Roche is recruiting for Senior Technical Programmers and Senior Programmers to join their site based in Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire. To find out more and apply please read this brochure.
1. Roche Product Development
Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
“I’m working closely with people
from different teams across the
world to improve understanding so
we can work together even better.”
Roche, UK
2. Are you looking for a challenge?
Opportunities for Senior Technical Programmers and Senior
Programmers at Roche Products, Welwyn Garden City,
Hertfordshire.
Senior Technical Programmer To be successful within these roles you will have:
We wish to appoint experienced programmers in the UK to • Educated to degree level preferable in IT, Life Sciences,
support our growing global drug development portfolio. The ability Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics
to carry out and supervise statistical programming components of • A very good knowledge/experience of international clinical
a clinical trial is a must. This individual will ensure study processes research and drug development
are consistent with company standards. Working in a matrix team,
• Ability to process information, analyse data, and reach
you will plan, manage and analyse clinical trials. You will also
conclusions based on sound reasoning
contribute to global initiatives. The successful candidate will assist
• Ability to work in a global team
in the development of several trial analyses and data presentations
relating to efficacy and safety data under the direction of a Project • Experience in using SAS
Programmer (or designee). Positions are available immediately.
Senior Programmer We offer a competitive salary plus the excellent benefits you would
We wish to appoint experienced programmers in the UK to expect from a blue-chip organisation, including a genuine interest
support our growing global drug development portfolio. The ability in your development and progression.
to carry out statistical programming components of a clinical
trial is a must. This individual will program to study processes
and company standards. Working in a matrix team, you will plan,
manage and analyse clinical trial data. You will also contribute
to non project initiatives. The successful candidate will assist in
the development of a study trial analyses and data presentations
relating to efficacy and safety data under the direction of a Project
Programmer (or designee).
3. Our Company
Pioneering healthcare Our company today
If you join Roche, you’ll be part of a company that has played a Today, Roche is one of the leading research-driven healthcare
pioneering role in UK healthcare for more than a hundred years. companies in the world with a headquarters in Basel, Switzerland,
Innovation has always driven us. We’ve made our mark through and operations in more than 150 countries. As part of our
early engagement in market trends and sometimes created entirely 800-strong pharmaceutical development team based in the
new markets. We’ve developed state-of-the-art technology with UK, you’ll be helping to drive forward the next generation of
unconventional methods and ideas. By preventing, diagnosing and treatments by designing and leading clinical trials into potential
treating a wide range of diseases, our products and services have new medicines.
enhanced the health and quality of life of people around the UK. Our sales and marketing colleagues support healthcare
Today, we’re one of the world’s leading research-focused professionals with a portfolio of innovative treatments. We’re the
healthcare groups. From offices and labs across 150 countries, leading provider of cancer treatments in the UK and are strong in
including the UK, we remain committed to improving patients’ several other important therapy areas, including viral diseases and
lives. transplantation. In fact, we estimate that more than three million
Our heritage patients in the UK are treated with a Roche medicine every year.
In 1908, 12 years after the company was founded by Fritz Our responsibility
Hoffmann-La Roche, our first UK office opened for business in As a leading healthcare company dedicated to tackling some of
London to market products that included a heart treatment and a the world’s most aggressive diseases, Roche inherently believes in
cough medicine. By the 1920s we had started first packaging and improving the quality of people’s lives.
later manufacturing medicines from a site in north London. We’re committed to being a good corporate citizen in the UK. We
In 1937, Roche moved out to Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire. take very seriously our responsibilities to our employees, to the
Everything was brand new – the town, the offices, the factory, the communities in which we operate and to the environment around
laboratories and even a new UK research team. us. We’re also committed to maintaining the highest standards in
Throughout the rest of the 20th century, our UK presence science and business.
expanded across the UK as the Roche Group and its products Every year, our pharmaceutical teams raise money for their charity
continued to grow and diversify. By the 1990s, our businesses in of the year. Individuals also raise money themselves for causes
pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, over-the-counter medicines and close to their hearts and they volunteer their time to support local
vitamins and bulk vitamins and fine chemicals were spread from organisations.
Ayrshire to Hampshire. Our employees also join their colleagues from more than 100
This century, Roche has focused on two core businesses – Roche sites to take part in the Roche Children’s Walk.
pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. In pharmaceuticals, our UK
development and sales and marketing teams have gone from
strength to strength and moved into a brand new headquarters
building in Welwyn Garden City in 2005.
By 2008, we were celebrating our centenary in the UK – a
remarkable achievement in an ever-changing industry.
4. Our Site
Top class facilities Our flexible approach
Modern, dynamic and innovative – our UK headquarters building Our pharmaceutical development teams in the UK were the first
is a fantastic place to work. Purpose built for Roche, Hexagon to adopt a flexible working scheme that we call “phlexible office”.
Place was designed to encourage interaction. At its heart is a The new approach was introduced in response to the continued
central “street” with a coffee shop and plentiful seating where success and growth of development teams in the UK.
people gather for informal meetings, to chat to friends or to take
Phlexible Office allows individuals to apply for one of four different
a break.
working styles, one of which includes working from home for up
Large open plan work areas provide space and quiet for to 60 per cent of their time. If a role is suitable, we provide all the
concentrated working, supported by a network of small meeting furniture, equipment and technology, including meetings software
rooms and areas where you can print, fax or copy or make a free which enables teams to share and work on live documents.
hot drink. A popular restaurant serves breakfast and lunch and
Almost half of our development teams now regularly work from
the main conference and meeting suite is equipped with the latest
home. This has allowed us to spend money on science, rather than
audio-visual facilities. Our on-site library provides a wealth of
offices, and to attract and retain more talented people. It has also
research and learning resources and our wellness centre provides
helped individuals reduce their commuting time and emissions, be
occupational health advice, a well-equipped gym and exercise
more productive and juggle other commitments.
classes.
Our location
Our footprint
Hertfordshire is a county of contrasts. Home to around a million
Designed to minimize its environmental impact, including cutting
people, its thriving modern towns are connected to London by
C02 emissions to around 20% below building regulation limits,
fast transport links. Between them is a network of sleepy villages
Hexagon Place won a clutch of awards when it was completed
and farms amid picturesque countryside – two thirds of which is
and opened in 2005.
designated as Green Belt.
It received an ‘excellent’ rating under the Building Research
It’s this combination of old and new, urban and rural, that gives
Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM),
Hertfordshire such an enviable quality of life and makes the county
with a score of 10 out of 10 in recognition of its sustainable design
such a popular place to live and work. Superbly well connected,
and environmental performance. In the British Council for Offices
the county has four motorways, is within easy reach of Luton,
2006 awards, it achieved the highest accolade of the ‘Best of the
Stanstead and Heathrow airports and has five main train lines
Best’ in the corporate workplace category.
running into London and out into East Anglia, the Midlands, Wales
Today, our recycling service aims to minimize the impact that our and the north.
office has on the environment on a day-to-day basis. Most areas
Financial services, the computer industry, pharmaceuticals and
have central waste disposal areas to increase and encourage
the film and media sectors are major employers of a highly skilled
recycling. We recycle metal, plastics, glass and electrical
workforce. Economic success is supported by some of the best
appliances as well as paper and cardboard. None of our waste
facilities for education in the country. Out of work, there’s plenty
goes to landfill and we generate electricity from incinerated general
to see and do from visiting historic houses to shopping to sport.
waste. We also actively encourage employees to use alternatives
London, of course, is just on our doorstep.
to travelling alone by car to get to work. We support those who
car share, use public transport, cycle or walk to work and provide At Roche, we know that relocating is never easy so if you’re
a shuttle bus between our site and the town centre for those who thinking of joining us and moving to the area, we’ll work with you
travel by train or bus. to help you move and settle in as quickly as possible.
5. Our People
Join the best “I could have gone into a number of fields but I wanted
Roche excels in science, innovation and business by consistently to do something where I could feel I was making a
employing the best people. Our people are passionate about difference to people’s lives. That’s why I love what I do
making a difference to patients’ lives. They lead and drive change now. I want to see the company continue to grow so that
and they live our corporate values of integrity, courage and
we can continue to improve people’s lives and make
passion.
a difference.”
These ambitious and forward-looking employees are self-starters
who continually strive to develop innovative, high-quality solutions
for unmet medical needs. They’re people who will inspire you every “Joining Roche was like coming home. I love my job
day.
and work with such a great bunch of people who are
Roche has so much to offer, whether you have a background passionate about patient safety.”
in medicine, biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmacy,
statistics, programming or another specialism.
So come and join us. There’s no better place to make your mark. “I’m lucky - I enjoy my job and work with some brilliant,
experienced people. If you look at all the products that
The following is what people have said that work for Roche:
Roche has brought out and the difference they have
“A lot of people have been here a long time which I think made to people’s lives, it’s pretty cool to be working
is a good sign in an industry where people tend to move for such a company. With the focus on personalised
around. I’ve been able to move into different roles that healthcare, I can’t see us being anything other than
have given me the challenge I need and the opportunity successful in the future.”
to carry on learning and growing. That has certainly kept
me motivated and that’s why I’ve been here for so long. I
have a lot of loyalty for Roche – Roche has been good for
me and I hope that I’ve been good for them.”
6. The Science
Join the innovators design clinical development programmes, undertake medical
For over a century, Roche has stood for innovation and evaluation of patient safety issues, lead the way in translational and
entrepreneurship. We focus on developing medicines and biomarker development, manage UK clinical trial centres and drive
diagnostics that will help patients live longer, better lives. We strive to regulatory submissions for new products.
address unmet medical needs through excellence in science. Our UK teams, who work in close collaboration, include:
Unrivalled expertise • Medical Science – providing high-quality scientific and medical
Roche has an unparalleled expertise in molecular biology within both expertise to the development effort
its pharmaceuticals and diagnostics divisions. • Operations – the home of clinical study management, clinical
Over recent decades, we’ve brought numerous innovative and study monitoring. They take responsibility for the planning and
ground-breaking new products to market. Now our research implementation of high quality clinical programmes and provide
and development teams are now working on a new generation input on specific scientific, medical, legal and commercial
of medicines for patients suffering from cancer, metabolic and requirements
autoimmune diseases, viral infections and disorders of the central • Regulatory Affairs – developing and implementing regulatory
nervous system (CNS). strategies for the global registration and ongoing maintenance of
We aim to be different. We’re focusing our sights and our resources our products
on a highly differentiated development portfolio of first-in-class or • Quality Assurance – helping to achieve and maintain high quality
best-in-class medicines. standards in clinical development, trial systems and processes
An innovative approach The future is personal
Understanding the complex biology of disease is the biggest For Roche, the future is personal. Our expertise in molecular
challenge we face in developing new and better medicines and biology, and our strength in both diagnostics and pharmaceuticals,
diagnostics. enables us to play a pioneering role in advancing the move towards
We believe that scientific breakthroughs are most likely to occur “personalised healthcare”.
when scientists are free to tackle problems from different angles and From discovery to commercialisation, our world-class
in different ways. Our scientists have this freedom. Our structures pharmaceuticals and diagnostics research organisations are working
in research and early development are designed to promote a together to create better, more cost effective treatment options
diversity of views, cultures and approaches. The result is a natural tailored to patients’ needs.
environment for creativity and innovation. Our aim is to use insights at a molecular level into how people
Genentech Research and Early Development (gRED), Pharma develop diseases and how they respond to treatment to develop
Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Diagnostics solutions tailored to the needs of different sub-populations of
and Chugai all operate independently within the Roche Group. patients.
Individually, they focus on new drug targets and new molecular Truly personalised healthcare is an ambitious goal, but Roche already
entities. Together, they form the hubs of an innovation network that has several products on the market in the UK. We’ll continue to lead
includes alliances with over 150 outside companies. the way.
Excellence in development Our long term view
A fascinating and enviably strong pipeline is being driven forward Roche takes a long-term perspective. Backed by a stable majority
to market by our clinical development teams who are based in ownership dating back over 100 years, we keep our sights on
Switzerland, the UK, the United States, Germany, Austria and sustainable long-term growth rather than short-term gains. This
Australia. is reflected in the company’s incentive system and approach to
Welwyn Garden City in the UK is the base for around 800 succession management, and in far-sighted business moves such as
development professionals. From here, we lead international trials, our early investments in biotechnology.
7. Benefits at Roche
In joining Roche you not only contribute to a leading independent Additional Life Assurance: is an opportunity to purchase Life
healthcare company but you get to enjoy an excellent range of Assurance for your partner or to increase the level of cover which
benefits. Your total remuneration is reflected in your salary and Roche already provides you.
through schemes that reward individual and team performance. Travel Insurance: very competitive travel cover for you and your
On top of this, there are core benefits that Roche provides to all family.
employees and benefits that you can choose.
Life Assurance
My Total Roche
The Roche Pension Fund provides life assurance cover to all
Flexible Benefits employees at no additional cost to you. If you join the pension fund
My Total Roche allows you to select which benefits best fit your the cover is 4 times your pensionable salary or 2 times if you are
lifestyle. Many of the benefits save you tax and/or National not a member of the pension scheme.
Insurance as they are provided through a salary sacrifice Fixed-term Employee Pension
arrangement.
Roche offers a stakeholder pension to enable fixed-term
Holiday Buy: allows you to purchase up to an additional 5 days employees to build up an individual pension fund in their
of annual leave.
own name.
Childcare Vouchers: gives you the opportunity to pay for
a portion of your childcare expenses free of tax and National Roche Connect
Insurance. You can invest for the future and share financially in the success of
Charity Giving: an easy way to donate to the charities you Roche by purchasing Roche Genussscheine
support. (non-voting equity securities) and receive any associated
Private Medical Insurance: covers the costs of a range of dividends. Roche pays a discount of 20% on the Roche
medical treatments, up to limits for certain acute conditions. Genussscheine you purchase through the Plan.
Health screen: is a review of all aspects of your health, fitness Work Life Balance
and lifestyle to help detect some diseases before they become Holidays: you are entitled to 25 days paid annual leave each
more serious. An assessment can also be selected for your year, plus 8 paid public holidays. If you join during the holiday year
partner. (January to December) your entitlement will be prorated.
Health cash: provides cash benefits to cover a wide range of Family Support: we recognise that people have a variety of
everyday healthcare expenses for you and your family. different commitments outside of work, from children to elderly
Dental Insurance: reimburses you for dental expenses for you relatives. That is why Roche wishes to support maternity, adoption,
and/or your family. paternity and parental leave and flexible working. Roche supports
employees by providing a number of payments in addition to the
Pension: Roche offers permanent employees a Defined
statutory minimum.
Contribution (money purchase) scheme. You sacrifice 4% of your
pensionable salary while the company contributes a further 8%. Employee Assistance Programme: is a confidential service
You are also able to invest additional contributions into your own offering prompt support on domestic, work or personal issues
personal pot. provided by an entirely independent external company.
Critical Illness Insurance: provides you with a tax-free lump Sports and Social Club: is managed by an enthusiastic
sum following the diagnosis of an eligible condition for you and/or committee of volunteers who run events for the benefit of Roche
your partner. employees and helps fund clubs within the company.
8. Occupational Health, Safety and the Environment: Roche is committed to being
a good corporate citizen, taking our responsibilities to our employees, to the third parties
who work with us, to the communities in which we operate, and to the environment
around us very seriously. The on-site Occupational Health, Safety and Environment
Department provides specialist advice and expertise to enable employees at all levels
to fulfil their health, safety and environmental responsibilities, as well as offering trained
support from Occupational Health professionals.
The on-site Occupational Health Centre provides a great range of free
services, including:
• Health Checks (including cholesterol and blood pressure)
• Well Woman (cervical cytology and mammography)
• Well Man (prostate screening)
• Support to Stop Smoking
• Weight Matters and Dietary Advice
• Stress Counselling
• General Health Advice and Support
The Centre has a range of Therapists, such as, Physiotherapy, Chiropody, Reflexology,
Massage, Nutritional Analysis, Life Coaching and Clinical Hypnotherapy.
Hexagon Place
Terrace Restaurant: our subsidised restaurant serves a great selection of breakfasts
in the morning, while for lunch there are hot dishes, a deli sandwich section and a self
service salad bar.
The Street Café: is an ideal place for a break or an informal meeting where you can
enjoy the finest coffee, teas, hot chocolates, cold drinks and food to go.
Roche Lifestyle Centre: is located on the ground floor of Hexagon Place and includes
a purpose built gym and studio. The gym has a range of cardio-vascular and resistance
equipment, which is complimented with a busy studio programme.
Travel to Work
Loans: most people want to perfect combination of green and convenient travel. With
this in mind we offer interest free loans for annual season tickets on public transport or a
loan to buy a bicycle.
Green Travel Plan: there is a free shuttle bus service linking Roche with the Welwyn
Garden City bus/train station, plus dedicated secure storage areas for motorcycles and
bicycles.
This information is subject to change at the discretion of Roche
9. Statistical Programming and Analysis (SPA)
Biometrics
Mission: We prepare data for interpretation to enable decision making the global Statistical
Programming and Analysis department provides timely and accurate analysis and reporting
for drug development projects by:
• Creating an efficient global organization with common processes and tools allowing for fluid resourcing across Programming function
functions and sites
• Being recognized as effective and active contributors across Late Phase, Early development and other functions and partners
• Successfully recruiting and retaining highly motivated professionals with an ongoing emphasis on the “analyst” mindset
• Continually assessing our deliverables and increasing efficiency by identifying and implementing improved technologies and
processes
Key Deliverables and Skills Used Roles Within SPA - Career Development
Data and
Clinical Study Other Data Statistical
Reporting Clinical Data Head of SPA
Protocol Sources Analysis Plan
Standards
Team Leader
Customer Focus Analyst Mindset
Project Statistical Business
Project
Management Programming SPA Manager Technical
Programmer
Specialist
Process
Improvement and Technical Skills Senior Technical
Efficiencies
Programmer
Data to Support Senior
Decision CSR Outputs E-Submissions Publications Programmer
Making
Programmer
10. Working Globally
Develop the analytical strategy, stochastic methodologies, and quantitaive evidence needed to inform decisions
and answer critical questions about the therapeutic benefit and risk of our molecules to patients.
Roche SPA sites working together globally: Welwyn, Basel, Nutley, South San Francisco, Shanghai. Business
Process Outsourcing partnership in India.
Welwyn
UK Basel
Switzerland
South San Nutley Shanghai
Francisco USA China
USA
Mumbai
India
11. Senior Technical Programmers
Job description • Assists in the development of several trial protocols, trial
Are you looking to make a difference to clinical trial analyses, editing procedures and data presentations relating to
projects? efficacy and safety data.
Within the Statistical Programming Analyst (SPA) Group at Roche • Activities performed within the project are executed in a timely
you be asked to contribute and lead in the whole lifecycle of a manner and to the required high standards
clinical trial, across project and therapeutic area. Our programmers Non drug development work can include
are expected to be experts in SAS programming, analysing data, • Keep abreast of statistical SAS programming methodology,
problem solving, decision making and communication so that applications and software developments through literature and
they can work in a global environment. He/She ensures that attendance at meetings.
the objectives, standards, deadlines and other requirements set
• Maintain familiarity with regulatory authority guidelines relating
by SPA management with respect to statistical programming
to biometrics, data reporting and medical issues in project
processes and software documentation are attained. You deputize
areas.
upon request for the Project Programmer.
• Participate in and contributes to internal training programs.
We are recruiting for experienced programmers to work within our
• Make presentations at professional forums.
team in Welwyn as part of the role you are expected to perform a
number of duties within the project such as: • Assess, recommends and develops new standards, policies
and procedures.
• Develop and document statistical programming standards in
accordance with current statistical programming practices and You will have the opportunity to lead and contribute to function
regulatory authority requirements. process, polices and initiatives working in teams across the various
sites globally.
• Provide technical advice and support to members of biometrics
and other stakeholders. Who you are
• Takes responsibility for planning, development, validation, You should be educated to degree level preferable in IT, Life
documentation and maintenance of project generic tools. Sciences, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics or other
analytical field while possessing a very good knowledge/
• Informs and makes recommendations to the Project
experience of international clinical research and drug development.
Programmer on critical issues within a SPA tool development
project. You will be confident in the use of computers with a very good
knowledge of SAS.
• Prioritizes and delegates tasks based on the importance of
the deliverable and awareness of overall timelines in order to The right candidate will also be able to communicate clearly and
efficiently produce high quality deliverables. effectively in written reports, data presentations and meetings as
required. (Fluency in English is a prerequisite) You should also be
• Program, validate and document software in SAS following
able to easily establish and maintain good working relationships
statistical programming standards and ensures its availability to
and takes cultural and value differences into account in dealings
stakeholders.
with others.
12. Senior Programmers
Job description Non drug development work can include
Are you looking to make a difference to clinical trial • Keep abreast of statistical SAS programming methodology,
projects? applications and software developments through literature and
Within the Statistical Programming Analyst (SPA) Group at Roche attendance at meetings.
our programmers you will be asked to contribute in the whole • Contributing to how standards, policies and procedures can be
lifecycle of a clinical trial. Our programmers are expected to be improved.
experts in SAS programming, analysing data, problem solving, You will have the opportunity to contribute to function process,
decision making and communication so that they can work in a polices and initiatives working in teams across the various sites
global environment. He/She ensures that the objectives, standards, globally.
deadlines and other requirements set by the project with respect
Who you are
to statistical programming processes and software documentation
You should be educated to degree level preferable in IT, Life
are attained.
Sciences, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics or other
We are recruiting for experienced programmers to work within our
analytical field while possessing a very good knowledge/
team in Welwyn as part of the role you are expected to perform a
experience of international clinical research and drug development.
number of duties within the project such as:
You will be confident in the use of computers with a very good
• Develop and document statistical programming standards in
knowledge of SAS.
accordance with department and project requirements.
The right candidate will also be able to communicate clearly and
• Provide technical advice and support to junior members of the
effectively in written reports, data presentations and meetings as
department.
required. (Fluency in English is a prerequisite) You should also be
• Takes responsibility for planning, development, validation, able to easily establish and maintain good working relationships
documentation and maintenance of your programming task. and takes cultural and value differences into account in dealings
• Informs and makes recommendations to the study and/or with others.
project lead on critical issues within clinical trial reporting.
• Program, validate and document software in SAS following
statistical programming standards and ensures its availability to
stakeholders.
• Assists in the development of trial protocols, trial analyses,
editing procedures and data presentations relating to efficacy
and safety data.
• Activities performed within the project are executed in a timely
manner and to the required high standards