Clinical Research Budget Analyst

University of North Carolina

Part-time,Full-time - Mid Level

Educational Services

About the position

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Clinical Research Budget Analyst to join the Vice Chancellor for Research Finance Service Center. This position is crucial for developing, pricing, and negotiating budgets for clinical research projects with Federal and Industry Sponsors. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of clinical research processes, including study design and protocol development, and will have a proven track record of successful budget negotiations at sites, pharmaceutical companies, or contract research organizations (CROs). The role is designed for a mid- to late-career professional, ideally someone who has experience as a Research Manager or Study Coordinator. The Clinical Research Budget Analyst will be responsible for ensuring that budgets align with study designs and protocol requirements. This includes negotiating proposed budgets with sponsors to ensure fair compensation for services rendered. The analyst will also provide training and develop presentations for large audiences to guide teams through the critical budgeting activities, as the service center cannot assist with every clinical trial opportunity. Collaboration with study teams is essential to identify cost drivers and potential savings opportunities, as well as monitoring budget expenditures throughout the study lifecycle to control costs effectively. Additionally, the analyst will maintain detailed records of budget negotiations, approvals, and expenditures, ensuring compliance with regulatory and institutional financial policies and procedures. Continuous evaluation and refinement of budgeting processes will be necessary to improve efficiency and accuracy. This position may allow for hybrid work, but the majority of time will need to be spent in the Chapel Hill offices to facilitate face-to-face meetings when necessary. The role will also involve providing leadership across the School of Medicine and other schools involved in clinical research, offering crucial guidance for their budgets and subsequent negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and price budgets for clinical research projects in accordance with study design and protocol requirements.
• Negotiate proposed budgets with sponsors to ensure fair compensation for services rendered.
• Provide training and develop presentations for large audiences to guide teams through critical budgeting activities.
• Collaborate with study teams to identify cost drivers and potential savings opportunities.
• Monitor budget expenditures throughout the study lifecycle and identify areas where costs can be controlled.
• Help develop proper recording of expenses on the correct projects to ensure accurate project reporting.
• Maintain detailed records of budget negotiations, approvals, and expenditures.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and institutional financial policies and procedures.
• Continuously evaluate and refine budgeting processes to improve efficiency and accuracy.

Requirements

• Mid- to late-career with a Master's degree and 2-4 years of experience; or a Bachelor's degree with 3-5 years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and negotiating budgets with pharmaceutical companies or CROs.
• Strong understanding of clinical research processes and requirements.
• Direct supervision of others or leading in a matrix environment as a Leader or Project Manager.
• Familiarity with federal and institutional financial regulations and policies.
• Experience working with all levels of Clinical Research positions, including Principal Investigators, Research Managers, and Sponsor Project Leaders.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

Nice-to-haves

• 5 years' experience in clinical research budget development and negotiation at a clinical research site, with 7 to 10 years preferred in addition to a Bachelor's degree.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health, life, and retirement plans.
• Paid leave and a variety of programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
• Professional training opportunities for career growth and skill development.
• Exclusive perks for retail, restaurant, and performing arts discounts.
• Savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events.