What does a clinical data associate do?
A clinical data associate is responsible for documenting and recording data from clinical research programs for various purposes, such as validation and future studies. Their responsibilities revolve around understanding the needs of every program, coordinating with different teams to gather accurate data, utilizing special tools and software, and preparing and processing data according to protocols and standards. Moreover, a clinical data associate typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Clinical data associate responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real clinical data associate resumes:
- Administer the execution of QC evaluation for data enter into the CTMS that lead to senior management exceeding client deliverable expectations.
- Perform database audits as required to ensure FDA compliance.
- Review SAS edits and data listings to produce data queries for clinical sites.
- Ensure rapid identification of database errors by writing SAS code to validate clinical data.
- Work with the internal study team and/or CRO on assign studies to identify data issues and proactively address data issues.
- Monitor and troubleshoot system performance.
- Perform day-to-day database administration, operations, maintenance and troubleshoot activities.
- Lead CDM representation on assign study teams by attending and/or presenting at investigator/CRA meetings.
- Perform duties as clinical research associate- assist clinical research nurse with clinical work up of patients participating in clinical trials.
- Conduct technical publication evaluations and reports of equipment/weapons manufacture by contractors/vendors to DOD requirements.
Clinical data associate skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Clinical Data Associates are proficient in Data Review, Data Management, and FDA. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Clinical Data Associates that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Data Review, 8%
Generate and use ancillary reports (data listings, reconciliation discrepancy listings, query listings) for clinical data review.
- Data Management, 7%
Reconcile project files and other documents generated in data management against a database for accuracy and completeness of data management processes.
- FDA, 7%
Make sure they are following IRB and FDA Guidelines.
- SAS, 6%
Performed review of discrepancy (edit checks) output and SAS listings based on data entered into Clinical EDC database.
- Clinical Trial Data, 6%
Reviewed and processed clinical trial data to ensure the accuracy and consistency of clinical databases.
- Data Quality, 5%
Scanned and controlled data quality in clinical trials management database.
"data review," "data management," and "fda" are among the most common skills that clinical data associates use at work. You can find even more clinical data associate responsibilities below, including:
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a clinical data associate to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what clinical data associates do because "mathematicians and statisticians use mathematical techniques and models to evaluate large amounts of data." Additionally, a clinical data associate resume shows how clinical data associates use analytical skills: "performed database audits as required to ensure fda compliance. "
Communication skills. Many clinical data associate duties rely on communication skills. "mathematicians and statisticians must be able to explain technical concepts and solutions in nontechnical ways.," so a clinical data associate will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways clinical data associate responsibilities rely on communication skills: "developed and maintained good communications and working relationships within the cdm team. "
Math skills. This is an important skill for clinical data associates to perform their duties. For an example of how clinical data associate responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "mathematicians and statisticians use statistics, calculus, and linear algebra to develop their models and analyses." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a clinical data associate: "assist with other data reviews for biostatistics, medical review, sponsor, and other ad hoc reports. ".
Problem-solving skills. A big part of what clinical data associates do relies on "problem-solving skills." You can see how essential it is to clinical data associate responsibilities because "mathematicians and statisticians must devise solutions to problems encountered in science, engineering, and other fields." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical clinical data associate tasks: "developed data specifications, coordinated sponsor/vendor data transmission, file management activities, and assessed/resolved data quality issues as needed. "
The three companies that hire the most clinical data associates are:
- KPMG LLP10 clinical data associates jobs
- JPMorgan Chase & Co.7 clinical data associates jobs
- Dow Jones4 clinical data associates jobs
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Compare different clinical data associates
Clinical data associate vs. Data management specialist
A data management specialist is responsible for performing administrative functions related to data processing operations, such as updating the information in the database, proper disposal of outdated documents, and ensuring the security of confidential information in the system. Data management specialists collect data and manage data flow and disseminate information across the organization. They also sort files according to business requirements and send information to the senior management and other departments for business operations as required.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a clinical data associate are more likely to require skills like "clinical trial data," "cro," "edit checks," and "electronic data capture." On the other hand, a job as a data management specialist requires skills like "data entry," "data analysis," "database systems," and "data integrity." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Data management specialists really shine in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $101,442. Comparatively, clinical data associates tend to make the most money in the health care industry with an average salary of $105,749.data management specialists tend to reach similar levels of education than clinical data associates. In fact, data management specialists are 1.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Clinical data associate vs. Clinical statistics manager
A data management associate is responsible for maintaining and updating databases, spreadsheets, documents, and other data storage systems while adhering to company standards and protocols. Their daily tasks usually include gathering and organizing data, conducting reviews to identify errors or inconsistencies, taking corrective measures, and producing regular reports, presenting them to managers. They may also participate in troubleshooting issues, planning data migration procedures, and enforcing data security protocols. Moreover, a data management associate must be proactive at dealing with issues to maintain an optimal workflow.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real clinical data associate resumes. While clinical data associate responsibilities can utilize skills like "data review," "clinical trial data," "data quality," and "uat," clinical statistics managers use skills like "clinical trials," "statistical software," "regulatory agencies," and "statistical analysis."
Clinical statistics managers earn higher levels of education than clinical data associates in general. They're 10.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Clinical data associate vs. Data management associate
Clinical data management managers perform database development tests to support the clinical studies assigned to them. These managers must have collaboration and communication skills to work smoothly with other internal departments and fellow managers. They lead problem-solving in data collection, quality control, and improving their current data management process. Their job is to become a model that works and reinforces their company's vision and mission. They also ensure those project deadlines are met by organizing and distributing workloads and schedules to the staff.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a clinical data associate is likely to be skilled in "data review," "clinical trial data," "uat," and "data validation," while a typical data management associate is skilled in "data analysis," "powerpoint," "data entry," and "clinical data."
Data management associates earn the best pay in the media industry, where they command an average salary of $127,370. Clinical data associates earn the highest pay from the health care industry, with an average salary of $105,749.Most data management associates achieve a similar degree level compared to clinical data associates. For example, they're 1.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Clinical data associate vs. Clinical data management manager
Types of clinical data associate
Updated January 8, 2025
