Principal Statistician - Clinical Trials Japan

About the role

GSK is looking for a Principal Statistician to lead statistical planning and delivery for clinical research in Japan. You will work with cross-functional teams to design trials, analyse data and support regulatory interactions, developing both technical and leadership skills in a mission-driven environment.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the primary statistical lead for Japan projects, contributing to study design, analysis plans and interpretation of results.
• Collaborate with global statisticians and local teams to align trial design and analysis across regions.
• Prepare statistical input for regulatory interactions and support submissions to Japanese health authorities.
• Oversee external statistical partners and vendors to ensure quality, timelines and cost control.
• Apply modern statistical methods, including adaptive and Bayesian approaches when appropriate.
• Coach and mentor statisticians and non-statistical colleagues, promoting good statistical practice and reproducibility.

Required profile

• Degree in statistics, biostatistics, mathematics or a closely related quantitative discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience as a statistician in randomized clinical trials, with industry or CRO experience.
• Practical experience in clinical trial design and statistical analysis.
• Fluent Japanese at professional level and business-level English.
• Experience explaining statistical concepts to non-statisticians.

Required skills

• Proficiency with statistical software such as R or SAS.
• Working knowledge of clinical trial data formats and conventions.
• Preferred: PhD or advanced degree, regulatory submission experience, knowledge of adaptive and Bayesian methods, therapeutic area background, vendor management experience, and familiarity with reproducible data science workflows.

The role is hybrid, based in Japan, with on-site work and flexible remote days agreed with the line manager, and some travel within Japan and occasional international collaboration. To apply, submit your CV and a short cover note describing a statistical project you led and its impact.