Data Manager (ACRN) - Zimbabwe, South Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania

Location: Rwanda/ South Africa/ Tanzania/ Zimbabwe - On site at one of these locations

Hours: Full Time

Reports to: Director of Data Science – Africa Clinical Research Network

Our Mission:

The African Clinical Research Network (ACRN) is an African-led and African-driven clinical research organisation. Our work not only promotes and supports a vibrant life sciences ecosystem but also profoundly impacts Africa's health and economic development. By facilitating sustainable, innovative, collaborative, and community-oriented research, ACRN is poised to transform healthcare and improve lives across Africa, inspiring a new era of clinical research.

We provide high-quality data, harmonise regulatory processes to improve timelines, support capacity building within the existing ethics and regulatory systems, and enhance community trust and research participation. These are some of the first key steps to making Africa more competitive in the global life sciences industry, a goal we are proud to contribute to.

The ACRN drives clinical research excellence by connecting researchers to opportunities, enhancing research capacity in existing facilities, implementing high-quality trials and research, and leveraging a robust digital infrastructure.

We are committed to fostering the community's understanding of research. Through our community engagement network, we significantly increase stakeholder buy-in of clinical results, thereby enhancing the transparency and credibility of our research.

Job Summary: 

The Data Manager will play a pivotal role in designing, building, and managing databases to support ACRN’s clinical trials and observational studies. The role requires expertise in electronic data capture (EDC) systems, particularly REDCap, and familiarity with clinical trials data software to develop and manage project datasets. The Data Manager will also conduct data analysis, provide insights to study teams, and ensure that data management practices align with international regulatory standards. This position demands strong technical expertise, a proactive approach to data integrity, and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support ACRN’s mission. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Database Development and Management: 

Design, build, and maintain databases for clinical trials and observational studies, using platforms like REDCap, Medidata Rave, or OpenClinica. 

Customize and configure EDC systems to meet study-specific needs, ensuring compliance with protocols and regulatory requirements. 

Develop and manage project datasets, ensuring compatibility with clinical trials data software and statistical tools. 

Data Analysis and Insights: 

Analyze study data to generate insights, ensuring the integrity and reliability of results. 

Provide ongoing data reports, summaries, and visualizations to support study teams and stakeholders. 

Collaborate with statisticians to ensure datasets are ready for analysis, including cleaning, coding, and validation. 

Data Quality Assurance and Validation: 

Implement quality control measures to ensure accuracy, consistency, and completeness of collected data. 

Conduct regular data audits and validation checks to identify and resolve discrepancies. 

Develop and maintain data validation scripts and tools to automate processes where possible. 

Data Management Systems and Tools: 

Serve as the lead administrator for EDC platforms, ensuring their optimal configuration and performance. 

Integrate data management systems with clinical trial management systems (CTMS) for seamless workflows. 

Provide technical support and troubleshooting for database-related issues at research sites. 

Regulatory Compliance and Documentation: 

Ensure all data management activities adhere to international standards, including ICH-GCP, FDA 21 CFR Part 11, and GDPR. 

Maintain comprehensive and up-to-date documentation for all data processes, including data management plans (DMPs), data dictionaries, and audit trails. 

Training and Capacity Building: 

Train site staff and data coordinators on EDC platforms, database usage, and data management best practices. 

Build capacity at ACRN sites by mentoring teams on data collection, validation, and analysis. 

Collaboration and Coordination: 

Work closely with clinical operations, site teams, and the Director of Data Science to align data management practices with organizational goals. 

Collaborate with investigators, statisticians, and sponsors to address data-related challenges and ensure seamless data flow. 

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in data management, biostatistics, computer science, or a related field required. Advanced degree (e.g., MSc in Data Science, Biostatistics, or Health Informatics) preferred.

Experience:

5+ years of experience in database design, data management, or clinical trials data systems.

Proven expertise in building and managing databases using REDCap or similar EDC platforms.

Experience with clinical trials data software, such as Medidata Rave, Oracle Clinical, or Viedoc.

Strong background in data analysis, including the use of statistical software (e.g., R, Python, or SAS).

Experience with multi-country research settings and large datasets is highly desirable.

Technical Skills:

Proficiency in database design, management, and troubleshooting.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to handle large and complex datasets.

Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is a plus.

Knowledge of regulatory requirements for data management, including ICH-GCP and FDA 21 CFR Part 11.

Key Attributes:

Detail-oriented and methodical, with a strong commitment to data accuracy and quality.

Proactive and solution-driven, with the ability to anticipate and address challenges.

Strong communicator and team player, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

Work Environment: 

This position can be based in Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Tanzania or South Africa, with occasional travel to other office locations as necessary. The role may require flexible working hours to support remote teams and ensure systems are running smoothly across time zones. 

Please apply online providing a covering letter specifically highlighting how your existing skills and experiences support fulfilling the responsibilities of this role.