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Data Strategy Lead - Hybrid

AbbVie · North Chicago, IL · Full time · Research

Posted Jul 8, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a study start-up that was at risk of missing its date. How did you recover it?

What they are checking: Whether they can spot timeline risk early, escalate clearly and lead a recovery, because start-up dates drive the entire clinical program behind them.

Tell me about a process you improved in clinical data management. What was the result?

What they are checking: Whether they have changed how work actually gets done and can show a measurable result, not just suggest improvements that never landed.

What would you do

The study team wants to add an eCOA and a new wearable device two months before first patient in. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can assess integration, validation and timeline risk honestly and give the team clear options rather than just agreeing or refusing.

How do you explain a complex data system tradeoff to a clinical lead so they can make a decision?

What they are checking: Whether they can frame technical trade-offs in terms a clinical lead can decide on, since data decisions often sit with people outside data management.

How do you work with vendors who build the EDC so their build matches your specification?

What they are checking: Whether they write precise requirements and check vendor builds closely, because EDC errors found late are expensive and can compromise study data.

About the work

Walk me through the data management start-up deliverables from final protocol to system go-live.

What they are checking: Whether they own the full chain of start-up deliverables and their dependencies, since a late database build delays first patient in for everyone.

How do you review a draft protocol to spot data collection problems before CRFs are built?

What they are checking: Whether they catch data collection problems at the protocol stage, when fixes are cheap, instead of discovering them after CRFs and systems are built.

What makes a CRF design good, and how do you keep CRFs consistent across studies in a therapeutic area?

What they are checking: Whether they apply data standards consistently across studies, because consistent CRFs make pooling, review and submissions far easier for the whole therapeutic area.

What operational metrics would you track to know your start-up work is on track?

What they are checking: Whether they track leading indicators that reveal trouble early, rather than only reporting milestones after they have already been missed.

How do you decide on a data surveillance approach for a study?

What they are checking: Whether they tailor data review to the real risks of each study, focusing effort on critical data instead of checking everything equally.

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The full job description

As published by AbbVie.

Purpose: ​​The Clinical Data Strategy and Operations (CDSO) Data Strategy Lead serves as the study start-up domain expert and key strategic partner to the clinical study team, owning all data-related study start-up deliverables from protocol development through system design and go-live. The role leads cross-functional collaboration to ensure data strategies, standards, and technologies are consistently embedded into clinical plans, while translating complex data and technology concepts into actionable decisions for the study team. Through strong project management, risk oversight, and continuous process optimization, the Data Strategy Lead is key to ensuring successful clinical trial technology delivery.​ Responsibilities: • ​​Serves as the CDSO study start-up subject matter expert and single point of contact for assigned studies, owning all data-related start-up deliverables from protocol development through system go-live. • ​Leads data management study start-up end-to-end, partnering both within CDSO and across the study team to enable on-time study start. Leverages operational analytics and project management tools to optimize execution, track progress, and escalate and resolve issues affecting timelines or quality. • ​Ensures consistency in data strategy, standards, CRFs, and surveillance approaches across studies and therapeutic area(s). Translates complex data, technology, and standards concepts into clear, decision-ready guidance for study teams. • ​Drives the pull-through of critical-to-quality factors and data criticality assessments, ensuring they are translated and implemented into downstream data systems. • ​Ensures adherence to federal and applicable local regulations, Good Clinical Practices (GCPs), ICH Guidelines, AbbVie SOPs, and functional quality standards; stays abreast of evolving guidance. • ​Influences without direct authority, using data and evidence to drive aligned, mutually beneficial outcomes for AbbVie. • ​Leads CDSO innovation and process improvement initiatives and participates in cross-functional initiatives. • ​Responsible for coaching and mentoring team members.​ This role is a hybrid role with 3 days a week onsite. • Bachelor’s degree in business, management information systems, computer science, life sciences or equivalent. Master’s preferred. PMP Certification or Lean Six Sigma Green Belt desired. • Must have 6+ years of pharma / clinical research / data management / health care experience or 8+ years of project management experience (and / or applicable work experience). • In-depth understanding of clinical trial processes and clinical technology. Management of a clinical trial from initiation through to completion in a lead role is preferred • Demonstrated performance as a functional leader • Demonstrated ability to influence others without direct authority • Demonstrated ability to successfully coach / mentor in a matrix environment • Demonstrated effective communication skills • Demonstrated effective analytical skills Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: ​ • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future. ​ • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.​ • This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs. ​ Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law. AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more: https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

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