Linguistic Validation Consultants (Freelance) – English to Japanese (Japan)
ICON plc (Remote)
Join ICON Language Services as part of our global freelance linguist network, working with a trusted provider in clinical and medical translations. We help pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device companies communicate accurately and effectively across borders, bringing life-changing treatments to patients worldwide.
Advanced-level language proficiency is required. Applications who do not meet these criteria will not be considered.
We Are Expanding Our Network
We are looking for experienced freelance Linguistic Validation Consultants to join our approved supplier pool to support Linguistic Validation and COA (Clinical Outcome Assessments) activities. Ideal candidates will:
- Reconciliation & Review
- Review and reconcile translations of COA and related materials
- Ensure conceptual equivalence
- Adapt content culturally while preserving the original meaning
- Conduct back-translation reviews
- Address sponsor or developer comments
- Cognitive Debriefing and Clinicians Reviews
- Conduct cognitive debriefing recruitment and interviews with respondents
- Review interview feedback
- Propose revisions based on comprehension findings
- Arrange Clinicians’ Reviews steps with health care professionals
- Documentation & Reporting
- Provide rationale for translation decisions
- Contribute to linguistic validation reports
- Ensure documentation meets regulatory and industry standards
What You’ll Do
- Coordinate the various steps of the Linguistic Validation projects in collaboration with ILS.
- Ensure the translated COA is conceptually equivalent to the original source COA and measures the same concepts across languages
- Ensure the translated COA is adapted culturally to the target country in question
- Ensure the translated COA is clear and acceptable for everyone in the target population
- Review translations for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with ISO-certified quality standard, and with scientific and regulatory expectations
- Collaborate with Project Managers and subject matter experts to deliver high-quality work within expected timelines.
What We’re Looking For
- Native speaker of the target language and country - Japanese (Japan) - and advanced proficiency in English.
- Ideally based in the target country (Japan)
- Degree in Translation, Linguistics, Life Sciences, or related field preferred.
- 5+ years of professional translation and/or revision experience, with strong expertise in clinical trials and regulatory documentation.
- Proficiency in CAT tools (SDL Trados, MemoQ) and MS Office Suite.
- Previous experience with COA and patient questionnaires
Bonus Points For:
- Knowledge of ICH-GCP, HIPAA, and EU Clinical Trial Regulation requirements.
- Familiarity with machine translation post-editing and ISO 18587 standards.
- Previous experience with eCOA migration and review
Why ICON?
Work with a global leader in life sciences language services.
- Flexible freelance opportunities with competitive compensation.
- Collaborate on projects that impact millions of lives worldwide.
- Be part of an ISO-certified, quality-driven environment that values innovation.