

Lucy Tatum
Junior Clinical Data Manager at Pfizer UK
Trust yourself, stay curious, and don't be afraid to take up space.
About Lucy...
Who am I?
"I think the personality types match me perfectly! I have an 'investigator' mindset, which means I'm naturally curious and enjoy diving into the details to ensure data is accurate and meaningful. This investigative nature helps me to stay focused on analysing and verifying large datasets, which is crucial in ensuring the integrity of clinical trials. I also identify with a 'manager' type personality - I thrive in organising complex information, managing tasks, and keeping everything in order to meet deadlines and project goals. Even at this early stage in my career, I find satisfaction in maintaining structure and efficiency.Additionally, I have a 'trainer' element to my personality. I enjoy learning new skills and processes, and I look forward to sharing knowledge with others as I gain more experience. I believe that being able to teach or guide others in the future will be essential as I grow in this field. Overall, my combination of analytical thinking, organisational skills, and a willingness to learn makes me confident that clinical data management is a great fit for me, even as I continue to develop professionally."
What do I do?
"My main responsibilities include organising and maintaining clinical trial data, ensuring that its accurate, up-to-date, and properly documented. I assist in checking datasets for errors or inconsistencies and work to clean the data so it's ready for analysis. I also help in setting up databases and tracking the progress of clinical trials, making sure data is collected and reported in compliance with regulatory standards. The outcomes of my work are crucial in the overall success of clinical trials. By ensuring data accuracy and integrity, I help contribute to valid study results, which ultimately support important decisions in healthcare and drug development. Reliable data is the backbone of clinical research, and my role helps maintain the quality necessary for these results to have real-world impact.What I enjoy most about this job is the mix of analytical thinking and problem-solving. I love being detail-oriented and knowing that my work helps ensure data is clean and trustworthy. It's also fulfilling to be part of a team that's contributing to advancements in healthcare. Seeing how the data I work on plays a role in improving patient outcomes makes the job especially rewarding."
How did I get here?
"My route to becoming a Junior Clinical Data Manager in oncology started with my passion for science, which led me to pursue a degree in Biological Sciences at university. During my studies, I developed a strong interest in data analysis and its role in research, especially how data can influence advancements in healthcare. I became particularly fascinated by oncology research and how data management plays a key role in clinical trials for cancer treatments.When the opportunity for a year-long placement came up, I applied for the clinical data management role to gain practical experience in the field. The placement has allowed me to combine my academic background in biological sciences with hands-on experience in managing clinical trial data. This role has helped me better understand the importance of data accuracy, compliance, and organisation in the success of clinical trials and drug development. It's been an invaluable learning experience, giving me real world insight into how data management supports advancements in cancer treatments."
The life I live
"In my spare time, I really enjoy reading, especially fiction and science-related books, as they allow me to escape into different worlds while also expanding my knowledge. I find that reading not only helps me relax, but also stimulates my creativity and critical thinking, which I find beneficial in my studies and work. I also love going for walks in the countryside. Being in nature helps me to recharge and provides a nice balance to my academic and professional life. It's important for me to stay active, and being out in the fresh air helps me to clear my mind."
My typical day
"A typical day at work starts with checking updates from the previous day to ensure I'm aligned with ongoing tasks. I work in a global team, so often I get emails through after I've logged off for the day. I often spend my morning answering queries related to the data, which often involved clarifying points or providing additional information. Sometimes I need to upload new documents to our database, which ensure that all aspects of the trial are documented and comply with regulatory standards. Throughout the day, I join team meetings to discuss any updates on the study, share progress, and address any challenges we might be facing. This collaborative environment helps keep everyone informed and focused on our goals.In any free time I may have, I work on other projects. This includes larger clinical data research, being a STEM ambassador, and being part of the Pfizer Women's Resource Group."
My qualifications
"I did A Levels in Maths, Biology and Chemistry, achieving A*AB. I also did an Extended Project Qualification that I achieved an A* in. I now study Biological Sciences at Loughborough University and am expected to graduate in 2026."