Job ID
REQ-10070499
Date: Jan 30, 2026
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Working Model: #LI-Hybrid (12 days per month on-site)
Alternate Location: London (The Westworks), United Kingdom
Working Model(s):
- #LI-Hybrid (12 days per month on-site if living within 50 miles of our London office)
- #LI-Remote (if living beyond 50 miles of our London office)
Summary
The Senior Principal Programmer is responsible for all statistical programming aspects of several studies, a medium to large-sized project, or project-level activities (including submission and post-marketing activities). This position serves as a key collaborator and strategic partner with biostatistics to ensure that pharmaceutical drug-development plans within Novartis Global Drug Development are executed effectively, delivering timely and high-quality outputs. The role adheres to project and study standards and specifications, in compliance with internal and regulatory guidelines, overseeing programming style, quality of statistical reporting, and compliance with established timelines.
About the Role
Our Development Team is guided by our purpose: to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives. To achieve this, we are committed to optimizing and strengthening our processes and operations while investing in new technologies. Our aim is to enhance our therapeutic area expertise and capabilities to deliver our medicines to patients more efficiently. We are looking for talented individuals like you to join us in this mission and help provide a brighter future for those affected by disease.
Apply online using the form below!
Key Accountabilities
- Lead statistical programming activities as Trial Programmer for several studies or as Lead/Program Programmer for medium to large projects in phase I to IV clinical studies within the Novartis Global Development Organization.
- Coordinate activities of programmers, whether internally or externally, making critical statistical programming decisions and proposing strategies at the study or project level.
- May act as a functional manager for local associates, providing supervision and advice on functional expertise and processes.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with cross-functional teams, summarizing and discussing the status of deliverables and key programming aspects (timelines, scope, resource plan), e.g., as the SP representative in study- or project-level teams.
- Review eCRF, discuss data structures, and ensure project-level standardization for efficient data production.
- Comply with company, department, and industry standards (e.g., CDISC) and processes; assess and clarify additional programming requirements while developing programming specifications as part of analysis plans.
- Provide and implement statistical programming solutions; ensure knowledge sharing and act as a programming expert in problem-solving challenges.
- Ensure timely and high-quality development and validation of datasets and outputs for CSRs, regulatory submissions, safety reports, publications, and exploratory analyses for assigned drug development projects.
- Responsible for the quality control and audit readiness of all statistical programming deliverables, ensuring accuracy and reliability of results.
- Maintain advanced knowledge of programming software (e.g., SAS) and industry requirements (e.g., CDISC SDTM/ADaM, eCTD, Define.xml); attend functional meetings and training sessions.
- Establish successful working relationships with external associates per agreed contracts and internal guidance.
- Act as a subject matter expert (SME) or lead process improvement initiatives with a focus on programming and analysis reporting procedures.
Your Experience
- BA/BS/MS or equivalent international experience in statistics, computer science, mathematics, life sciences, or a related field.
- Work experience in a programming role, preferably supporting clinical trials or the pharmaceutical industry.
- Expert SAS experience with proven skills in the use of SAS within a Statistical Programming environment for developing and validating deliverables, including advanced MACROs.
- Advanced experience in contributing to statistical analysis plans and constructing technical programming specifications.
- In-depth knowledge of industry standards, including CDISC data structures and the development and use of standard programs.
- Good understanding of regulatory requirements related to Statistical Programming (e.g., GCP, study procedures).
- Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to work well with others globally and influence outcomes.
- Experience as Trial/Lead/Project Programmer for multiple studies or project-level activities, including the coordination of teams of internal or external programmers.
Accessibility and Inclusion
Novartis is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment and providing reasonable accommodations to all individuals. If you require assistance due to a medical condition or disability, or if you would like to receive further information about the essential functions of this position, please contact inclusion.switzerland@novartis.com with your request and contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
Why Novartis
Helping people with disease and their families involves more than innovative science. It requires a community of smart, passionate individuals like you, working collaboratively to inspire and support one another in achieving breakthroughs that transform patients' lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? Learn more here.
Benefits and Rewards
Discover all the ways we will support your personal and professional growth. Please consult our handbook for more information.
Division
Development
Business Unit
Development
Location
Switzerland
Site
Basel (City)
Company / Legal Entity
C028 (FCRS = CH028) Novartis Pharma AG
Alternative Location
London (The Westworks), United Kingdom
Functional Area
Research & Development
Job Type
Full-time
Employment Type
Regular
Shift Work
No