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Clinical Data Science Lead (External Data)

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ICON
4-6+ years
preferred by company
10 Feb. 11, 2026
Job Description
Job Type: Full Time Education: B.Sc./ M.Sc./ M.Pharm/ B.Pharm/ Life Sciences Skills: Causality Assessment, Clinical SAS Programming, Communication Skills, CPC Certified, GCP guidelines, ICD-10 CM Codes, CPT-Codes, HCPCS Codes, ICD-10 CM, CPT, HCPCS Coding, ICH guidelines, ICSR Case Processing, Interpersonal Skill, Labelling Assessment, MedDRA Coding, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Terminology, Narrative Writing, Research & Development, Technical Skill, Triage of ICSRs, WHO DD Coding

Job Title: Clinical Data Science Lead (External Data Management – EDM)
Location: Bengaluru (Bangalore), India – Office or Home-Based
Job Requisition ID: JR142371
Business Unit: ICON Strategic Solutions – Clinical Data Management & Data Science
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Clinical Data Management | External Data Management | Drug Development | CRO | Pharma


Clinical Data Science Lead – External Data | Global Drug Development Programs

ICON plc, a global leader in healthcare intelligence and clinical research, is hiring a Clinical Data Science Lead (External Data Management) to support study-level external data activities within global drug development programs.

This role is ideal for senior data management professionals with strong expertise in external data ingestion, eSource systems, vendor oversight, CDISC standards, and regulatory-compliant data management processes. The position offers flexibility to work from office or home within Bengaluru.


Role Overview

The Clinical Data Science Lead is accountable for overseeing all External Data Management (EDM) activities across multiple clinical studies. The role ensures that external data sources (e.g., central labs, IRT, eCOA, imaging, wearable devices) are properly integrated, cleaned, standardized, and ready for analysis and regulatory submission.

This position requires leadership in vendor oversight, study-level EDM strategy, risk identification, and cross-functional coordination to ensure adherence to timelines, global standards, and regulatory requirements.


Key Responsibilities

External Data Strategy & Oversight

  • Lead and manage study-level external data management activities across assigned programs.

  • Develop and execute EDM deliverables including external data specifications, ingestion plans, eSource integration, and database build requirements.

  • Provide oversight of outsourced EDM vendors and ensure adherence to timelines and quality standards.

  • Monitor study milestones and ensure timely execution of EDM activities.

Vendor Management & Data Cleaning

  • Oversee multiple external vendors (e.g., central labs, IRT, imaging, eCOA).

  • Coordinate external data discrepancy review meetings with Clinical Operations, Biostatistics, Statistical Programming, Medical teams, and other stakeholders.

  • Ensure timely cleaning, reconciliation, and readiness of external datasets.

  • Track and monitor KPIs and KRIs to evaluate vendor and study performance.

Data Standards & Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with:

    • ICH-GCP guidelines

    • Global regulatory requirements

    • CDISC/CDASH standards

  • Support regulatory inspections, audits, and submission readiness.

  • Document process deviations and escalate risks appropriately.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Act as the EDM representative in study team meetings and internal communications.

  • Support Data Reporting & Analytics teams with protocol-driven e-data listings.

  • Collaborate with Clinical Operations, Biostatistics, Statistical Programming, and eCOA leads to ensure external data quality.

  • Promote consistency in global data management workflows.

Process Improvement & Innovation

  • Contribute to global DM process improvement initiatives.

  • Provide recommendations to enhance vendor oversight and operational efficiency.

  • Adopt emerging EDM technologies and data management innovations.


Required Experience

  • Minimum 6+ years of experience in clinical data management within pharmaceutical, biotech, or CRO environments.

  • At least 4+ years of experience as a Data Manager with increasing responsibility across study phases.

  • Demonstrated expertise in External Data Management (EDM), including:

    • Lab data integration

    • IRT systems

    • eSource systems

    • Multi-source data ingestion

  • Experience overseeing global vendors and outsourced data management activities.

  • Prior exposure to regulatory inspections, audits, and submission processes preferred.


Educational Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in:

    • Biological Sciences

    • Health Sciences

    • Computer Science

    • Or related discipline

  • Equivalent professional experience may be considered.


Technical Skills & Knowledge

  • Strong understanding of:

    • Clinical data management processes

    • Drug development lifecycle

    • Global regulatory requirements (GCP)

    • CDISC/CDASH standards

  • Experience with:

    • Medidata Rave

    • eClinical Solutions elluminate (preferred)

    • SAS and SQL (advantageous)

  • Familiarity with statistical programming, biostatistics, and clinical operations workflows.

  • Strong knowledge of database management software and reporting tools.

  • Proven ability to analyze complex datasets and make judgment-based decisions.


Preferred Qualifications

  • SCDM Certified Clinical Data Manager (CCDM) certification.

  • Experience supporting global process improvement initiatives.

  • Strong exposure to regulatory submission documentation and inspection readiness.


Key Competencies

  • Strong leadership and vendor oversight capabilities.

  • Critical thinking and risk-based decision-making skills.

  • Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration.

  • Ability to manage multiple concurrent studies independently.

  • Adaptability to evolving data technologies and global processes.


Work Environment

  • Office or home-based role in Bengaluru.

  • Exposure to global drug development programs.

  • Opportunity to lead enterprise-level external data management strategies.

  • Collaborative and innovation-driven clinical research environment.


What ICON Offers

ICON provides a performance-driven culture that supports professional growth and work-life balance, including:

  • Competitive salary and benefits.

  • Comprehensive health insurance plans.

  • Retirement planning benefits.

  • Global Employee Assistance Programme.

  • Life assurance coverage.

  • Flexible, country-specific optional benefits.

ICON is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity employment.


Career Advancement Opportunities

This role offers progression into:

  • Senior Data Science Lead

  • Global EDM Head

  • Associate Director – Clinical Data Management

  • Director – Clinical Data & Digital Strategy

Professionals gain strategic exposure in external data governance, global vendor oversight, regulatory-compliant EDM frameworks, and enterprise clinical data transformation initiatives.


Apply via ThePharmaDaily.com

If you have 6+ years of clinical data management experience with strong expertise in external data integration, vendor oversight, and CDISC standards, this opportunity at ICON provides leadership exposure in global drug development programs.