ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster.
As a values-driven organisation, integrity, collaboration, agility, and inclusion are at the heart of how we work and interact with each other, customers, patients and suppliers.
ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization. We’re proud to foster an inclusive environment driving innovation and excellence, and we welcome you to join us on our mission to shape the future of clinical development.
We are currently seeking a Director, FSA Data Science (Feasibility Site Activation) to drive advanced analytics and business transformation across ICON’s Feasibility, Study Start-up and Activation (FSA) teams. In this role, you will lead the design and delivery of advanced analytics and data science capabilities that support clinical trial feasibility, protocol optimization, study planning, country and site strategy, enrollment forecasting, and related decision support across the clinical development lifecycle. Partnering with cross-functional leaders, you will translate complex clinical and operational questions into scalable analytical solutions, reusable methods, and decision-ready insights. This position also involves leading a high-performing team, shaping analytical standards and governance, and advancing a modern, technology-enabled approach to study planning and feasibility.
What you will be doing
Leading and inspiring a data science team to deliver actionable insights that improve performance, quantify value, and enable smarter decisions.
Building a strategic analytics roadmap and deliver high-impact solutions—forecasting, risk prediction, scenario planning, and optimization to improve cycle time and outcomes.
Establishing best practices for analytics delivery, governance, and model lifecycle management to support scalable and reliable insights.
Improving data foundations by collaborating with platform and data teams—strengthening data quality, access, definitions, and automation.
Partnering with functional leaders to define problems, shape solutions, and embed insights into day-to-day decision-making and operational processes.
Communicating with clarity and influence—turning complex analysis into compelling narratives and recommendations leadership and sponsors.
Your profile
Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Biostatistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Epidemiology, Operations Research, Biomedical Informatics, Engineering, or a related field.
Advanced degree preferred, preferably Master’s or PhD in a quantitative, computational, or health-related discipline.
Significant experience in data science, advanced analytics, biostatistics, or quantitative strategy within CRO, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, or clinical research settings.
Track record of delivering advanced analytics solutions that changed business performance, ideally in complex operational environments.
Experience leading teams and developing talent; comfortable coaching, setting direction, and building a high-performing culture.
Strong knowledge of statistical analysis, predictive modeling, machine learning, simulation, optimization, and data interpretation.
Proficiency in relevant analytical and programming tools such as Python, R, SQL, and related platforms.
Confident stakeholder partner with exceptional communication skills and the ability to influence across functions and levels.
Employment with ICON is contingent upon having the legal right to work in the country where the role is based.
Rewards & Benefits
ICON offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and career development.
Benefits may include:
- Competitive base salary and performance related incentives
- Health and wellbeing programmes including medical, dental, and vision coverage where applicable
- Retirement and pension plans
- Life assurance and disability coverage
- Employee assistance programmes and wellbeing resources
- Learning and development opportunities through structured training and career pathways
Benefits may vary depending on role and location.
Visit our careers site to read more about the benefits ICON offers.
Inclusion and Accessibility
ICON is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.
If you require reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know or submit a request here.
Are you a current ICON Employee? Please click here to apply
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Biostatistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Epidemiology, Operations Research, Biomedical Informatics, Engineering, or a related field.
- Significant experience in data science, advanced analytics, biostatistics, or quantitative strategy.
- Experience in CRO, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, or clinical research settings.
- Track record delivering advanced analytics solutions that improved business performance.
- Experience leading teams and developing talent.
- Strong knowledge of statistical analysis, predictive modeling, machine learning, simulation, optimization, and data interpretation.
- Proficiency in Python, R, SQL, and related analytical platforms.
- Advanced degree, preferably a Master’s or PhD in a quantitative, computational, or health-related discipline.
- Exceptional communication and cross-functional stakeholder influence skills.
- Legal right to work in the country where the role is based.
ICON plc Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about ICON plc and has not been reviewed or approved by ICON plc.
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Healthcare Strength — Benefits are described as comprehensive, with medical coverage and wellness initiatives highlighted. Larger sites are also associated with added wellness supports such as onsite fitness options and access to an employee assistance program.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off and flexibility provisions are positioned as a meaningful part of the total package, including vacation/annual leave and flexible work scheduling. Flexibility is sometimes cited as helping offset long hours in certain roles.
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Retirement Support — Retirement and savings support is presented as a core component of the benefits package, including offerings such as pension arrangements in some locations and a U.S. 401(k) plan with company match. Financial planning resources are also emphasized as part of broader security benefits.
ICON plc Insights
What We Do
Since our foundation in Dublin, Ireland in 1990, our mission has been to help our clients to accelerate the development of drugs and devices that save lives and improve quality of life. We do this by delivering best in class information, solutions and performance, with an unyielding focus on quality at all times. We offer a full range of consulting, development and commercialisation services from a global network of offices in 53 countries. We focus our innovation on the factors that are critical to our clients – reducing time to market, reducing cost, and increasing quality – and our global team of experts has extensive experience in a broad range of therapeutic areas.
