Budget Analyst

Budget Analyst (Hybrid)

We are seeking a detail-oriented Budget Analyst to join our dynamic team. This role involves preparing complex proposals, managing project budgets, and ensuring compliance with financial guidelines. The successful candidate will serve as a liaison between various departments and will play a crucial role in supporting clinical research finances, particularly in oncology.

Responsibilities

• Prepare complex proposals within the guidelines of sponsored and non-sponsored research.
• Oversee and communicate the proposal submission process, resolving any related issues.
• Develop, prepare, revise, and finalize project budgets, providing budget justification.
• Serve as a liaison between principal investigators, research groups, and other departments.
• Ensure awards are set up properly and cost-sharing commitments are fulfilled.
• Review and approve expenditures and oversee compliance related to fund and revenue.
• Develop reports supporting project status and create forecasting models.
• Manage contract closeout process and audit inquiries.
• Interpret complex university and government policies for project and university personnel.
• Identify and implement process improvements, and participate in cross-campus projects.
• Train and advise on issues requiring specific technical expertise.
• Oversee and review the work of other staff, potentially supervising and mentoring them.

Essential Skills

• Clinical trial budget experience.
• Oncology clinical research experience.
• Sponsor negotiation experience.
• Advanced Excel skills, including proficiency with VLOOKUPs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience developing, managing, and reviewing clinical trial budgets.
• Experience supporting sponsored clinical research finances.
• Strong preference for candidates with cancer/oncology clinical trial experience.
• Experience negotiating budgets and financial terms with sponsors.
• Highly proficient in Excel, beyond basic functionality, including data analysis and manipulation and complex spreadsheet management.

Work Environment

This position supports a hybrid work model requiring two days onsite per week. However, exceptional remote candidates may also be considered. The role provides an opportunity to work within a leading Cancer Center, contributing to impactful clinical research.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Palo Alto, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $54.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Palo Alto, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.