The role of an Associate Statistical Data Scientist is becoming increasingly important in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry. Companies like Pfizer rely on statistical programmers and data scientists to ensure that clinical trials, research studies, and regulatory submissions are accurate, high-quality, and compliant with global standards. This role is ideal for fresh graduates or early-career professionals who want to grow in statistical programming, clinical data analysis, and advanced analytics.

Job Overview

The Associate Statistical Data Scientist role is a hands-on statistical programming position. It involves supporting study teams and asset teams by delivering programming outputs such as analysis-ready datasets, tables, listings, and figures. The role is part of the larger statistical programming and data management function within the company.

This role is based in India – Chennai, with a hybrid work model, meaning work-from-office and work-from-home flexibility depending on project needs.

Role Table Overview

Feature	Details
Job Title	Associate, Statistical Data Scientist
Location	India – Chennai
Work Type	Full-Time
Work Model	Hybrid / Flexible
Posted	2 Days Ago
Job ID	4946540
Industry	Pharmaceuticals / Clinical Research
Main Focus	Statistical Programming & QC
Key Output	Datasets, Tables, Listings, Figures
Tools Expected	SAS, R, Python, SQL (varies by company standards)
Seniority	Entry-level / Associate
Responsibilities	Programming support, QC, documentation, collaboration with leads
Employer	Pfizer

Job Responsibilities Explained

The Associate Statistical Data Scientist plays a support-focused role, mainly assisting senior programmers and data science leads. The major responsibilities include:

1. Hands-on Statistical Programming

You will work directly on statistical programming tasks required for clinical studies. This includes:

• Creating analysis-ready datasets
• Generating tables, listings, and figures (TLF outputs)
• Ensuring each deliverable meets specification and high-quality standards

2. Supporting Study Teams and Asset Teams

You will work closely with programming leads to support study-related activities. This may involve:

• Understanding study specifications
• Writing simple code
• Cleaning and transforming data
• Generating basic reports for analysis

3. Quality Control (QC)

One of the most important parts of this role is QC work. You will check the deliverables created by other programmers to ensure accuracy and consistency. QC includes:

• Running secondary programs
• Reviewing outputs
• Comparing results to specifications
• Identifying inconsistencies and reporting them

4. Ensuring High Programming Standards

You will be expected to follow the company’s programming standards and guidelines. This includes:

• Following naming rules
• Using consistent formats
• Documenting your work
• Maintaining reproducibility

5. Documentation Responsibilities

You will prepare documentation for:

• Your datasets
• Your quality checks
• Your test logs
• Your code explanations

Good documentation is essential for regulatory submissions.

6. Learning and Growth in Programming Standards

This role is designed for beginners in the field. You will learn:

• SAS or R programming
• Clinical data standards such as CDISC, SDTM, and ADaM
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
• Data visualization and reporting standards
• Regulatory expectations for FDA, EMA, etc.

Sourcing Specialist

Required Skills and Qualifications

Although the job description focuses on responsibilities, the following skills are essential for success:

1. Technical Knowledge

Basic understanding of:

• SAS or R programming
• SQL for data extraction
• Python (optional but useful)
• Data structures and statistical concepts

2. Analytical Thinking

You should be able to:

• Understand datasets
• Spot errors in output
• Follow detailed instructions
• Translate specifications into code

3. Documentation Skills

Clear writing is necessary because regulatory teams must understand the logic behind every dataset and program.

4. Collaboration and Communication

You will work with:

• Programming leads
• Statisticians
• Data managers
• Clinical study teams

Basic communication skills are essential.

5. Willingness to Learn

Since this is an entry-level role, curiosity and continuous learning are highly valued.

Work Environment and Culture

This role is based in Chennai with a flexible hybrid work setup. You may come to the office a few days a week depending on project needs. Pfizer provides a supportive environment where junior team members learn from experienced programmers.

The company is known for:

• Strong ethical practices
• Patient-first mindset
• Collaborative global teams
• Career growth and skill-building programs

Pfizer follows equal opportunity employment policies and ensures a fair environment for all employees.

Career Growth Opportunities

Starting as an Associate Statistical Data Scientist opens the door to several career paths:

1. Statistical Programmer

Building more complex datasets and analytical outputs.

2. Senior Programmer / Lead Programmer

Leading studies, mentoring juniors, and managing large clinical deliverables.

3. Statistical Data Scientist

Combining advanced analytics, machine learning, and clinical insights.

4. Biostatistician (with further education)

Designing clinical trials and advanced modeling.

5. Data Standards Specialist

Ensuring global compliance with CDISC and regulatory guidelines.

This role builds a strong foundation in clinical programming, making it a high-demand career path.

Conclusion:
This Pfizer Associate Statistical Data Scientist role is a strong starting point for anyone stepping into the world of statistical programming. The responsibilities are clear—creating analysis-ready datasets, performing QC, following high-quality programming standards, and supporting study/asset teams under the guidance of programming leads. It offers a balanced space to learn programming and data standards while contributing to real deliverables. If you’re looking to build a solid foundation in data, analytics, and structured scientific workflows, this role can be a meaningful and growth-focused opportunity.