Senior/ Principal Programmer (Macros/Automation Programming)

Key Responsibilities

The job tasks listed below outline the scope of the position. The application of these tasks may vary, based on current business needs.

Technical:

• Create a requirements file detailing the functionality of a macro giving descriptions of inputs, parameters, and outputs.
• Fill out a test case file detaining all the test case scenarios for a macro where each test case tests for correct parameter inputs, input file formats, or outputs.
• Build test case programs based on the test case file to validate macros following department standards for naming conventions for inputs and outputs.
• Communicate effectively through the test case file with the developer to fix the macro based on the test cases.
• Perform a peer review of macro code to make sure macro meets department coding guidelines.
• Validate a macro requirements document to verify the macro requirements meet the department standards and properly describe the purpose, parameters, inputs, outputs, and logic needed to derive the output.
• Understand how to construct a macro to achieve a task that follows the department programming style standards. A global department level macro would be preferred.
• Must be comfortable with following department standards to construct macros, requirements files, and validation files.
• Knowledge of basic and advanced macro syntax.
• A deep understanding of SAS. Certification in Advanced SAS Programming would be preferred.
• Strong knowledge of PROC SQL and data joins is needed.
• Ability to create reports and utilities for process improvement.
• Understanding of R, Python, and any future programming languages as needed.
• Ability to find coding examples quickly through Web searches and AI searched to help to create a macro.
• Ability to interact with a developer and clinical experts to understand the functionality of a macro.
• Debug, troubleshoot, and optimize macro programs for performance and reliability.
• Develop robust error-handling and validation routines within macros.

People Management:

• Line management of statisticians, programmers and other technical staff. Accountable for overall performance of direct reports
• Provide coaching and mentoring of staff to achieve excellence. Direct employee career development and ensure line reports receive appropriate training to perform their day-to-day jobs
• Interview and effectively on-board and integrate new staff members
• Provide programming technical leadership and coaching

Project Management:

Oversight of key client projects/portfolios. To include:

• Being Veramed Project Manager on client accounts and projects
• Maintain the project plan
• Proactive management of resource, scope change and risks
• Manage the delivery of projects to budget
• Manage client expectations and issue resolution

General:

• Lead internal and client study, project and cross functional team meetings effectively
• Present study updates internally and at client meetings
• Share scientific, technical and practical knowledge within the team and with colleagues
• Perform work in full compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, company policies, procedures, and training
• Build effective collaborative working relationships with internal and client team members
• Ensure learnings are shared across projects or studies
• Develop and provide internal technical training where appropriate
• Lead process improvement initiatives

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• BSc, MSc or PhD in numerical discipline (or relevant equivalent industry experience)
• At least 5 years of relevant industry experience

Other Information/Additional Requirements

• Understanding of clinical drug development process, relevant disease areas, endpoints and study designs
• Awareness of industry and project standards & ICH guidelines
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Interpersonal/teamwork skills for effective interactions
• Proficiency in data handling using SAS or other statistical software (e.g. R)
• Self-management skills with a focus on results for timely and accurate completion of competing deliverables
• Demonstrated problem solving ability and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to manage a portfolio of projects and/or people