The role
Job description
Clinical Data Programmer (SAS Programmer)
ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster.
As a values-driven organisation, integrity, collaboration, agility, and inclusion are at the heart of how we work and interact with each other, customers, patients and suppliers.
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The Clinical Data Programmer is responsible for the development, delivery, and support of data integration solutions that transform clinical trial data collected in Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems into standardized formats for consumption by downstream systems, including ICON's Clinical Trial Management System (CTMS), investigator payments platform, and other operational applications within the ARCADES ecosystem.
This role is primarily focused on Patient Data Integration (PDI), a core component of ICON's ARCADES platform. ARCADES leverages standardized programming frameworks, templates, and coding methodologies to transform and consolidate clinical trial data into reusable formats that support multiple downstream systems and business processes.
The Clinical Data Programmer works closely with project teams, Data Management, CTMS analysts, and other stakeholders to develop mapping specifications, build integration solutions, validate deliverables, and ensure the accurate and timely delivery of subject data for full-service clinical trials.
Key Responsibilities
Data Integration Programming & Delivery
- Develop, maintain, validate, and support Patient Data Integration (PDI) solutions for assigned studies.
- Utilize standardized SAS programming templates and frameworks to transform raw EDC data into machine-readable XML outputs.
- Review and interpret clinical trial data structures, specifications, and study documentation to ensure accurate data integration.
- Perform the setup, maintenance, monitoring, and support of programming deliverables, automated schedules, and related systems.
- Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve programming issues, data discrepancies, and system integration failures.
- Conduct validation and quality control activities to ensure deliverables meet established standards and business requirements.
Specification Development & Collaboration
- Participate in the development and review of data mapping specifications for clinical trial integrations.
- Collaborate with project teams, CTMS analysts, Data Management, and other stakeholders to define study-specific integration requirements.
- Translate approved mapping specifications and business rules into programming solutions.
- Review visit mappings, attribute mappings, and integration logic to ensure alignment between source and target systems.
- Provide input on integration design, feasibility, and implementation approaches during study startup and maintenance activities.
Team Support & Quality
- Participate in peer review and quality control activities to ensure high-quality programming deliverables.
- Share technical knowledge and best practices with other Clinical Data Programmers.
- Provide support and guidance to less experienced team members as appropriate.
- Work collaboratively with team members to meet departmental objectives and project timelines.
- Support the Clinical Data Programming Lead and contribute to team initiatives as required.
Required Experience & Qualifications
Experience
- 2+ years of experience in clinical data programming, clinical data integration, or a related clinical systems role.
- SAS programming experience, including development, testing, validation, and troubleshooting.
- Experience working with raw clinical trial data, including SAS datasets and EDC exports.
- Experience developing, reviewing, or implementing data mapping specifications.
- Understanding of data transformation, data integration, and system-to-system interfaces.
- Ability to manage multiple studies, priorities, and timelines simultaneously.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate complex data issues.
- Experience participating in quality review, validation, and testing activities.
- Experience contributing to process improvement, standardization, or automation initiatives.
Preferred Experience
- Experience with Medidata Rave and/or other leading EDC systems.
- Experience supporting integrations between clinical systems.
- Familiarity with XML generation and structured data exchange methodologies.
Key Competencies
- Strong technical and analytical skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to collaborate across multiple functional groups and stakeholders.
- Strong learning agility and willingness to adopt new technologies and processes.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Life Sciences, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
Employment with ICON is contingent upon having the legal right to work in the country where the role is based.
Rewards & Benefits
ICON offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and career development.
Benefits may include:
- Competitive base salary and performance related incentives
- Health and wellbeing programmes including medical, dental, and vision coverage where applicable
- Retirement and pension plans
- Life assurance and disability coverage
- Employee assistance programmes and wellbeing resources
- Learning and development opportunities through structured training and career pathways
Benefits may vary depending on role and location.
Visit our careers site to read more about the benefits ICON offers.
Inclusion and Accessibility
ICON is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.
If you require reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know or submit a request .
Are you a current ICON Employee?