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Lead Clinical Research Data Manager

University of Chicago · Chicago, IL · $65,000–$80,000 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 24, 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 time you found a protocol deviation. How did you handle it with the PI and the IRB?

What they are checking: Their integrity in surfacing problems and their knowledge of who must be told and when.

As a lead, how do you train and check the work of other data managers without becoming a bottleneck?

What they are checking: Whether they can build quality into a team rather than personally reviewing every entry.

Describe a process improvement you made in a research office that saved time or cut errors.

What they are checking: Whether they spot operational problems and fix them, which the posting expects from a lead.

What would you do

A sponsor monitor arrives tomorrow and you find several queries still open on one of your studies. What do you do tonight and tomorrow morning?

What they are checking: How they handle audit pressure honestly, fixing what they can without hiding what they cannot.

A PI asks you to enter a response assessment before the scans have been formally read. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they will hold the line on data integrity even when someone senior asks for a shortcut.

About the work

You'd lead data management for high-complexity oncology trials with no oversight. How do you decide what to check first when a new study opens?

What they are checking: Whether they can set up a study correctly from the start, since early errors spread through every later visit.

Walk me through how you abstract data from a patient's chart into a case report form for a cancer trial.

What they are checking: Their hands-on knowledge of source documents and how carefully they match what is recorded.

How do you identify and report adverse events, and what makes one serious enough to need expedited reporting?

What they are checking: Whether they understand reporting timelines that protect patient safety and keep the institution in compliance.

Which electronic data capture systems have you worked in, such as Medidata Rave or OnCore, and how do you learn a new sponsor's system?

What they are checking: How quickly they can become productive across the many platforms that different trial sponsors require.

How do you keep track of visit windows and data deadlines across many studies at once?

What they are checking: Their personal systems for workload, since missed windows create deviations that cannot be undone.

How do you protect patient confidentiality when sending documents to sponsors or outside reviewers?

What they are checking: Their habits around redacting and handling health information under HIPAA and study agreements.

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The full job description

As published by University of Chicago.

Department BSD MED - Hematology and Oncology - Clinical Research Data Managers About the Department The Section of Hematology/Oncology has a proud and long tradition of excellence in research-based patient care and clinical discovery. Ranked among the finest cancer programs in the country, the Section is comprised of nationally and internationally known faculty with expertise in all major types of malignancies, blood disorders, and experimental therapies. Job Summary The Lead Clinical Research Data Manager will perform a variety of data management duties of a complex and technical nature in support of clinical research studies conducted by principal investigators (PIs) for the clinical research program to ensure adherence to protocols and quality of information received. Responsibilities • Leads and oversees all data management tasks in support of high-complexity clinical research studies with no oversight. Manages document collection and review in collaboration with the principal investigator (PI) while maintaining a high degree of confidentiality. • Directs quality assurance reviews conducted by study sponsors, federal agencies, or specially designated internal review groups. • Oversees study-related documentation for analysis, such as protocol worksheets, adverse event reports, institutional review board documents, or progress reports, while identifying operational trends that require corrective actions. • May supervise 1-2 data managers. Assesses and balances workload, assigns studies, and provides feedback on performance. Leads recruitment for new positions. • Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: --- Preferred Qualifications Education: • Bachelor's degree. Experience: • 5 years of research experience with 3 years in clinical research. Technical Skills or Knowledge: • Advanced data management skills, including oversight of database design, complex data integration across multiple sources, identification of discrepancies, and implementation of quality control measures to support clinical research. • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat, including managing large datasets using pivot tables and complex formulas, generating automated reports, and preparing regulatory-compliant documents. • Familiarity with common electronic data capture systems such as RAVE, Inform, and RedCap. Preferred Competencies • Strong analytical skills. • Handle competing demands with diplomacy and enthusiasm. • Strong data management skills. • Work collaboratively and with divisional research offices. • Maintain a high degree of confidentiality with clinical data and client's proprietary data. • Adapt to changing working situations and work assignments. • Work independently and as part of a team. • Strong attention to detail. • Excellent multi-tasking skills. Application Documents • Resume/CV (required) • Cover Letter (required) The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions. When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Research Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary ​ FLSA Status Exempt ​ Pay Range $65,000.00 - $80,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook . Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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