Clinical Research Financial Specialist

SUMMARY:
The Clinical Research Financial Specialist provider resides within the Brown University Health Office of
Cancer Research (BHOCR), under the direction of a Department Research Finance Manager. The position
is recruiting a high-level performer of clinical research administration functions and activities. The position
will support and mentor entry-level and mid-level colleagues with assigned activities. The Clinical Research
Financial Specialist may be assigned any of the following pre-award or post-award activities for a portfolio
of clinical research studies: calendar builds in OnCore (clinical trial management system); Coverage
Analysis; budget development and negotiation; sponsor invoicing; sponsored account invoicing; accounts
receivable activities; study closeout activities, grant applications and management and patient charge
segregation. The Clinical Research Financial Specialist is responsible for the management of complex
research portfolios for multiple laboratories (and Disease Centers, as applicable) and completes work
autonomously, updating department leadership, as necessary. The Clinical Research Financial Specialist
serves in a leadership role within the department business office, functioning as a senior resource to peers
within the department and across the Institution
The Clinical Research Financial Specialist is responsible for a diverse set of funding types including federal,
industry, foundation, donor, institutional, chargeback, and clinical trials.
- Collaborates with and advises faculty and researchers on the preparation of sponsored research
applications and/or the financial management of sponsored and institutional funds; and is responsible for
problem solving on behalf of the department.
- Has advanced and specialized expertise and regularly provides guidance and mentorship to colleagues
with less experience, in addition to leading training and educational efforts within the Institution.
- Responsible for collaborating with institute central offices such as Research Finance, Accounts Payable,
Research Administration, Special Funds, Grants and Contracts, and the Clinical Trials Office. In addition to
grant management responsibilities, will manage special projects /assignments either within the department
or across departments and will represent the Department at Institutional Committees/Workgroups. The
Clinical Research Financial Specialist is expected to partner with Department Leadership and Faculty to set
strategy and provide guidance and expertise.
Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of
Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with
patients, customers and one another.
In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us
how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include:
Instill Trust and Value Differences
Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Clinical Research Financial Specialist is responsible for the financial management of the of assigned
clinical research projects: including but not all-inclusive of the planning, developing, monitoring and
coordinating the departmental research administrative activities for assigned department/programs within
LOCR. In this position you will collaborate with and advise faculty and researchers on the preparation
sponsored research projects and the financial management of sponsored and institutional funds. You will
be responsible for a diverse set of funding types on various phases of clinical research in adult and
pediatric hematology-oncology. You will serve as a point person and facilitate smooth coordination,
communication, and problem resolution relative to research administrative matters between department,
research administration, faculty, divisional leaders, and other hospital and university departments.
The Clinical Research Financial Specialist is responsible for the financial management of the of assigned
clinical research projects: including but not all-inclusive of

The planning, developing, monitoring and coordinating the departmental research administrative activities
for assigned department/programs within BHOCR. In this position you will collaborate with and advise
faculty and researchers on the preparation sponsored research projects and the financial management of
sponsored and institutional funds.
You will be responsible for a diverse set of funding types on various phases of clinical research in adult and
pediatric hematology-oncology. You will serve as a point person and facilitate smooth coordination,
communication, and problem resolution relative to research administrative matters between department,
research administration, faculty, divisional leaders, and other hospital and university departments.
Pre-Award Management
Responsible for facilitating study start up activities for new clinical trials at BHOCR. This includes initial
calendar and coverage analysis development, budget negotiations and clinical trial agreement execution.
Additional requirements include requesting letters of collaboration.
Proactively works with faculty and/or professional staff to identify funding opportunities and prepare
applications for grants in compliance with sponsor guidelines and Brown University Health’s standards for
excellence and timeliness.
Responsible for the timely and accurate completion of entire proposal (excluding scientific content) for
accuracy, presentation, and compliance.
This includes but is not limited to all administrative pages, narratives for non-scientific areas of the grant
(e.g., data sharing plan, resource sharing plan, human subjects, etc.), and appendices.
Responsible for oversight of grant submittal process, including monitoring the application review process
and submitting supplemental information. Works with faculty to review summary sheets and plan
responses/revised applications, if applicable, and complete any JIT or program requests.
Assists with all progress reports and ensures compliance and responsiveness with sponsor guidelines and
requests.
Communicates institutional and funding agencies’ regulations and policies on grants and contracts.
Familiarizes administrative staff regarding Rhode Island Hospital institutional research policies and
procedures. Responsible for coordinating and providing information to the faculty about funding
opportunities, requirements, and deadlines.
Post-Award Management
Responsible for preparing and submitting invoices to Sponsors, including tracking receipt of payment.
Responsible for completing check requests for invoices the department received through our vendors and
tracking payments to external companies.
Updates associated budgets and Medicare Coverage Analysis as clinical research studies undergo
amendments.
Upon award, finalizes the budget and works with Office of Research to get the award set up properly in a
timely manner.
Reviews Notice of Award for any budgetary or other restrictions/requirements. Works with faculty to assure
understanding of reporting and other requirements of PI.

Reviews budget adjustments, restrictions, required responses with faculty and ensures a timely response to
the sponsor.
Manages budget spending to guidelines, monitoring and reviewing allocation of research funds, grant
balances and charges, ensuring appropriate use of funds under investigator control, both in terms of
sponsor/external regulations and Brown Health University policy.
Calculates overhead and fringe benefit charges; completes supply chain equipment application; ensures
payment of salaries; and generates spreadsheets.
Compiles and analyzes fiscal data; develops updates, disseminates accurate and complete financial
information to ensure compliance with all requirements of funded
programs.
Assists in managing the department post-award aspect of projects, knowledge of sponsor, institutional and
departmental requirements, ability to interpret those requirements and competency in addressing the inhouse
systems (research administration, accounts payable, accounts receivable, finance, purchasing,
human resources, payroll and pharmacy).
Maintains confidential and comprehensive records of salary expenses and other disbursements,
recommending adjustments where necessary.
Maintains communications with review committees to learn of any new requirements and to help ensure
compliance with current regulations.
Prepares/provides reports and documents as requested by the managers; attends related meetings on
regular basis.
Represent department at research administration management meetings and on hospital teams.
Compliance
Partners with faculty and researchers to ensure adherence to internal and external policies.
Maintains communications with review committees to learn of any new requirements and to help ensure
compliance with current regulations.
Complete billing review for clinical research study participants in Epic/LifeChart.
The Clinical Research Financial Specialist is responsible for the management of complex research
portfolios working autonomously, updating department leadership as necessary. This role acts as a senior
resource to peers within the department and across the hospital system.
Able to lead and influence projects within the Department and across the Institution’s research central
offices. Independently discusses and troubleshoots complex
issues. Shares ideas openly and accurately, and communicates them effectively, both in writing and
verbally.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance or related area, or lieu, at least 10 years of relevant
research administration experience.

EXPERIENCE:
At least ten years of experience in a research/academic environment to include federal and non-federal
funding, grant application processes, and regulations set by local,
federal, hospital, and independent agencies preferred. Oncology clinical research experience preferred.
Excellent verbal and written skills are essential. The ability to interact with persons from diverse
backgrounds such as MD’s, PhD’s, research and administrative staff.
Thorough knowledge of microcomputers, peripheral equipment and networks. Thorough knowledge of
software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Windows.
Ability to learn specific research access programs.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
None.

Pay Range:

$74,672.00-$123,198.40

EEO Statement:

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location:

Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Work Type:

M-F 8:00AM-5:00PM

Work Shift:

Day

Daily Hours:

8 hours

Driving Required:

No