Senior Clinical Data Science Lead role at ICON. Lead data strategy, analytics & governance for clinical trials. Advanced degree + extensive exp in clinical data mgmt, statistical analysis & team leadership req. #ClinicalDataScience #DataScience #Biostatistics #ClinicalResearch #Leadership #ICONplc
Lead Data Science Strategy for the Future of Clinical Development
ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization. We're proud to foster an inclusive environment driving innovation and excellence, and we welcome you to join us on our mission to shape the future of clinical development.
We are seeking a visionary Senior Clinical Data Science Lead to join our global Data Sciences leadership team. In this pivotal role, you will define and implement the data strategy that underpins our clinical trials, transforming raw data into the actionable insights that drive study decisions, regulatory success, and the advancement of new therapies. You will be a strategic leader, ensuring data integrity, pioneering advanced analytics, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to optimize every phase of clinical research. If you are passionate about leading data innovation in a complex, mission-driven environment, this is your opportunity.
Your Mission: Architect the Data Strategy for Clinical Innovation
You will be responsible for the strategic direction of clinical data science, ensuring robust data governance and pioneering analytical approaches across our portfolio.
What You Will Be Doing:
- Lead the development and implementation of strategic data management frameworks to optimize data collection, standardization, analysis, and reporting across clinical trials.
- Collaborate with cross-functional leadership (Biostatistics, Programming, Clinical Operations, IT) to integrate advanced data science techniques and real-world data (RWD) methodologies into clinical development plans.
- Oversee the analysis and interpretation of complex clinical data to generate actionable insights, support adaptive trial designs, and inform critical study decisions.
- Provide strategic guidance on data governance, quality control, and compliance with global regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, EMA, ICH).
- Establish key partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to identify, evaluate, and leverage the latest advancements in data science, AI/ML, and clinical technology.
- Mentor and develop a high-performing team of data scientists and analysts.
Who You Are: The Strategic Data Leader
You are an established leader who combines deep clinical data expertise with the strategic vision to harness data as a transformative asset.
Your Profile:
- Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Data Science, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Computer Science, Life Sciences, or a directly related field.
- Extensive experience (8+ years) in clinical data science, advanced analytics, or data management within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or CRO industry.
- Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional or matrixed teams in a fast-paced, global environment.
- Expertise in statistical software (SAS, R, Python), data visualization tools (Spotfire, Tableau, Power BI), and modern data platforms.
- In-depth knowledge of clinical data standards (CDISC - SDTM, ADaM), electronic data capture (EDC) systems, and regulatory submission requirements.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and executive stakeholder management skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence strategy and drive organizational change.
- A forward-thinking mindset with a strong interest in AI/ML applications, decentralized trial data, and innovative trial methodologies.
What ICON Can Offer You:
Our success depends on the quality of our people. We’ve built a diverse culture that rewards high performance and nurtures talent.
In addition to a competitive salary, ICON offers a range of benefits focused on your well-being:
- Various annual leave entitlements.
- Comprehensive health insurance for you and your family.
- Competitive retirement planning.
- Global Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 support.
- Life assurance.
- Flexible, country-specific optional benefits.
Visit our careers site to learn more about our benefits.
Our Commitment to You
At ICON, inclusion & belonging are fundamental. We provide an inclusive, accessible environment and are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive equal consideration.
If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process due to a medical condition or disability, please let us know.
Interested but unsure if you meet all requirements? We encourage you to apply regardless – you might be the perfect fit for ICON.
Ready to Define the Data Science Strategy for Global Clinical Trials?
If you are a senior data science leader ready to shape the future of clinical development, we encourage you to apply.
Apply now for the Senior Clinical Data Science Lead position.
