Application Guide

How to Apply for Director Biostatistics (Oncology)

at BioNTech

🏢 About BioNTech

BioNTech is a pioneering biotechnology company that gained global recognition for developing the first mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine in partnership with Pfizer. The company continues to leverage its mRNA technology platform to develop innovative cancer immunotherapies and infectious disease vaccines. Working at BioNTech offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge oncology research at a company that has demonstrated rapid translation of scientific discoveries into life-saving treatments.

About This Role

As Director of Biostatistics (Oncology) at BioNTech, you will lead statistical strategy for oncology clinical trials while harmonizing analysis standards across partnered studies. This role involves representing Statistics on cross-functional clinical teams, overseeing investigator-initiated trials (IITs), and serving as a subject matter expert in specialized areas like biomarkers, AI, and real-world evidence. Your work will directly impact the development of novel cancer immunotherapies and regulatory submissions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves reviewing statistical analysis plans for ongoing oncology trials, meeting with cross-functional teams to provide statistical guidance on study design, and collaborating with partner organizations to align statistical standards. You might spend time mentoring junior biostatisticians on specialized topics like biomarker analysis or real-world evidence, while also preparing for regulatory interactions regarding upcoming oncology submissions.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who BioNTech Is Looking For

  • PhD in Statistics/Biostatistics with 8+ years of pharmaceutical/biotech experience, including substantial oncology trial expertise
  • Proven experience managing statistical aspects of partnered/collaborative studies and harmonizing standards across organizations
  • Demonstrated expertise in at least one specialized area mentioned in the job description: Diagnostics, Biomarkers, PK/PD, PRO, AI, HTA, or RWE/epidemiology
  • Strong leadership experience guiding statistical teams and representing statistics on cross-functional clinical development teams

📝 Tips for Applying to BioNTech

1

Highlight specific oncology trial experience with mRNA-based therapies or immunotherapies in your resume

2

Quantify your experience with partnered/collaborative studies - mention specific pharmaceutical partners and how you harmonized statistical standards

3

Demonstrate your SME expertise by including publications or presentations in one of the specialized areas mentioned (AI in clinical trials, biomarker analysis, RWE, etc.)

4

Reference BioNTech's specific oncology pipeline (like their individualized neoantigen therapies) in your application materials

5

Emphasize experience with regulatory submissions for oncology products, particularly with FDA/EMA interactions

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your experience with oncology clinical development and how it aligns with BioNTech's focus on cancer immunotherapies", 'Specific examples of harmonizing statistical standards across partnered studies or managing collaborative research', "Your expertise in at least one specialized area mentioned (AI, biomarkers, RWE, etc.) and how you've applied it in oncology trials", 'Leadership experience guiding statistical teams and representing statistics on cross-functional development teams']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → BioNTech's oncology pipeline, particularly their individualized neoantigen-specific immunotherapies (iNeST) and other cancer vaccine platforms
  • → BioNTech's partnerships in oncology (with Genentech, Regeneron, etc.) and their collaborative research approach
  • → Recent publications from BioNTech's clinical trials in oncology to understand their statistical approaches and endpoints
  • → BioNTech's corporate culture and their transition from COVID-19 vaccine success to oncology focus

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach harmonizing statistical analysis standards across multiple partner-sponsored oncology studies?
2 Describe your experience with investigator-initiated trials (IITs) in oncology and how you would oversee/coordinate them
3 What statistical considerations are unique to mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies versus traditional oncology treatments?
4 How have you applied AI/machine learning or real-world evidence in oncology clinical development?
5 Describe a challenging cross-functional team situation where you had to represent statistical interests while achieving broader clinical objectives
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic biostatistics experience without specific oncology or immunotherapy trial expertise
  • No demonstrated experience with partnered/collaborative studies or harmonizing standards across organizations
  • Failing to address any of the specialized areas mentioned (Diagnostics, Biomarkers, AI, HTA, RWE, etc.) in application materials

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to BioNTech!

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