Principal Clinical Data Engineer - based in South Africa

When our values align, there's no limit to what we can achieve.

At Parexel, we all share the same goal - to improve the world's health. From clinical trials to regulatory, consulting, and market access, every clinical development solution we provide is underpinned by something special - a deep conviction in what we do.

Each of us, no matter what we do at Parexel, contributes to the development of a therapy that ultimately will benefit a patient. We take our work personally, we do it with empathy and we're committed to making a difference.

This is a fully remote (work-from-home) position for candidates based in South Africa only. Applicants must currently reside in South Africa and be legally authorized to work there.

Parexel is seeking an experienced Principal Clinical Data Engineer to join our Global Data Operations team. This is a leadership position where you will be recognized as a subject matter expert, providing technical support and strategic guidance to internal and external sponsors while leading high-impact clinical data projects.

As Principal Clinical Data Engineer, you will take the lead on complex projects, liaise with sponsors, Data Management Leads, and cross-functional teams, while maintaining account oversight responsibilities. You will be instrumental in aggregating data from multiple sources and devices, managing external data, and driving operational efficiencies through the development of standards, libraries, and reusable tools.

What you'll do

Manage Projects & Technology

Lead and implement Data Receipt Agreements with vendors in collaboration with cross-functional teams

Program and establish import procedures for data ingestion using SAS or alternative technologies (e.g., Workbench)

Design and implement reconciliation checks to ensure accurate data transfer

Program offline listings and custom reports to provide valuable insights on external data

Aggregate data across all sources and manage data structures, missing values, and programming errors

Review data outputs and provide strategic insights to study teams and clients

Ensure first-time quality on all deliverables

Negotiate electronic data timelines and ensure adherence through active project management

Monitor project resourcing, identify scope changes, and resolve technical issues

Coordinate and lead programming teams to successful project completion within timelines and budget

Manage deployment of data management technology for offline listing creation

Act as SME and technology owner for data management offline listing platforms

Documentation & Compliance

Maintain comprehensive supporting documentation in accordance with SOPs, Guidelines, and Work Instructions

Ensure traceability and regulatory compliance across all study activities

Document deviations and communicate them to project teams

Support Initiatives & Continuous Improvement

Participate in creating standards through tools (SAS macros), libraries, and processes

Develop and implement project-specific tools and improvements

Lead or drive global initiatives related to processes and new technologies

Mentor staff and provide relevant training

Assist project teams in problem resolution and technical support

Maintain and expand regulatory knowledge within the clinical research industry

Account Leadership & Business Development

Serve as point of contact for clients and internal stakeholders on electronic data matters

Participate in bid defense meetings

Independently contribute ideas on technology and data engineering to support business development

What We're Looking For:

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant science discipline

Strong background in clinical research industry

Programming Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in at least one of the following: SQL, SAS, or R

Clinical Data Systems: Strong experience working with at least two systems used to aggregate data in the clinical trial process (e.g., SAS, Workbench, Elluminate)

Regulatory Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of SOPs, Guidelines, Work Instructions, System Life Cycle methodologies, ICH-GCP, and applicable regulations (e.g., 21 CFR Part 11) with proven practical application

Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills with concise, audience-tailored messaging and diplomatic approach

Highly developed problem-solving capabilities, root cause analysis skills, and ability to make decisions in ambiguous situations

Excellent analytical and technical capabilities

Written and oral fluency in English

ATS provider: Workday.