Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.
Missing levels within the leveling matrix can be added based on business need.

The Clinical Research Budget Analyst within the College of Medicine supports the financial and operational success of clinical research initiatives across oncology and non-oncology programs; is responsible for developing, analyzing, and negotiating clinical research budgets and payment terms for contract and grant proposals; contributes to the accurate design and configuration of clinical studies within the Clinical Research Management System (CRMS/CTMS), ensuring alignment with approved protocols, billing compliance, and optimal financial stewardship; serves as an expert resource, delivering training and guidance to investigators, research staff, and institutional partners on clinical research financial management practices.

• Lead and support the development of clinical research budgets, creating initial operating budgets and alternative financial scenarios across industry, federal, non-profit, and investigator-initiated studies
• Review research protocols and supporting documents; gather vendor quotes; prepare detailed internal cost estimates
• Collaborate with investigators, research teams, and financial analysts to identify study-specific operational considerations and feasibility concerns
• Coordinate proposal submissions and contract negotiations with the Office of Research Affairs (ORA)
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of sponsor requirements, funding agency guidelines, CMS billing regulations, and compliance standards; advise faculty and staff on appropriate budget practices
• Evaluate and negotiate a wide range of complex agreements, including federal, international, and industry-sponsored contracts
• Negotiate terms of Master Clinical Trial Agreements in partnership with ORA
• Consult with ORA, research accounting, risk management, and legal counsel to address contractual nuances and ensure institutional and regulatory compliance
• Communicate negotiated terms to investigators and study teams, providing clear guidance on obligations and compliance requirements through ongoing post-award support
• Translate study protocols and finalized budgets into structured CRMS study builds, supporting accurate billing, visit tracking, and financial oversight
• Maintain and update CRMS records throughout the lifecycle of each study to reflect protocol amendments, budget modifications, or operational changes
• Partner with patient financial services, research teams, and post-award analysts to troubleshoot and resolve research billing concerns
• Provide mentorship and supervision to junior analysts, offering coaching on budgeting techniques, negotiation strategies, and best practices for clinical research financial management
• Serve as a subject matter expert for colleagues involved in pre-award and post-award processes, supporting process improvement and consistency across the department
• Develop and deliver educational programs, presentations, and workshops on clinical research administration topics to faculty and research staff
• Conduct individualized training sessions with investigators and research personnel across departments to support study-specific needs and enhance research administration competencies

Level:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 11
• Minimum – $68,200.00
• MidPoint – $85,200.00
• Maximum – $102,300.00

• Budget Management
• Collaboration
• Continuous improvement
• Contract negotiation
• Cost management
• Data Analysis
• Data integrity
• Financial Risk Management
• Medical billing
• Mentorship
• Project Management
• Regulatory compliance
• Stakeholder engagement
• Training design