[Hiring] Research Specialist - Budget Analyst @UPMC

Role Description

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is currently hiring a regular full-time Research Specialist - Budget Analyst, ONC to help support the Oncology Clinical Research Services team located at the Hillman Cancer Center in Shadyside/Pittsburgh, PA. This role will support the Financial Compliance team working Monday through Friday daylight hours with a remote schedule.

This position is necessary to build clinical trial budgets and coverage analysis for clinical trials. The Clinical Trial Budget Analyst is responsible for ensuring the financial compliance and proper coverage of clinical trial procedures. Responsibilities include:

• Reviewing clinical trial protocols to determine billable procedures to third-party payers.
• Ensuring alignment with Medicare and other insurance coverage rules.
• Identifying study-related costs that should be covered by the study sponsor.
• Collaborating with clinical research teams, finance departments, and compliance to ensure accurate financial planning and billing for clinical trials.
• Working with various systems including EPIC EHR and OnCore CTMS for compliant billing and budgeting purposes.

The Clinical Research Services (CRS) team is made up of nearly 200 staff members who facilitate the development, implementation, coordination, internal data monitoring, and completion of oncology-focused trials at Hillman.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in health-related field.
• 3 years of experience in clinical trials.
• 1 year of experience in Medicare coverage determination preferred.
• Knowledge of clinical research protocol and budgeting is required.
• Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Clinical Research Professional Certification or related certification is a plus.

Requirements

• Lead the development, analysis, and maintenance of comprehensive clinical trial budgets.
• Build, enter, and maintain study budgets within the Clinical Trial Management System (OnCore CTMS).
• Conduct detailed coverage analyses in accordance with Medicare’s Clinical Trial Policy.
• Apply appropriate CDM and CPT coding to identify billable versus sponsor-covered services.
• Negotiate clinical trial budgets with sponsors and CROs.
• Ensure institutional policies, financial compliance standards, and payer regulations are enforced.
• Collaborate closely with investigators and research teams to resolve budget questions.
• Communicate coverage analysis determinations and finalized budget details clearly.
• Support resolution of billing discrepancies or compliance concerns.
• Maintain current knowledge of clinical trial financial regulations and reimbursement guidelines.
• Provide education and guidance to research staff regarding clinical trial budgeting.

Company Description

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is internationally recognized for its leadership in the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer and is the region's only comprehensive cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute.

As the preeminent institution in western Pennsylvania for the delivery of cancer care, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is exceptionally well-positioned to contribute to the global effort to reduce the burden of cancer.