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Data Science Industrial Placement Student

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Gruppe
Welwyn Garden City
1 week ago
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The Position

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Opportunity

The Product Development Data Sciences (PDD) department in Roche's Pharmaceutical Division focuses on three core areas: identifying evidence needed in bringing our drugs to market, making high-quality data accessible and generating insights through data analysis. This involves leveraging diverse datasets from clinical trials, real-world evidence and digital sources to understand patient pathways, disease progression and patient outcomes. Data science helps extract meaningful insights from the growing variety and complexity of data, supporting the development of better medicines.

The PDD Department in Welwyn Garden City is seeking industrial placement students starting in July 2026 for 13 months to support the advancement of medicines. Successful candidates will be evaluated for multiple roles across the department, each requiring a diverse range of skills. These roles offer opportunities to leverage your expertise or interest in areas such as:

Roles and Responsibilities
  • Biostatistics — Role: Biostatisticians use statistical methods to design and analyse the data collected in our clinical trials. We often collaborate with clinical scientists to interpret results, and work closely with other members of data science (e.g., Data Management and Statistical Programming) to ensure the quality and integrity of study data. We also conduct exploratory analyses and trial new or alternative statistical methods to better understand our data and inform decision making.
  • Biostatistics — Skills — Knowledge and understanding of basic statistics; programming skills (R, SAS or other coding languages) are beneficial.
  • Statistical Programming — Role: Analytical Data Scientist (ADS) providing analytical and programming expertise for the reporting and analysis of clinical trials and related submissions to Health Authorities. Works with data science colleagues (biostatistics, data management) to ensure data quality and integrity. Collaborates with other functional experts to determine appropriate analysis for respective disease areas.
  • Statistical Programming — Skills — Programming skills (R, SAS or other), ability to explain complex concepts to non-technical audiences, growth mindset, innovation.
  • Data Management — Role: Study Data Manager (SDM) responsible for the collection, delivery and quality of data in standardized, quality clinical trial databases, ready for analysis by Statistical Programming and Biostatistics. Works in a cross-functional team with external partners and uses data surveillance tools with disease area knowledge.
  • Data Management — Skills — Project Management; programming experience is not essential.
  • Data Acquisition — Role: Data Acquisition Specialist (DAS) responsible for acquiring external data (e.g., MRI images, spirometry, ECGs, biomarkers) in a standardized format for inclusion with the database captured clinical trial data. Works in a cross-functional team with external vendors, using a variety of data collection tools and scientific knowledge.
  • Data Acquisition — Skills — Programming experience is not essential.
  • Technical Excellence — Role: We accelerate data delivery (acquisition, access & review) with innovative, sustainable and scalable solutions, including automation and AI/ML.
  • Technical Excellence — Skills — Programming skills (R, Python or other), ability to explain complex concepts to non-technical audiences, knowledge of Git, AI/ML, data visualization, software development, CI/CD; database management/administration (e.g., SQL, AWS) are beneficial but not essential.
  • Business Operations — Role: The Business Strategy & Operations team ensures regulatory alignment, quality and compliance, manages vendor relationships, oversees data monitoring and healthcare professional interactions, drives efficiency through automation and knowledge management, and facilitates secure, transparent data sharing in compliance with data protection laws. Project management and strategic planning skills would be useful.
  • Quantitative Clinical Pharmacology — Role: To support the conduct of Quantitative Clinical Pharmacology activities by creating ready-to-use analysis datasets, providing graphical evaluation of the data and conducting exploratory analysis.
  • Quantitative Clinical Pharmacology — Skills — R programming experience (or other coding language); familiarity with Microsoft Office; data visualization; interest in how biological systems work.
  • Real World & Clinical Data Strategy — Role: Provide expertise and strategic oversight in conceptualisation, design, conduct, analysis and interpretation of real world data studies, and secondary use and standardisation of both clinical trial data and trial operational data to develop access to Roche’s medicines. Various roles include data strategy, evidence generation, data management, curation, integration and governance, and advanced analytics/programming. Key skills: communication, problem solving, collaboration, time management, analytical thinking, attention to detail.

Comprehensive training and mentoring will be provided to equip you with the specific skills, tools and processes needed for success in each position.

Who You Are

To be considered for this opportunity, applicants should be:

  • An undergraduate in their second year of theirBachelor's/second or third year of their Integrated Masters Degree
  • Currently undertaking a relevant data-oriented subject (e.g., Biological/Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Bioengineering, Computer Science, etc.)
  • Interested in healthcare, data science and drug development — a passion for healthcare and enthusiasm are vital.
  • Experience or knowledge in data handling and analysis techniques. Familiarity with programming languages like R, Python or SAS is advantageous for certain roles but not mandatory.
  • Values and contributes to a supportive and inclusive collaborative working environment.
  • Has a good understanding of their own strengths and areas for development.

If you're passionate about making a difference in patients' lives and possess the teamwork and innovation we're looking for, Roche could be the perfect fit for you. In return, we provide a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including a genuine interest in your career development and progression.

Applicants must be able to attend an in-person assessment centre on either 19th or 20th November 2025 at Roche's office in Welwyn Garden City.

Phase I: Submission of Cover Letter & CV: Evaluation of technical skills, motivation and behaviors.

Phase II: Video Interview: Assessment of motivation and passion.

Phase III: Final Assessment Centre: Full day of interviews, group tasks and a technical test, plus tours and informal conversations with PDD staff.

Application Process deadline: Sunday, 26th October 2025

Who we are

A healthier future drives us to innovate. More than 100,000 employees globally advance science to ensure access to healthcare today and for generations to come. We treat millions and conduct billions of tests with our diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities and keep our ambitions high to deliver life-changing healthcare solutions with global impact.

Let’s build a healthier future, together.

The statements herein describe the general nature and level of work performed and are not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills. They do not establish a contract and are subject to change. Roche is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability or age. We support flexible working and will review applicants’ requests with care. At Roche, difference is valued and diversity drives innovation.


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