Industrial Placement Statistician (PSC / Non-Clinical) Review

Carry out statistical analysis and reporting Review statistical elements of technical documents Contribute to cross-functional teams by helping to interpret statistical outputs Contribute to the development of new standards that have a statistical component Assist with mentoring and training of non-statisticians as required on the appropriate use of statistical methodologies Actively participate with the wider statistics network Maintain and develop a technical knowledge base appropriate for the role

Coding and programming - gaining the ability to code in R and SAS Creativity and innovation - developing code for the statistical analysis Communication and collaboration - consulting with clients throughout projects Teamwork - working closely with the PSC statistics team on projects Organisation and planning - working towards deadlines agreed with clients Critical thinking and problem solving - researching new methodologies when others cannot be used Professional conduct and commercial awareness - e.g. protocols necessary for high risk work

After the first few weeks of learning how to code in SAS I was given my first project. For the first few projects I worked on alongside my supervisor, which helped me gain confidence to start becoming more independent with projects as the first few months progressed. The role in PSC is very hands on and with a quicker turn around of projects compared to clinical you get a variety of oversight of statistical methods.

My whole team were extremely helpful throughout my placement. They would help to provide a thorough explanation of what was expected for each project. My supervisor was always there for daily support with my projects, and they spent lots of time helping me to develop my knowledge of new statistical concepts in detail and to great length. The team all helped to push and expand my statistical knowledge, helping to develop my analytical skills tremendously.

Due to COVID-19, my placement has been entirely virtual. This does mean I have not had the opportunity to see what the local community and sports clubs are like. However, the IP team for Ware have been setting up virtual socials for all the Ware IPs so everyone has the opportunity to get to know one another. There is also the opportunity to get involved with health and wellbeing challenges with CMC Statistics.

Even though my placement has been completed virtually, I have really enjoyed the entire experience. I have had the opportunity to expand on my statistical knowledge from university, using concepts with real data. I have also had the opportunity to expand my network across massively, as well as getting to know other IPs and what their job entails, helping to develop my commercial awareness. PSC Ware is definitely somewhere I would work in the future!

Yes

Take your time with your application, do not rush. Most GSK placements open at the beginning of September which gives time to take your time before university term begins. At the assessment centre, be yourself and let your personality shine through and really show why you want the job. But also take time to prepare for technical aspects, there are lots of resources online which can help with this.