Senior Data Manager

AHRI is always looking for talented and motivated staff to join our multidisciplinary team. We offer a highly diverse, professional and supportive environment with opportunities for development and growth.

Description:

AHRI has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Research Data Manager to join our rapid growing Data Science Unit (DSU), and to play a vital role in shaping its data management services. As a Senior Research Data Manager, the post holder will have combined project leadership and hands-on technical data management role. The post holder will be responsible for leading the data management and database activities for assigned research studies at AHRI, working at all stages from protocol development to database lock and research dissemination.

The post-holder will also contribute to developing AHRI’s research studies data management service and to improve data quality and integrity, including assisting in writing relevant policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and related guidelines. This post suits an enthusiastic individual with knowledge of building studies on electronic data capture (EDC) systems, and experience in relational databases, Structured Query Language (SQL) and programming.

Overview of Duties:

Overview of duties:

• To oversee and lead on data management and database development activities for clinical trials and other studies at AHRI, in liaison with study teams and other stakeholders
• To design, develop and maintain study databases using an EDC system, ensuring that they are compliant with appropriate regulatory requirements.
• To train and provide support to end users
• To develop appropriate documentation including Data Management Plans (DMPs), SOPs, working instructions, user manuals, etc. that will deliver accurate, timely, consistent, and high quality research data.
• To work closely with study teams, statisticians, researchers, and other colleagues, providing specialist advice on data management and related issues in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements.
• To prepare regular database extracts and reports as needed and work closely with other teams to support data cleaning, query management, data integration and the conduct of statistical analyses in consultation with AHRI statisticians 
• To lead the design and validation of the CRF specifications and edit checks for the EDC system used for assigned studies
• To perform verification and User Acceptance Testing of EDC systems and other research databases
• To develop scripts/programs to import and reconcile electronic data received from our internal departments such as the Diagnostic Laboratory or external vendors.
• To develop, maintain and adhere to appropriate data management and database development study timelines, in liaison with study teams and other colleagues.
• To train, advise and supervise junior staff on data management, database development and related activities including troubleshooting, query management and reporting as appropriate.
• To participate in courses, conferences and other activities (e.g. appraisal) associated with personal and professional development
• Prioritise own workload to ensure deadlines are met, using problem solving skills to identify and implement solutions; deciding on appropriate course of action; communicating effectively with colleagues; seeking guidance from other staff as required
• To assist in development and testing of new processes and systems for the management of clinical trial and other research study data
• To contribute to the training, development, and maintenance / review of SOPs for Research Data Management, in compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• To contribute to other data management and database development activities within AHRI as required

Minimum Qualifications:

• BSc degree in data science, information management, any database specialist degree, or a closely related subject; OR
• Professional qualification in information technology, computer science, or database development, with 10 years’ data management experience.

Minimum Experience:

• At least 7 years’ data management experience, with of which at least 5 years must have been in the role of a Research Data Manager or Data Scientist.
• Substantial recent experience across the research data management life cycle, including database testing, EDC design, and liaison with study teams.
• Substantial experience of developing database specifications and building and testing databases, ideally using an EDC system such as REDCap or similar.
• Experience of developing data management plans and other clinical research documentation and procedures such as SOPs.
• Experience of ETL tools, database development languages and software such as SQL, Oracle, MS SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL.
• Experience of working with complex and longitudinal databases.
• Experience of query management and data validation.
• Good knowledge of GCP requirements and all aspects of information governance and related legislation for clinical research.
• Experience of supervising the work of junior colleagues.

Skills Required:

• Good verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload effectively.
• Excellent problem identification and solving skills.
• Effective people and project management skills.
• Accuracy and precision.
• Ability to work unsupervised on own initiative and to plan workloads conflicting priorities and meeting deadlines.

Worker Type:

Employee

Skills:

The application closing date:

11 May 2025

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful if you do not hear from us within 14 days of the application closing date.

AHRI is a values-driven organisation. As an employer we are committed to staff engagement and development. Our culture is one of high performance and partnership.

Our values
The successful candidate will be expected to live by AHRI’s values, including collaboration, ubuntu, leadership, innovation, transformation, and excellence.
 
 
Employment equity
AHRI is fully compliant with South African labour law and is committed to employment equity. This position is primarily open to South African or other African applicants, with a valid work permit desirable. AHRI reserves the right in special circumstances to accept late applications or to extend the above date to facilitate further searches. Furthermore, AHRI reserves the right not to make an appointment.