Meet Srikanth Bandari: Driving Innovation in Statistical Programming at Parexel

A Day in the Life of a Principal Statistical Programmer

No two days are the same, but Srikanth’s workday usually balances technical problem-solving with teamwork. His mornings begin with reviewing updates, prioritizing tasks, and connecting with his team. Midday is often dedicated to coding, troubleshooting, and mentoring junior programmers, while afternoons focus on brainstorming solutions, monitoring progress, and reviewing code quality. He wraps up the day by summarizing progress, updating documentation, and setting priorities for the next day. For Srikanth, it’s a mix of precision, collaboration, and continuous learning.

When did you join Parexel, and what made you choose it?

I joined Parexel in 2015 as a Statistical Programmer I. Parexel stood out for its patient-centric approach, innovation in areas like decentralized trials, and its strong culture of teamwork. The global reach, diversity, and focus on work-life balance also made it a great place to grow my career.

 How would you describe working at Parexel?

It’s a compassionate, patient-focused culture where we’re encouraged to “work with heart.” The environment is inclusive, supportive, and collaborative, with plenty of opportunities to grow. Most importantly, we’re motivated by the real-world impact our work has on patients around the world.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from your colleagues?

The most important lesson is that true progress comes from collaboration. Working with professionals from diverse backgrounds has shown me the power of collective expertise and teamwork in driving patient-focused solutions. This strong culture of teamwork not only accelerates scientific and operational success but also cultivates an inclusive environment where every individual’s contribution is respected and appreciated.

If you could swap roles with anyone at Parexel for a day, who would it be?

I would choose the Bidding Manager role. It’s fascinating how they oversee proposals, analyze client requirements, and collaborate across departments to secure new business. Experiencing this would give me valuable insight into how Parexel grows and maintains its competitive edge.

Can you share a moment when you felt you made a real difference?

One memorable moment was when I streamlined a complex project communication process. By clarifying workflows and improving coordination, we reduced delays, improved efficiency, and boosted client satisfaction. It was a small change, but it had a big impact.

What advice would you give to someone starting in your role?

Communicate openly, stay curious, and focus on teamwork. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or share ideas. Stay detail-oriented, keep patients at the heart of your work, and approach challenges with adaptability.

How does your role contribute to Parexel’s mission of improving patient lives?

As a statistical programmer, every line of code I write, or review ultimately supports the development of treatments that reach patients. Whether it’s ensuring data accuracy, maintaining quality standards, or guiding my team to solve technical challenges, I know our work directly influences the timelines and integrity of clinical studies. That connection to patient outcomes makes the work deeply meaningful.

What motivates you to keep pushing through challenges in your role?

What motivates me is the knowledge that our work goes beyond numbers and code—it impacts real people waiting for life-changing therapies. Challenges are part of the process, but overcoming them with my team, and knowing that it brings us one step closer to helping patients, is a powerful motivator.

How has Parexel supported your career development?

Parexel offers comprehensive support for career growth. I’ve benefited from training programs like Managers Matter and ALPHA, mentorship from senior leaders, and opportunities such as Path to Project Leader. The company also encourages continuous learning, whether through certifications, AI and digital innovation programs, or hands-on projects. The support from managers and leadership has played a key role in my development.

What excites you most about the future of statistical programming and clinical research?

The integration of advanced technologies like AI and machine learning excites me the most. These innovations have the potential to streamline programming tasks, enhance data accuracy, and accelerate clinical trials. It’s inspiring to think about how these tools can transform the way we support drug development.

How is Parexel preparing employees for this future?

Parexel is very forward-looking. The company invests in continuous learning programs, certifications, and hands-on training that keep us updated with new technologies. There’s also strong encouragement to explore areas like AI and digital innovation. This ensures that we’re not just keeping pace with industry trends but also contributing to shaping the future of clinical research.