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Principal Statistical Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PSI CRO

Principal Statistician

Durham, NC · On-site +1

You will contribute to statistical activities related to global clinical trials and work closely with international teams of statisticians, programmers and data managers, including the role of ...

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How much do principal statistical programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 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.
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Principal Statistical Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Statistical Programmer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $175,884 per year, or $84.6 per hour.
Associate Principal Scientist, Statistical Programming

Associate Principal Scientist, Statistical Programming

Merck & Co., Inc.

Rahway, NJ • On-site

$144.37K - $224.10K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Merck rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 71 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Job Description
Associate Principal Scientist, Statistical Programming - Rahway, NJ:
  • Provide high quality statistical programming analysis and reporting deliverables for global PK modeling and simulation stakeholders Oncology therapeutic area.
  • Gather and interpret user requirements, retrieve the required data, transform the data into modeling-ready analysis datasets, and develop tables and figures according to the modeling analysis plans.
  • Lead the data stewardship and take accountability for the creation of modeling data from original data source(s) to final modeling dataset.
  • Act as a key collaborator with modelers, statisticians and other project stakeholders and execute project plans efficiently and oversee the work of other team members when opportunities arise.
  • Programmatically synthesize preclinical / clinical data into analysis ready structures from varied data sources.
  • Create modeling-ready datasets by integrating PK, PD and covariate data.
  • Produce tables and graphics for inclusion in study reports and regulatory submissions.
  • Ensure programmatic traceability from data source to modeling result.
  • Support the development of programming standards to enable efficient and high quality production of programming deliverables.
  • Produce SAS transport files and associated documentation for regulatory submissions.
  • Represent statistical programming on process improvement activities.

Education Requirements:
  • Must have a Bachelor's degree (or US equivalent) in Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Life Sciences, Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field plus 9 years SAS programming experience in a clinical trial environment

OR
  • Master's degree (or US equivalent) in Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Life Sciences, Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field plus 7 years SAS programming experience in a clinical trial environment.

Position Requirements:
  • Must possess significant expertise in SAS and clinical trial programming including data steps, procedures, SAS/MACRO, SAS/GRAPH; and programming expertise with clinical endpoint data (efficacy and safety) and pharmacokinetic data (raw concentration data, derived PK parameters).
  • Ability to design and develop complex programming algorithms; to efficiently manipulate clinical trial datasets including complex data preprocessing, filtering, and manipulation; demonstrated ability to work in an exploratory environment, handling non-standard data in a variety of formats with minimal requirements.
  • Knowledge of pharmaceutical development processes.
  • Ability to comprehend analysis plans which may describe methodology to be programmed.
  • Understanding of statistical or pharmacokinetic terminology and concepts; and ability to implement statistical methods not currently available through commercial software packages also required.
  • Must possess broad knowledge and significant experience in developing analysis and reporting deliverables for R&D projects (data, analyses, tables, graphics, listings).
  • Ability to lead at a program level; ability to determine approach and ensure consistency and direct development of others when opportunities arise; ability to engage key stakeholders required.
  • Must possess strong project management skills; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to negotiate and collaborate effectively; and excellent written, oral, and presentation skills.

The salary range for this role is: $144,373.00 - $224,100.00 per year
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.
The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.
Required Skills:
Preferred Skills:
Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
EEOC Know Your Rights
EEOC GINA Supplement
We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status:
Regular
Relocation:
No relocation
VISA Sponsorship:
No
Travel Requirements:
No Travel Required
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
Not Indicated
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
n/a
Job Posting End Date:
08/12/2026
*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

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