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Principal Statistical Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Principal Statistical Programmer works with management to delegate tasks appropriately, track progress, and provide expert technical support to team members. In addition, the Principal ...

Position Summary A Principal Statistical Programmer is an expert in management, technical oversight, and quality of statistical programming activities related to the analyses of clinical trial data ...

The Principal Statistical Programmer will lead programming activities for one or more studies, ensuring high-quality development, validation, and delivery of complex analysis outputs. Drive technical ...

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How much do principal statistical programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for principal statistical programmer in the United States is $84.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72.84 and $97.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Principal Statistical Programmer job?

A Principal Statistical Programmer is a senior-level professional responsible for developing, validating, and maintaining statistical programs used in clinical trials and regulatory submissions. They ensure data accuracy, adherence to industry standards (such as CDISC), and compliance with regulatory requirements. They collaborate with statisticians, data managers, and clinical teams to analyze and report trial results. Additionally, they may mentor junior programmers and contribute to process improvements in statistical programming workflows.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Principal Statistical Programmer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Statistical Programmer, you need advanced expertise in statistical programming (typically with SAS or R), a strong understanding of clinical trial data, and a degree in a relevant field such as statistics, mathematics, or computer science. Familiarity with CDISC standards (SDTM, ADaM), regulatory submission requirements, and project management tools is highly valued, and certifications like SAS Certified Advanced Programmer can be advantageous. Leadership, problem-solving, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills are important for managing complex projects and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. These skills collectively ensure accuracy, regulatory compliance, and successful delivery of statistical programming support within clinical research environments.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Principal Statistical Programmer in a clinical research setting?

As a Principal Statistical Programmer, your daily responsibilities often include developing, validating, and maintaining complex statistical programs to support clinical trial data analysis and regulatory submissions. You may lead programming teams, mentor junior staff, and act as a technical expert on study projects, collaborating closely with statisticians, data managers, and clinical teams. The role frequently involves reviewing statistical analysis plans (SAPs), generating data listings and summary tables, and ensuring adherence to industry standards such as CDISC. Effective communication and time management are key, as you’ll often work on multiple projects simultaneously, balancing deliverables and troubleshooting technical challenges. This position offers diverse, impactful work where your expertise significantly contributes to the integrity and success of clinical research programs.

More about Principal Statistical Programmer jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Statistical Programmer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Statistical Programmer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Statistical Programmer jobs? The most popular types of Principal Statistical Programmer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Principal Statistical Programmer jobs? The top employers for Principal Statistical Programmer jobs are:
What states have the most Principal Statistical Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Statistical Programmer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Principal Statistical Programmer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $175,884 per year, or $84.6 per hour.

Principal Statistical Programmer

Vrtx

Boston, MA • Remote

$149K - $223K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Description

General Summary:

The Principal Statistical Programmer works with management to delegate tasks appropriately, track progress, and provide expert technical support to team members. In addition, the Principal Statistical Programmer is a designated member of clinical sub-team(s) in the role of project lead Statistical Programmer.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Works regularly with advanced features of SAS (including interfacing ability with other software applications and operating system tools)

  • Performs quality control checks of SAS code and output produced by other Statistical Programmers to ensure accuracy and consistency within group

  • Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of clinical development and medical data

  • Solves complex clinical trial reporting problems and demonstrates technical proficiency and exercises judgment in supporting daily operations and ensuring that study tasks are completed accurately and in a timely manner

  • Engages with a variety of other functions, including Statistical Programmers, Biostatisticians, Data Management, and other departments engaged in providing data and submission-related activities, often at Senior Management levels

  • Creates all files, documents, and analyses necessary to support an electronic submission in eCTD format, including ISS/ISE

  • Provides leadership to ensure compliance with Vertex SOP'S and FDA/ICH/GCP regulations

  • Provides technical and project management skills to create, review, and approve documentation required to support data analysis, reporting, and CDlSC data submission

  • Participates in project management cross-functional teams that work on standard operating procedures, guidelines, process improvements, system validation and acquisition, customization, and integration of new tools and technologies

Knowledge and Skills:

  • Proficiency in all SAS language, procedures, and functions commonly used in clinical trial reporting including the Macro language, BASE SAS, SAS/STAT and SAS/GRAPH

  • Intermediate knowledge of CDISC Standards

  • Intermediate knowledge of clinical trials

  • Regulatory submission experiences

  • Effective communication (written and verbal) skills to explain difficult information

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelors degree in a Scientific Discipline

  • Typically requires 5+ for M.S. or above and 8+ years for B.S. years of work experience in Biotech, Pharmaceuticals or Clinical Research Organization

Pay Range:

$149,200 - $223,800

Disclosure Statement:

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

Flex Designation:

Remote-Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this Remote-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
1. Remote: work remotely five days per week and come into the office on occasion - you're always welcome on-site; or select
2. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
3. On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex's Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

#LI-Remote

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com