Senior Data Manager COBALT Trial Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit 907061 Grade 5

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK

Full‑time starting salary normally 29,647–31,460 £ with potential progression to 35,388 £.

Grade: 5.

Full‑time fixed‑term contract until March 2029.

Closing date: 11 February 2026.

People are at the heart of what we do. We offer a wide range of professional development opportunities, a generous benefits package including 40 days’ paid holiday, one day paid volunteering, occupational sickness pay, a pension scheme and subsidised nursery places. Flexible working arrangements are available where possible.

The Senior Data Manager is responsible for the administration and collection of clinical research data for one or more trial protocols, providing secretariat services to multidisciplinary research groups, and ensuring smooth trial administration while supporting colleagues inside and outside the unit.

• 
  
• Ensure smooth day‑to‑day running of the study/trial protocol and data collection.
  
• Ensure trial data set(s) are complete, accurate and up to date by running queries and performing systematic checks.
  
• Maintain research and administrative databases to produce clean data sets for statistical analysis.
  
• Record and code incoming forms, checking for inconsistencies and adverse events, and maintain coding lists under guidance of the statistician.
  
• Offer initial guidance on interpretation and development of new codes for non‑routine and ad‑hoc data.
  
• Test data entry validation and report generation applications, report errors and suggest modifications.
  
• Handle trial management clerical duties, including organising collaborative group meetings, handling petty cash, and distributing trial materials and drug supplies.
  
• Prepare and distribute study documentation and publicity material for the Trial Working Group.
  
• Conduct literature searches to find missing or inaccurate references, run duplicate checks, and produce reference lists.
  
• Develop and document standard operating procedures under the guidance of the Trial Manager and train others.
  
• Continue to develop and expand trial management skills and experience.
  
• Cover for the Trial Manager/project leader and supervise junior team members.
  
• Support equality and diversity, moderating own behaviour to avoid bias.
  
• Support the delivery of clinical research in accordance with GCP, the Declaration of Helsinki and relevant legislation and policies.
  

• 
  
• A degree (or equivalent) in a relevant biomedical or associated subject; work experience as a clinical trial manager or research nurse desirable but not essential.
  
• Strong aptitude for complex relational databases (MS Access, SQL Server), including query/report writing and data cleaning techniques.
  
• Experience with statistics packages such as SPSS, Minitab, BMDP or SAS.
  
• Understanding of medical terminology and experience in interpreting and coding medical data.
  
• Excellent office management and clerical skills, including computing and office automation.
  
• Critical attention to detail and high standards of accuracy.
  
• Aptitude for learning new skills and covering for the Trial Manager.
  
• Experience conducting literature or internet searches and maintaining bibliographic databases.
  
• Strong team player who can also work independently and prioritise tasks to meet deadlines.
  
• Good communication skills and excellent telephone manner.
  
• Regular contact with professional research staff and external centres to resolve queries.
  
• Ability to identify potential problems and make decisions based on experience.
  
• Willingness to develop and improve working practices.
  
• Understanding of the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion.
  
• Ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant policies.
  

Further particulars can be found here.