Clinical Data Operator

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Clinical Data Operator

Career Overview

A clinical data operator is involved in the actual preparation, collection and dissemination of the data obtained in clinical trials and research projects. The clinical data operator is key in taking the raw data and developing way to show this data and present it to others in meaningful and effective methods.

A clinical data operator must have an excellent understanding of advanced computer programs designed to handle very complex data, be able to conceive methods to show data to various individuals and stakeholders, have excellent organizational skills and be able to work under pressure and deadlines.

Clinical data operators may also be involved in collecting and recording the raw data prior to processing the information. A clinical data operator may work directly with the research team or may even be located off site and simply deal with the data once it arrives.

Often clinical data operators with research experience help design the most effective data collection methods to assist with the presentation of the research findings. A good knowledge of experimental procedure is a definite asset for a clinical data operator.

Career Requirements

Most clinical data operators have at least an associate’s level training in one of the science fields including but not limited to biology, organic or inorganic chemistry, physics or other life science focus. In addition a Bachelors or higher level training in computer science is often required.

Some clinical data operator with extensive hands on or researched based experience do not have all the formal educational training but rather have real research experience in both the sciences and computer programming.

In addition the clinical data operator must be able to communicate effectively to the research team as well as share their data results with other stakeholders. Often the clinical data operator is involved in releasing information on the success or progress of experiments and research findings.

A good working relationship with other disciplines on the research team is very important as is an understanding of experimental process and design. Many clinical data operators have advanced levels of training in computer program design as well as advanced mathematical and computational skills.

Job Outlook

As computers become more and more involved in data collection and presentation the need for qualified programmers and operators continues to increase. The combination of a science, math and computer background makes this career a specialty in the biotechnology field.

Research continues to advance and individuals that have higher levels of training and experience, especially in computer program design will be in greater demand from both research and production facilities.

Career Track

A qualified clinical data operator that works on-site can quickly advance to management positions in the data collection and entry sector of the lab. They may also become involved in as research assistants or even project design. Clinical data operators may find that they become very interested in the actual research and can easily advance to laboratory supervisors with a bit of additional training in the sciences.

Clinical data operators that obtain higher levels of training in the computer programming and design aspects may move into more technology based careers often being employed by medical software companies on development teams.

Off-site or contract clinical data operators can work from home on a project-by-project basis to develop effective ways to display data. These clinical data operator may find that they are high demand and can even start their own businesses right from their own homes.

Compensation

As with most biotechnology careers salary is largely based on training and experience. A clinical data operator that is just beginning their career should expect to earn approximately $34,000 per year, and more advanced clinical data operators are often earning in excess of $45,000 per year. There are often overtime requirements when deadlines are due, but there is additional compensation for these hours.

Clinical data operators that work on a project basis usually bid the projects based on the amount of data that is needed and the level of complexity of the programs required.