Senior Healthcare Data Specialist

Role Summary / Overview :

This senior-level position is pivotal in the end-to-end design, development, implementation, deployment, and maintenance of robust healthcare data collection and processing systems. These systems are intended for and support critical observational studies, including population health, disease monitoring, clinical trials, and health surveillance. The Senior Healthcare Data Specialist will champion and oversee the entire lifecycle of these systems, from conception to ongoing maintenance, with a primary emphasis on ensuring data integrity, quality, and adherence to U.S. healthcare standards. The goal is to deliver solutions that are well-architected, scalable, maintainable, and meet stakeholder needs. This role requires operating during U.S. East Coast business hours.

Key Responsibilities :

Project Leadership & Solution Delivery : Lead and manage the full lifecycle of healthcare data system implementation projects, ensuring their completion on-time, on-budget, and in accordance with stakeholder requirements.

Solution Design & Implementation : Design, develop, implement, and maintain well-architected, scalable, and maintainable solutions to address intricate and complex healthcare data challenges.

Data Modeling, Analysis & Management :

Conduct comprehensive data modeling, encompassing both relational and non-relational approaches.

Perform data analysis to optimize data structures and integrity.

Apply healthcare data models and standards (e.g., HL7 FHIR, OMOP) consistently and correctly.

Accurately interpret, describe, convert, and integrate data from disparate, idiosyncratic, or custom data models into standardized formats.

Ensure good data management practices for healthcare datasets intended for scientific use, maintaining data integrity, security, and HIPAA compliance.

Technical Problem Solving & Expertise :

Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve complex technical issues related to data systems to minimize disruptions, ensure data accuracy, and maintain system uptime.

Stay current with and maintain knowledge of evolving healthcare data standards (e.g., HL7 FHIR, OMOP), models, and technologies, and drive their effective implementation.

Documentation & Communication :

Create, produce, and maintain comprehensive, clear, concise, and accurate technical and standard business documentation for all processes, procedures, system designs, and solutions to facilitate clarity, reproducibility, and effective knowledge transfer. This includes process flow diagrams, workflow diagrams, sequence diagrams, state flow diagrams, and Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs).

Effectively communicate complex technical information to diverse audiences, including cross-functional teams, external stakeholders, customers, and senior leadership, managing expectations appropriately.

Collaboration & Integration : Work closely and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders to ensure the seamless integration of healthcare data solutions.

Mentorship : Train and mentor junior team members to enhance overall team capabilities.

Operational Alignment : Work in alignment with U.S. East Coast business hours.

Required Qualifications :

Education & Experience :

Bachelor's degree in Health Informatics, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

7+ years of hands-on experience in implementing healthcare data collection and processing systems.

Healthcare Data Expertise :

Proficiency and expertise in data modeling (relational and non-relational) and applying various healthcare data models (e.g., HL7 FHIR, OMOP) to solve practical problems.

In-depth knowledge and practical application of healthcare data standards, particularly HL7 (especially FHIR).

Proven ability to work with, describe, convert, and integrate idiosyncratic or custom data models into standard formats.

Technical & Analytical Acumen :

Proven ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve complex technical problems in healthcare data systems and integration.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on healthcare data challenges.

Proficiency with distributed version control systems, preferably Git, for collaborative development and documentation.

Communication & Project Management Skills :

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of explaining complex technical healthcare data concepts clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leadership and customers (including VP and Executive Director levels).

Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and drive projects to successful completion in the context of healthcare data projects.

Skilled in rapidly producing clear, concise, and accurate standard business documentation and various diagram types (e.g., ERDs, flowcharts, sequence diagrams), understanding the appropriate use for each and the ability to use a combination of multiple diagram types to describe complex business processes accurately and comprehensively.

Healthcare Domain Knowledge :

Familiarity with the U.S. healthcare system, including its data structures, standards, and key initiatives.

Experience with data management requirements and considerations for human subjects research, especially longitudinal studies.

Knowledge of good data management practices for scientific datasets (ensuring integrity, security, and HIPAA compliance).

Adaptability & Learning :

Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and master new, highly detailed, domain-specific knowledge (e.g., Quality Payment Program) and apply it to implementation projects, becoming a subject matter expert on regularly changing programs.

Operational Requirement : Ability to work aligned with U.S. East Coast business hours.

Preferred Qualifications :

Advanced Education & Experience :

Master's degree in Health Informatics or a related field.

10+ years of experience in implementing healthcare data collection and processing systems, particularly for observational studies.

Standards Mastery : Advanced proficiency and mastery in the use of FHIR and other healthcare data standards.

Coding Systems : Familiarity with healthcare coding systems (e.g., SNOMED, ICD, LOINC).

Technical Skills : Demonstrable experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python, R, SAS) and query languages (e.g., SQL) to deliver project outcomes.

Certifications : Relevant certifications in healthcare data standards or technologies (e.g., FHIR certification).

Domain Experience : Experience in human subjects research, clinical research, public health, or related fields.

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IQVIA is a leading global provider of clinical research services, commercial insights and healthcare intelligence to the life sciences and healthcare industries. We create intelligent connections to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative medical treatments to help improve patient outcomes and population health worldwide. Learn more at

IQVIA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable law.

The potential base pay range for this role, when annualized, is $84,600.00 - $211,600.00. The actual base pay offered may vary based on a number of factors including job-related qualifications such as knowledge, skills, education, and experience; location; and / or schedule (full or part-time). Dependent on the position offered, incentive plans, bonuses, and / or other forms of compensation may be offered, in addition to a range of health and welfare and / or other benefits.

IQVIA is a leading global provider of clinical research services, commercial insights and healthcare intelligence to the life sciences and healthcare industries. We create connections that accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative medical treatments. Everything we do is part of a journey to improve patient outcomes and population health worldwide.

To get there, we seek out diverse talent with curious minds and a relentless commitment to innovation and impact. No matter your role, everyone at IQVIA contributes to our shared goal of helping customers improve the lives of patients everywhere. Thank you for your interest in growing your career with us.

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