In this latest edition of our Career Perspectives series, we had the privilege of interviewing Ludivine De Marans, Statistical Programmer, based in our Geneva office. Ludivine shares her journey from statistician in the insurance industry to statistical programmer at Cytel; what is unique about the pharmaceutical sector from the perspective of a statistical programmer; and what key skills and qualities are important for those interested in working in the field.

Can you give us a little background on your career and your professional journey so far? What inspired you to pursue a career as a statistician/statistical programmer?

I’ve always had a passion for mathematics, and that’s where it all began. After completing my MSc in Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics, I started my career as a Statistician at an insurance company in France. Although my title was “Statistician,” the role combined statistical analysis and programming, whereas at Cytel, and the pharmaceutical sector, these roles tend to be split up. After five years of working within that field, I started working for Cytel as a Statistical Programmer.

What prompted your decision to transition into the pharmaceutical industry, and what attracted you to Cytel specifically?

I was looking to relocate from France to Geneva and came across an opportunity at Cytel. Although I wasn’t familiar with the pharmaceutical industry, I had five years of experience with SAS, the same software commonly used in pharma, so I decided to apply.

The shift to the pharmaceutical industry intrigued me because of the meaningful nature of the work — you’re directly involved in developing new therapies that help patients globally. Cytel offered me the chance to work in a new sector and country. It was challenging at first, but it has worked out well.

Having transitioned from a role as a statistician in the insurance industry to a statistical programmer in the pharmaceutical industry, what differences have you observed?

There were several differences I didn’t expect. First, the pharmaceutical industry is highly standardized, including all the processes for statistical analysis and programming. In my previous role, I was responsible for both the programming and quality control of my work. Here, we follow a “double programming” method, where another programmer replicates your work to compare data and results. Then, a biostatistician reviews it.

Another key difference is how statistical programmers are viewed. In insurance, statisticians are more of a support function, responding to internal corporate requests. There are fewer colleagues within the company, too. At Cytel, statisticians and statistical programmers are core services for clients, and we work directly with them. It’s a different experience providing a core service to clients, compared to offering internal support within the company. This means there’s more pressure, with fixed deadlines, compared to the more flexible internal timelines I was used to.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced since moving to the pharmaceutical industry?

The biggest challenge was learning about the industry itself — its terms, acronyms, and standards, which were all new to me. I wasn’t aware of how standardized and highly regulated the pharmaceutical sector is. Delivering data in a specific, industry-approved format was also a new experience.

In addition, moving from a national company in France to a global organization where English is the main language was challenging. The industry terminology was the most difficult part, and even after more than five years, I’m still learning.

Have any colleagues or mentors at Cytel been particularly helpful in helping you adjust to your role?

Yes, my colleagues were incredibly helpful, especially in getting me familiar with the acronyms and industry standards. My managers were always approachable, and I could ask questions whenever needed. I did a lot of self-studying, but knowing I had a supportive team made a big difference.

In your opinion, what key skills and qualities are important for statistical programmers? Do these vary between industries, especially in terms of soft and hard skills?

I don’t think the core skills vary much between industries. Of course, technical skills like SAS programming are essential, but there are other important qualities as well. You need to be organized, a logical thinker, and rigorous. These are skills I was able to carry over from my previous job to Cytel, and they’ve been incredibly useful here.

Can you describe a project you’ve worked on that you’re especially proud of, and explain why?

One project that stands out involved a clinical trial with numerous outputs to produce and tight deadlines. Thanks to an excellent team and strong collaboration, we managed to deliver everything on time. A few weeks later, we learned that the trial results were positive, and that this molecule could significantly improve many lives. Knowing that my work contributed to something so meaningful made me feel incredibly proud.

Do you primarily work from Cytel’s Geneva office or remotely? What’s the balance, and what factors influenced this choice?

I mostly work from the Geneva office, which was especially important when I first started. Being in the office allowed me to meet colleagues and ask questions directly, which helped me adjust. Working from home can sometimes make it harder to connect with people and get immediate answers. I live close to the office, so commuting isn’t an issue, and being in the office helps me maintain a boundary between work and personal life. That said, I do work from home occasionally.

Lastly, what are some of your main interests and hobbies outside of work?

I have two small children, so most of my time outside of work is spent with my family, which is what helps me relax the most.

Thank you, Ludivine, for sharing your experience with us!

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