Clinical Research IT Support Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving world of clinical research, the demand for IT support has never been more critical.
As technology advances and clinical research becomes increasingly data-driven, there’s a growing need for skilled professionals who can manage, maintain, and protect our IT infrastructure.
But what exactly does a role in clinical research IT support entail?
Whether you are:
- An aspiring professional seeking to understand the depth of this role,
- A hiring manager aiming to define the perfect candidate,
- Or simply curious about the intricacies of IT support in clinical research,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable clinical research IT support job description template, created for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive into it.
Clinical Research IT Support Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical Research IT Support professionals are pivotal in ensuring that all information technology systems in clinical research settings function properly.
They provide technical support to clinical research teams, manage software and hardware, and ensure data security and integrity.
The duties and responsibilities of a Clinical Research IT Support include:
- Providing technical assistance to clinical research staff, resolving IT issues and queries promptly.
- Installing, maintaining, and updating software and hardware used in clinical research.
- Ensuring data security measures are in place to protect sensitive clinical data from breaches.
- Training clinical research staff on the use of software and systems, ensuring they can use technology effectively in their roles.
- Maintaining thorough records of IT support activities and system updates.
- Working with clinical research teams to identify IT needs and implementing solutions that facilitate research processes.
- Ensuring that all IT systems comply with industry standards and regulations.
- Managing system backups and recovery plans, ensuring data can be restored in the event of a system failure.
- Testing and troubleshooting new software and technology before it is implemented.
- Collaborating with other IT professionals and vendors to resolve complex technical issues.
Clinical Research IT Support Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a dedicated Clinical Research IT Support Specialist to assist in the efficient operation of our clinical research department.
The responsibilities of this role include providing technical support and assistance to clinical research staff, maintaining and troubleshooting the IT systems used in clinical research, and ensuring the data quality and integrity of clinical research studies.
The ideal candidate has a background in IT, a working knowledge of clinical research procedures, and is familiar with the regulatory and compliance requirements of clinical research.
Ultimately, the Clinical Research IT Support Specialist will leverage their technical skills to support the smooth and efficient functioning of our clinical research department.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical support and assistance to clinical research staff
- Manage and troubleshoot IT systems used in clinical research
- Ensure data quality and integrity in clinical research studies
- Assist in the development and implementation of IT solutions for clinical research needs
- Maintain documentation of IT processes and procedures
- Work closely with the research team to understand and meet their IT needs
- Ensure compliance with regulatory standards in the management and use of IT systems in clinical research
- Train clinical research staff in the use of IT systems and applications
- Keep abreast of the latest developments in IT related to clinical research
Qualifications
- Proven experience in an IT role, preferably in a clinical research setting
- Knowledge of clinical research procedures and regulatory standards
- Experience with IT systems used in clinical research
- Ability to troubleshoot and resolve IT issues
- Strong communication and training skills
- Detail-oriented with a focus on data quality and integrity
- BSc degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Clinical Research IT Support Specialist
- Work Environment: Hospital or research institute setting. May require some on-call hours for IT emergencies.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Clinical Research IT Manager.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Clinical Research IT Support Do?
Clinical Research IT Support professionals primarily work for organizations conducting clinical trials, pharmaceutical companies, or healthcare institutions.
They can also work for IT firms providing specialized services to these industries.
They work closely with clinical researchers, data scientists, and other IT professionals to develop, maintain, and troubleshoot IT systems and applications used in clinical research.
Their job involves ensuring that these systems are reliable, secure, and capable of handling the massive amounts of data generated in clinical trials.
They also help to implement data management and data analysis tools that allow researchers to derive insights from their data.
Clinical Research IT Support may also be responsible for training staff on how to use these systems and applications effectively and complying with industry standards and regulations related to data privacy and security.
They often work on customizing software to meet the specific needs of a research project or clinical trial, which requires a good understanding of both IT and clinical research processes.
They also play a critical role in troubleshooting any technical issues that may arise, ensuring minimal disruption to the clinical research activities.
Clinical Research IT Support Qualifications and Skills
A Clinical Research IT Support professional should have the skills and qualifications that align with the job requirements, such as:
- Strong technical knowledge and understanding of clinical research software, databases and systems, ensuring reliable support for users and efficient resolution of technical issues.
- Excellent problem-solving abilities to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve technical issues promptly and accurately.
- Strong communication skills to interact effectively with non-technical staff, explaining complex IT issues in an understandable way, and ensuring efficient communication with IT professionals.
- Attention to detail and good organizational skills to keep track of numerous tasks and issues, ensuring all are handled accurately and in a timely manner.
- Knowledge of IT security and data privacy regulations, particularly those applicable in clinical research, to ensure the secure handling of sensitive data.
- Ability to work well within a team, coordinating with other IT support staff, clinical researchers and management to ensure smooth operation of clinical research IT systems.
- Continual learning and development skills to keep up with changes in technology, software updates, and new systems relevant to clinical research.
Clinical Research IT Support Experience Requirements
Entry-level Clinical Research IT Support candidates usually hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field, and have up to 2 years of relevant experience.
They may have gained this experience through internships or part-time roles in IT support in a healthcare or research setting.
Intermediate Clinical Research IT Support professionals typically have 3 to 5 years of experience.
This may include experience in clinical research settings, troubleshooting hardware and software issues, maintaining servers, and ensuring the integrity and security of data.
Familiarity with Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium (CDISC) standards and experience with Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems can be particularly beneficial.
Professionals with more than 5 years of experience often possess advanced technical skills and a deep understanding of clinical research processes.
They may have experience managing IT projects, implementing new systems, and training staff on system usage.
At this level, individuals are often ready to take on leadership roles, managing a team or overseeing the IT needs of a large clinical research project.
Certification in ITIL, CompTIA A+, or other relevant qualifications can be advantageous.
Clinical Research IT Support Education and Training Requirements
Candidates for Clinical Research IT Support roles typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field.
They need a strong background in information technology support and systems administration, as well as familiarity with databases and software used in clinical research such as Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems and Clinical Trial Management Systems (CTMS).
A good understanding of clinical research processes, regulatory compliance, and good clinical practices (GCP) is also critical.
Therefore, additional training in clinical research or a related field like biotechnology or life sciences can be beneficial.
Some roles may require a master’s degree or professional certifications like Certified Clinical Data Manager (CCDM), Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP), or IT certifications like CompTIA A+ or Network+.
These advanced qualifications demonstrate a candidate’s proficiency in both the IT and clinical research aspects of the role, showing their dedication to ongoing learning and potential leadership.
Clinical research IT support professionals also need to continue their education to stay current with evolving technologies and regulatory changes in the clinical research industry.
Clinical Research IT Support Salary Expectations
The average salary for a Clinical Research IT Support professional is $72,381 (USD) per year.
However, this wage may vary based on factors like experience in the field, educational qualifications, the company that they work for, and the location of the job.
Clinical Research IT Support Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Clinical Research IT Support need?
Clinical Research IT Support needs strong technical skills, especially in clinical research software and systems.
They should also have a good understanding of clinical research processes and practices.
Interpersonal and communication skills are also important, as they will have to communicate technical information to non-technical staff.
Problem-solving and analytical skills are essential for troubleshooting and fixing IT issues.
Do Clinical Research IT Support need a degree?
Most Clinical Research IT Support positions require a degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
Some roles may also require knowledge or experience in healthcare or clinical research.
However, relevant experience can sometimes substitute for educational requirements.
What should you look for in a Clinical Research IT Support resume?
On a resume, look for a combination of technical skills and experience in a clinical research setting.
Knowledge of specific clinical research software and systems is a big plus.
Other important skills include problem-solving, customer service, and communication skills.
Experience with IT support or help desk roles is also valuable.
What qualities make a good Clinical Research IT Support?
A good Clinical Research IT Support is patient and has excellent problem-solving skills.
They should be able to troubleshoot and resolve issues efficiently.
They should also be good communicators, capable of explaining complex technical issues in simple terms to non-technical staff.
Familiarity with clinical research processes and a commitment to staying current on technology trends in the field are also key qualities.
Is it difficult to hire Clinical Research IT Support?
Hiring Clinical Research IT Support can be challenging due to the specific set of skills and knowledge required.
The ideal candidate should not only be proficient in IT but also understand the unique needs and constraints of a clinical research environment.
However, with a thorough hiring process and competitive compensation, you can attract qualified candidates.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve dissected the intriguing world of Clinical Research IT Support.
And guess what?
It’s not merely about tech troubleshooting.
It’s about shaping the course of medical advancements, one IT solution at a time.
Armed with our ultimate Clinical Research IT Support job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the leap.
But why stop there?
Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Each IT solution contributes to a greater health breakthrough.
Let’s revolutionize healthcare. Together.
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