Pre-Award Specialist

Overview

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department: Cancer Center

Working Title: Pre-Award Specialist

Position #: – Requisition #: 37750

Job Summary:

The Oncology Clinical Research Pre Award Specialist is responsible for developing, negotiating, finalizing and reviewing budgets for clinical trials conducted by faculty members of the University of Colorado Cancer Center at University of Colorado Hospital (UCH). This position requires discretion, analytical skill and personal responsibility to identify, research, collaborate and creatively solve problems in a changing environment while remaining within system, institutional, and state fiscal policies. This position works extensively with industry sponsors, CU finance contacts, clinical staff, faculty members, the University of Colorado Hospital, administrative staff throughout the University, as well as representatives from various departments and CU Medicine. A lot of training is provided up front as this position must learn a Medicare Coverage Analysis (MCA), oncology clinical trial protocols, and processes and procedures of the oncology clinical trial Post Award specialist, the oncology clinical trial finance/billing specialist, and clinic staff.

Job trainings and functions include reviewing and analyzing complex oncology clinical trial protocols, drafting a study-specific budget to account for all procedural and labor costs, working with the clinical trial system OnCoreTM, calendar builders and Project/Research managers to ensure all costs are properly accounted for. This position is responsible for contracts/ grants solicitation and administration, grant/agreement preparation, review and negotiation, regulatory compliance, sponsor communication and pre-award management. This position will have budgetary oversight and is responsible for the advancement of oncology clinical trial contracts and amendments sponsored by industry, cooperative groups, federal grants/contracts and investigator initiated clinical trials.

Specific Examples of Work Performed (All Levels):

• Review clinical trial protocols in order to draft a study-specific budget that accounts for all procedural and labor costs.

• Negotiate budgets with industry sponsors.

• Review and negotiate contractual payment terms.

• Work with the Clinical Research Administration Office (CRAO) to review and approve final contracts (budget related sections and exhibits).

• Work with OnCoreTM calendar builders to ensure financial information in OnCoreTM accurately reflects procedures, rates and prices in the negotiated budgets.

• Review contractual documents to ensure final negotiated terms have been incorporated.

• Route contractual documents for non-budget increase amendments.

• Collaborate with Finance Specialists, Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Coordinators to ensure the negotiated budget terms are understood and billed correctly.

• Complete pre-award reviews using OnCoreTM and train other finance team members in this task if required.

Additional Duties for Level II:

• Experience with clinical studies calendar specifications and protocol/subject related procedures.

• Work with Clinical Project Managers and demonstrate advanced research budgeting knowledge.

Additional Duties for Level III:

• Train Oncology Clinical Trial Budget Specialist I in the clinical trials management software OnCoreTM.

• Train Oncology Clinical Trial Budget Specialist I in budget management and negotiation.

• Train Oncology Clinical Trial Budget Specialist I in budget calendar specifications and protocol/subject related procedures.

• Act as resource to assist other Clinical Research Budget Specialists as needed.

• Identify process improvement opportunities and involve others across interrelated teams to evaluate.

Remote – this role is eligible to work remotely, but the employee must be in the United States.

The University of Colorado Cancer Center stands at the forefront of cancer research and patient care in Colorado. As the state's only National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we hold a prestigious distinction recognizing our contributions to research, clinical trials, prevention, and cancer control. Our guiding vision is to prevent and conquer cancer, together. Our mission is to unite our community to overcome cancer through innovation, discovery, prevention, early detection, multidisciplinary care, and education.

We have more than 300 members, including physicians and researchers, who conduct patient-centered research to develop innovative technologies and treatments. We also employ nearly 300 staff members who help expand the reach of the CU Cancer Center. Our expertise across cancer types enables world-class treatment and hope for patients with difficult cancers.

Why work for the University?

We offer amazing benefits, including generous holiday, vacation and sick leave. The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options

• Dental: Multiple plan options

• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of gross pay

• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

• Holiday Days: 10/year

• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks and programs with CU Advantage.

To see what benefits are available, please visit:

Minimum Qualifications

Oncology Clinical Trial Pre Award Specialist I (Entry):

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in finance, business administration, healthcare or other related field.

Oncology Clinical Trial Pre Award Specialist II (Intermediate):

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in finance, business administration, healthcare or other related field.

• Two (2) years of professional experience working in Oncology Clinical Research Finance.

Oncology Clinical Trial Pre Award Specialist III (Senior):

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in finance, business administration, healthcare or other related field.

• Three (3) years of professional experience working in Oncology Clinical Research Finance.

Substitutions for all levels: Related experience in budget, finance, business administration or clinical field may substitute for the degree on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications for Oncology Clinical Trial Pre Award Specialist I:

• Experience working with clinical trials management software, preferably OnCoreTM

• One (1) or more years’ experience in a clinical or clinical research setting.

• Six (6) months or more experience reading and understanding clinical research protocols, specifically oncology, is preferred.

• Experience managing budgets.

• Experience with clinical studies calendar specifications and protocol/subject related procedures.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

All Levels:

• Good comprehension of contract terminology and ability to draft and negotiate contract budget terms.

• Ability to work across different departments.

• Organizational skills, ability to multi-task, adapt to change, and handle competing priorities.

• Financial analytical skills and ability to troubleshoot problems and pursue resolutions.

• Critical thinking and decision-making with strong attention to detail.

• Logical thinking with the ability to learn and process large amounts of information.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Familiarity with medical and clinical research budgeting concepts.

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following documents:

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications (use if a cover letter is necessary)

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Three to five professional references with contact details

Questions should be directed to: Kari Mancillas,

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until September 20, 2025.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range for this position has been established as a hiring range. Entry - $48,070-$61,145; Intermediate - $52,312-$66,541; Senior - $56,553-$71,936.

If you have prior state-classified service in the same class series, your pay may be set higher per the state Step Pay Program. For more information, visit the Step Pay Program page.

Total Compensation Calculator:

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. To request an accommodation, contact the HR ADA Coordinator at

Background Check Statement:

The University conducts background investigations for all prospective employees to ensure a safe environment.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz encourages vaccination against COVID-19 and other preventable diseases. If you work in healthcare facilities or with CU Anschutz partners, you may be required to comply with facility vaccination policies and participate in health surveillance programs.