution priorities with portfolio needs, delivery commitments, and business objectives Engage credibly with customers, sponsors, and executive stakeholders to strengthen trust, transparency, and strategic partnership 6. Qualifications and ExperienceAdvanced degree or equivalent experience in statistics, biostatistics, computer science, mathematics, life sciences, or a related discipline Extensive leadership experience across statistical programming and clinical data programming within pharma, biotech, or CRO environments Demonstrated success leading global, matrixed, and high-performing technical organizations Strong command of clinical trial delivery, regulatory expectations, and applicable industry standards Proven ability to integrate strategic leadership with deep technical credibility and operational judgment 7. Preferred Leadership AttributesStrategic enterprise thinker with strong execution discipline and operational rigor Hands-on executive leader with the judgment to engage deeply where complexity or risk requires Influential communicator with executive presence and the ability to align senior stakeholders Transformational leader who can modernize operating models and accelerate innovation Strong commitment to quality, compliance, talent stewardship, and customer impact 8. Innovation and Business AcumenIdentify and advance strategic opportunities to modernize programming through automation, AI, and digital enablement Translate enterprise priorities into scalable programming strategies that enhance value, speed, quality, and differentiation Balance technical excellence with commercial discipline, resource optimization, and delivery efficiency Strengthen organizational differentiation by building capabilities valued by customers, sponsors, and internal stakeholders Use data, performance metrics, and market insight to guide investment decisions, innovation priorities, and operating model evolution 9. Success MeasuresConsistent delivery of high-quality programming outcomes aligned to study, portfolio, and customer commitments Sustained regulatory confidence, inspection readiness, and submission excellence Measurable progress in standardization, productivity, automation, and operational scalability A strong, engaged, and scalable leadership and technical talent pipeline Trusted cross-functional partnership and visible business impact across the organization
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