Senior Clinical Study Budget & Contract Negotiation Specialist CIM (Research Institute)

CUSM; Montreal; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biomedical research institute in Montreal is seeking a Budget Development Lead to manage complex clinical trial budgets. The role involves significant negotiations with sponsors to establish financially compliant agreements. Candidates should possess a degree in Finance or related fields and at least 5 years of experience in clinical trial budgeting. Additional perks include competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

4-week vacation

Bank of 12 paid personal days

Competitive monthly parking rate

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• 5 years in clinical trial budget development and sponsor/CRO negotiation.
• Working knowledge of standard medical coding systems for benchmarking costs.

Responsibilities

• Lead budgeting and coverage analysis for clinical trials.
• Negotiate contracts with stakeholders and sponsors.
• Maintain compliance documentation and analyze outcomes.

Skills

Advanced knowledge of FMV principles

Pricing negotiation

Bilingual (English/French)

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelors or Masters Degree

Field of Study: Finance, Business, Health Administration

Job description

Do you want to work for a world-renowned research institute that pushes the boundaries of biomedical science and health research Right here in Montreal! At the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) you can be part of an organization focused on scientific discovery and innovation in patient-centered medicine. Join us today and make a difference!

Job Description

RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF THE MUHC

The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) is a world-renowned biomedical and hospital research centre. Located in Montreal Quebec the Institute is the research arm of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University. The RI-MUHC is supported in part by the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé (FRQS).

Position Summary

The incumbent will lead the development and negotiation of complex high-value study budgets. They ensure that budgets comprehensively capture all costs adhere to Fair Market Value (FMV) benchmarks and include precise coverage analyses distinguishing sponsor-billable procedures from standard-of-care services. This role involves significant negotiation responsibilities and serves as the primary financial liaison to sponsors during budget discussions.

General Duties

Reports to: CIM Director

Budget Development & Coverage Analysis (45%)

• Translate protocols into detailed structured budgets aligned with FMV benchmarks
• Perform coverage analyses to identify sponsor-billable versus standard-of-care procedures
• Use standard medical coding systems (diagnosis and procedure codes) to classify and benchmark costs for research budgeting
• Ensure budgets incorporate overhead staffing and institutional cost recovery requirements
• Document coverage analysis decisions and FMV sources for audit readiness
• Collaborate with various RI departments as required (Study teams, Grant office, etc.)
• Advise the contract office to ensure that legal clauses are included in the final contract agreement with sponsors
• Ensure service level agreements are in place with the PIs who use the CIM (full or partial service)
• Support the budget review of the PI initiated clinical studies and work closely with the pre-award team

Sponsor Negotiation (45%)

• Serve as lead negotiator with sponsors for complex/high-value studies including Phase I & II & III studies (oncology & non-oncology)
• Defend institutional costs using FMV data coverage analysis rationale and historical benchmarks
• Secure favorable payment schedules upfront and minimize holdbacks
• Track and report negotiation KPIs (cycle time variance from sponsor offer, percentage of cost recovery)

Documentation Compliance & Insights (10%)

• Maintain FMV and coverage analysis documentation library for audits and sponsor reviews
• Analyze negotiation outcomes and update internal pricing models
• Provide negotiation trend insights to Management and support continuous improvement

Experience & Education

• Education: Bachelors or Masters Degree
• Field of Study: Finance, Business, Health Administration or related field
• Work Experience: 5 years in clinical trial budget development and sponsor/CRO negotiation

Required Skills

• Advanced knowledge of FMV principles, coverage analysis and clinical research operations
• Working knowledge of standard medical coding systems for benchmarking costs in research budgeting
• Proven negotiation outcomes with measurable KPIs (cycle time, cost recovery margins)
• Strong communication and diplomacy skills; bilingual (English/French) preferred

Employment Details

Status: Full time

Pay Scale: $55,692.00 to $103,412.40 (commensurate with education & work experience)

Work Shift: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday (35 hours/week)

Work Site: Glen Site and Montreal General Hospital

Benefits

• 4-week vacation, 5th week after 5 years
• Bank of 12 paid personal days and sick/family days
• 13 paid statutory holidays
• Modular group insurance plan (including gender affirmation coverage)
• Telemedicine
• RREGOP (defined benefit government pension plan)
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Child Care Centres
• Corporate Discounts (OPUS Perkopolis)
• Competitive monthly parking rate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Recognition Program
• Flex work options and more

Equal Opportunity Employment Program

The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity, diversity and inclusion within its community. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates who self-identify as members of racialized groups/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities and 2SLGBTQIA persons. We also welcome candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may confidentially contact.