Principal Scientist, Statistical Programming – A&R Standards, Innovation

MSD

. Support the strategic design, development, and delivery of efficient, flexible, and modular analysis, reporting, and submission standards and tools for drug and vaccine projects across therapeutic areas .

Posted 9/18/2026full-timeNorth Wales • New Jersey • United StatesLead💰 $173,200 - $272,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in statistical programming for clinical trials, with a strong focus on developing and implementing analysis and reporting standards using R, Python, and SAS. Proven ability to lead strategic initiatives, manage complex projects, and ensure compliance with industry standards such as CDISC.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Clinical SAS ProgrammingData ManagementR ProgrammingStakeholder Relationship ManagementCDISC SDTM and ADaM Standards

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Statistical ProgrammingData ManipulationReporting WorkflowsVisualizationNumerical AnalysisData ModelingProcess AssessmentOperational Excellence MethodologiesAI/GenAI ToolsMultilingual Analysis and Reporting

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsProject ManagementLeadershipAnalytical SkillsCommunication Skills

Tools & Technologies

RPythonSASClaude CodeAnalytical Research Databases

Industry Keywords

Clinical TrialsDrug DevelopmentVaccine DevelopmentBiostatisticsRegulatory Compliance

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support the strategic design, development, and delivery of efficient, flexible, and modular analysis, reporting, and submission standards and tools for drug and vaccine projects across therapeutic areas
Drive data structures encompassing analysis and reporting data standards and submission standards
Lead and contribute to departmental strategic initiatives
Collaborate with Biostatistics, Statistical Programming, Data Management, Clinical Research, Regulatory, Observational Research, Clinical Safety, and PK/PD Modeling and Simulation organizations
Develop and drive adoption of a scalable, reusable multilingual standards library based on R, Python, and SAS
Emphasize open-source adoption, automation, and appropriate use of AI
Address operational challenges through strategic, standards-based solutions
Facilitate global adoption of standards and programming best practices
Provide technical consultation and analytical support to statistical programmers and statisticians
Represent the company in relevant industry initiatives, including CDISC and PHUSE

Requirements

What you’ll need

BA/BS in Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Life Sciences, Engineering or related field plus 12 or more years statistical programming experience in a clinical trial environment, OR MS in one of these fields plus 10 or more years statistical programming experience in a clinical trial environment
Excellent interpersonal, written, oral, and presentation skills
Superior knowledge and significant experience setting strategy and developing analysis and reporting deliverables for R&D projects
Excellent project management skills and leadership across multiple complex programs
Expertise in clinical trial programming, including data manipulation, reporting workflows, visualization, and production-quality practices using multiple programming languages and tools
Strong knowledge and understanding of CDISC SDTM and ADaM analysis dataset standards
Experience with analytical research databases, analysis datasets, and procedures
Understanding of statistics, clinical trial, and data management concepts applied to drug/vaccine development
Demonstrated success assuring deliverable quality and process compliance
Ability to analyze operational challenges and develop and implement strategic solutions
Ability to anticipate stakeholder requirements
Ability and interest to work across cultures and geographies
Experience developing flexible and efficient multilingual analysis and reporting products using R, Python, and SAS preferred
Experience with process assessment, improvement, and operational excellence methodologies preferred
Experience developing and managing project plans preferred
Experience using AI/GenAI tools, such as Claude Code, preferred
Active in professional societies and ability to collaborate across regions preferred
Required skills: Clinical SAS Programming, Data Management, Data Modeling, Numerical Analysis, R Programming, Stakeholder Relationship Management
Preferred skill: Python programming
US and Puerto Rico residents only
Visa sponsorship available

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual bonus
Long-term incentive, if applicable
Medical, dental, and vision healthcare
Other insurance benefits for employee and family
Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
Paid holidays
Vacation
Compassionate days
Sick days
Visa sponsorship
Hybrid work arrangement