Australia’s biotech sector is growing rapidly, and Accelagen is proud to be leading the way. Meet our experienced new Head of Biostatistics, Rebecca Asher.

Behind every clinical trial, there’s a hidden powerhouse that ensures the data collected is accurate, meaningful, and leads to better patient outcomes—that powerhouse is biostatistics. It’s the science of making sense of clinical trial data, helping researchers determine whether a new treatment is truly effective, safe, and ready for the real world.

At Accelagen, this function is now being led by experienced biostatistician Rebecca Asher. With a career defined by a passion for precision, a commitment to mentoring new talent, and a dedication to advancing the field of clinical research—we’re thrilled to share Rebecca’s journey to Accelagen and her vision for the future of the industry.

The career crossroads

Rebecca’s career began in academia, working in clinical trial units at universities. This gave her a strong foundation in statistical methodologies, along with opportunities to consult, lecture, and work on diverse research projects beyond clinical trials. However, as she reached a crossroads, she recognised that the traditional academic pathway wasn’t the right fit for her.

“In academia, there’s really only one pathway forward—and that’s a PhD,” Rebecca explains. “But I’m a very practical person. I need to see things being used in real-world settings, so further study just wasn’t for me. That’s when I decided to move into CROs.”

Shifting gears, Rebecca then moved into various roles at both biometrics-only and large-scale CROs. Gaining extensive exposure to statistical modelling, regulatory standards (including CDISC standards), and clinical trial design at scale, she started to feel like a “small fish in a big pond at these large CROs” and started looking for something that was a better fit and more aligned to her values. Now based in Australia, it was Accelagen’s unique culture and approach that ultimately drew her in.

“After a while at this big CRO, I started to feel a little stunted in my growth. Everything was rigid—you just followed SOPs with no flexibility. But at Accelagen, I get to make a real impact. Here, you can adapt, make decisions that actually benefit clients, and focus on delivering the best work possible.”

Stepping into leadership

Rebecca joined the team in July 2024 as our new Biostatistics Team Leader, before being swiftly promoted to Head of Biostatistics just a few months later. Already having learned so much about how a CRO works, rather than feeling “siloed in stats”, now she leads a growing team of highly intelligent statisticians and programmers, ensuring that Accelagen continues to provide world-class statistical oversight for clinical trials.

Rebecca’s leadership style is not just about building high-quality statistical frameworks—it’s about making processes smoother, mentoring new talent, and ensuring that clinical research remains ethically and statistically sound.

“At the end of the day, clinical trials are experiments involving people—it’s very based in ethics—and we have to do the best job possible to justify that,” Rebecca shares. “That’s what drives me, and what I love about working with a team that shares that same motivation.”

Why biostatistics matters more than ever

While Rebecca’s appointment strengthens Accelagen’s capabilities, it also highlights a broader industry trend: the growing need for skilled biostatisticians in Australia and around the world. The biotech sector is expanding rapidly, but a shortage of trained experts is creating challenges for clinical research.

“Statistical analysis isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about ensuring that the data we produce leads to better, safer, and more effective treatments. That’s why it’s so critical to invest in both the right talent and the right processes.”

With Accelagen bringing biostatistics in-house and investing in top-tier expertise, the company is well-positioned to help bridge set new benchmarks for statistical excellence in clinical trials.

What’s in store for Biostatistics at Accelagen

Rebecca’s vision for Accelagen’s biostatistics team extends beyond the immediate challenges. She is focused on streamlining processes, improving documentation, and fostering an environment where statisticians and programmers can thrive.

“The biometrics team at Accelagen is still relatively new, and I see a real opportunity to shape how we operate. My goal is to make sure that as we grow, we maintain the highest standards—ensuring that new team members step into a structured, well-documented, and efficient system.”

As Accelagen continues to grow, Rebecca’s leadership ensures that the company remains at the forefront of data-driven clinical research—driving better outcomes for clients, patients, and the industry as a whole.

The last word

Australia’s biotech sector is expanding rapidly, but a shortage of trained biostatisticians is slowing innovation and making it harder for research teams to keep pace. As someone who’s been in the industry for a long time, we thought we’d give Rebecca the last word on what it’s like to build a career in biostatistics:

“I didn’t even know a career in medical stats was a ‘thing’ until my third year at uni. If more students knew about this career path, they’d realise it’s incredibly rewarding. And trust me, if you take stats, you’ll never worry about getting a job!”

Interested in joining Accelagen’s biostatistics team? See our current career opportunities↗