Clinical Data Manager

Your Fit

Income

$113K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

35.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Clinical Data Manager?

A Clinical Data Manager plays a critical role in clinical trials by managing, processing, and analyzing data collected during trials. They ensure the accuracy and integrity of clinical trial data, contributing to the development of new medications and treatments.

Sample job titles:

Clinical Data Management Director (CDM Director), Clinical Data Management Manager (CDM Manager), Clinical Data Manager, Data Management Manager

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Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Clinical Data Manager.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Clinical Data Manager earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$64K per year	$83K per year	$113K per year	$156K per year	$194K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $63K above the national average.

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What does a Clinical Data Manager do?

Work environment

Clinical Data Managers typically work in office settings within pharmaceutical companies, research organizations, or hospitals. Their role involves extensive use of computers and data management software. They may work as part of a larger clinical research team and often collaborate with statisticians, clinicians, and other research professionals.

Quick task list

Designs and validates clinical trial databases.
Ensures the accuracy and consistency of data collected in clinical trials.
Develops and implements data management plans.
Coordinates with clinical research teams to collect and manage patient data.
Analyzes and reports data to support the conclusions of the trial.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Oncology Data Management: Specializing in managing data for clinical trials in cancer research.
Cardiovascular Data Management: Focusing on trials related to heart diseases and treatments.
Neurological Data Management: Handling data for clinical trials in neurology.
Pediatric Data Management: Specializing in managing clinical trial data for children's medicines and treatments.
Biostatistics and Data Analysis: Focusing on the statistical analysis of clinical trial data.

Description

Clinical Data Managers are vital in ensuring the reliability and validity of data from clinical trials. They develop systems for collecting, storing, and retrieving data, and ensure that data is handled in compliance with regulatory standards. Their work involves the use of sophisticated software and requires a strong understanding of data management principles and clinical trial processes.

The role demands a high level of precision, as data quality directly impacts the outcomes of clinical research. Clinical Data Managers must be meticulous and methodical in their approach to data management. They often work in a fast-paced environment, especially during critical phases of clinical trials, and need to effectively manage timelines and project demands.

Strong analytical skills are essential for this role, as Clinical Data Managers need to interpret complex data sets and collaborate with statisticians and researchers in the analysis process. They must also have good communication skills, as they often need to explain data management processes to members of the research team and ensure that data collection protocols are followed accurately.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a pivotal role in the development of new medical treatments and drugs.
The intellectual challenge of managing and analyzing complex clinical data.
Contributing to scientific research that can have a significant impact on public health.

You might make a good Clinical Data Manager if you are...

Detail-oriented, with a keen eye for accuracy and consistency in data.
Interested in the life sciences and the process of medical research.
Skilled in data analysis and comfortable using various data management software.
Able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Organized and capable of managing multiple aspects of a project simultaneously.

Pros:

High demand in the growing field of clinical research.
Opportunities to contribute to significant medical advancements.
Intellectual satisfaction from solving complex data-related challenges.

Cons:

Can be a high-pressure job, especially during critical trial phases.
Requires continual learning to keep up with advances in data management technologies and clinical research.
The meticulous nature of the work may be demanding and time-consuming.

How to become a Clinical Data Manager

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in life sciences, biostatistics, or a related field is typically required, which is about 4 years of post-secondary education. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or specific clinical data management certifications.

High school preparation

Courses:

Mathematics and statistics for developing analytical skills.
Biology or life sciences to gain a basic understanding of clinical research.
Computer science for skills in data management and analysis.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in science clubs or fairs.
Volunteering or interning at healthcare facilities or research labs.
Engaging in computer or coding clubs to enhance technical skills.

Preparation after high school

Obtain a bachelor's degree in life sciences, biostatistics, or a related field.
Consider pursuing a master's degree or specialized certifications in clinical data management.
Gain experience through internships or entry-level positions in clinical research organizations.

More resources

Society for Clinical Data Management (SCDM) - Offers resources and certifications for clinical data managers.
Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium (CDISC) - Provides standards for clinical data management.
Association for Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) - Offers education and career development resources in clinical research.
Bioclinica - An educational resource for clinical trial data management and analysis.

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