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
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant science discipline or equivalent work experience
- Advanced proficiency in at least one: SQL, SAS, or R
- Comprehensive knowledge of SOPs, Guidelines, Work Instructions, System Life Cycle, ICH-GCP, and 21 CFR Part 11
- Strong experience with at least two clinical data aggregation systems (e.g., SAS, Workbench, Elluminate)
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills with audience-tailored messaging
- Highly developed problem-solving, root cause analysis, and decision-making skills in ambiguous situations
- Excellent analytical and technical capabilities
- Written and oral fluency in English
Parexel Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Parexel and has not been reviewed or approved by Parexel.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive, including medical, dental, vision, HSA/FSA options, and company-paid disability insurance. Descriptions often portray the package as strong or “top notch,” adding meaningful value.
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Retirement Support — Retirement offerings include a 401(k) with company matching and, in some regions, generous pension contributions. Core financial protections are emphasized as a solid part of the total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off programs include ample PTO or flexible/unlimited RTO alongside flexible schedules and remote/hybrid options. Work-life balance support from managers is highlighted as a practical advantage.
Parexel Insights
What We Do
Parexel is among the world’s largest clinical research organizations (CROs), providing the full range of Phase I to IV clinical development services to help life-saving treatments reach patients faster. Leveraging the breadth of our clinical, regulatory and therapeutic expertise, our team of more than 21,000 global professionals collaborates with biopharmaceutical leaders, emerging innovators and sites to design and deliver clinical trials with patients in mind, increasing access and participation to make clinical research a care option for anyone, anywhere. Our depth of industry knowledge and strong track record gained over the past 40 years is moving the industry forward and advancing clinical research in healthcare’s most complex areas, while our innovation ecosystem offers the best solutions to make every phase of the clinical trial process more efficient. With the people, insight and focus on operational excellence, we work With HeartTM every day to treat patients with dignity and continuously learn from their experiences, so every trial makes a difference. For more information, visit parexel.com. Community Guidelines Because Parexel’s social media channels are open to the general public and employees, we are not responsible for views expressed other than our own. However, we do not tolerate posts that are: • Abusive, harassing or threatening to others. • Defamatory, offensive, obscene, vulgar or depicting violence. • Hateful targeting by race/ethnicity, age, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual preference or orientation, nationality or political beliefs. • Sexually explicit or pornographic. • Fraudulent, deceptive, libelous, misleading or unlawful. • Referencing criminal or illegal activity. • Spamming. We reserve the right to remove any comments that do not adhere to our guidelines as well as report users who violate the rules of our page.
