Senior Project Lead Programmer (UK)

Make your mark for patients

We are looking for a Senior Project Lead Programmer to join us in our Biometric & Data Science team, to be based in any of our Brussels (Belgium), Monheim (Germany), Slough (UK) or Raleigh (US) offices

About the role

The Senior Project Lead Programmer will drive the strategic development, governance, and execution of open-source initiatives within the Biometrics function. This role is central to advancing innovation in statistical programming, data science, and clinical analytics through open collaboration, transparent tooling, and community engagement. The position will work closely with Programming and Biostatistics teams to ensure open-source efforts are scientifically rigorous, regulatory-compliant, and operationally impactful. Provide strategic, technical, operating, and tactical transformation change and implementation of state-of-the-art programming and play a central leading role in the continuous transformation of the BDS organization at all levels: talent, capability build/needs, optimized and efficient operating model, initiatives, systems and strategy. Will optimize scoping, input, and solution provision through collaborations cross functionally.

Who you'll work with

You will report into the Head of Programming Visualisation & Reporting

What you'll do

• Define and implement the programming team's open-source innovation strategy aligned with the department goals.
• Develop the vision and roadmap for open-source tools that directly support the Biometrics department, including programming, visualization, and reporting needs but not limited to.
• Drive innovation in clinical trial analyses, using R to improve the efficiency of study results analysis delivery for the Programming team
• Champion open-source principles across departments including R&D, IT, Regulatory Affairs, and Data Science.
• Represent the company in external open-source consortia (e.g., Pharmaverse, PHUSE, etc.).
• Responsible to lead high complex projects with multiple stakeholders (internal and external stakeholders) and articulated structure Lead and shape the continuous learning and upskilling culture for a modern Biometrics (Programming) organization

Interested? For this position you'll need the following education, experience and skills:

• MSc (preferred) in Statistics, Mathematical, Statistical Computer Science or Life Science, or equivalent
• Deep understanding of open-source ecosystems, licensing models, and software development practices
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across scientific and technical domains.
• Experience with regulatory environments and data standards (e.g., CDISC, HL7).
• Proficiency in platforms like GitHub and tools such as R, Python, Docker, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience contributing to or leading open-source projects in clinical research or statistical programming.

Are you ready to 'go beyond' to create value and make your mark for patients? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

About us
UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are over 9.000 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.

Why work with us?
At UCB, we don't just complete tasks, we create value. We aren't afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equal opportunities to do their best work. We 'go beyond' to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that's on our patients, our employees, or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential.

At UCB, we've embraced a hybrid-first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless expressly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.

UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on EMEA-Reasonable_Accommodation@ucb.com. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.