VCHRI: Contracts and Budgets Specialist

Come work as a Contracts and Budgets Specialist with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)!

Vancouver Coastal Health is looking for a Contracts and Budgets Specialist to join the VCH Research Institute Team. Apply today to join our team!

This position operates in a complex research environment in which several institutions, including Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and University of British Columbia (UBC), industry sponsors (pharmaceutical / device companies), contract research organizations (CROs), academic medical centres, physicians, and researchers are involved. More than 300 clinical trials are conducted at VCH each year. Researchers at VCH generate over $14M annually in clinical research funding from a variety of sources.

As a Contracts and Budgets Specialist with Vancouver Coastal Health you will:

• Support the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) Office of Clinical Trials Administration providing contractual interpretation, negotiations, advice and support to ensure VCH’s and VCHRI’s compliance with the complex legal and regulatory framework for research on human subjects.
• Work closely with VCH and VCHRI staff, UBC (University Industry Liaison Office, Office of Research Services, Research Ethics, Research Finance), industry sponsors, CROs, physicians, researchers, and other internal (such as VCH operational departments) and external partners (such as industry, other academic medical centres and Health Authorities) to ensure timely review and negotiation of clinical research agreements and budgets, and effective implementation of clinical trials administration initiatives.
• Be expected to function in a team setting with a degree of autonomy and independence and working within the broader guidelines set by the VCHRI Senior Leadership.

This work is framed within VCH’s commitments to our pillars of Indigenous Cultural Safety, Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Planetary Health.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or relevant discipline.
• Three (3) years’ recent, related experience in an academic or health care organization, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Master’s Degree preferred.

Knowledge & Abilities

• A “customer service” attitude, and the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a broad range of individuals from various disciplines.
• Familiarity with contract and financial administration in a hospital or university setting is required.
• Experience in negotiating business arrangements, contractual matters and budgets required.
• Experience in account reconciliation and knowledge of accounting principles and practices is required.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with physicians, staff, and external sponsors.
• Demonstrated negotiation and organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of VCH and UBC research and financial polices is preferred.
• Experience using UBC RISe is preferred.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment, using sound judgment and ability to maintain continuity of work despite periodic pressures and frequent interruptions.
• Uses initiative, and sets own priorities based on workload and competing deadlines.
• Ability to exercise tact, discretion and diplomacy and to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive organizational information.
• Attentive to detail, with the ability to work quickly and accurately.
• Computer experience (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Internet). Ability to use word processing, database, electronic mail, presentation and internet applications at an intermediate level and Excel spreadsheet applications at an advanced level.
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with key internal and external partners to promote and enhance services provided with sensitivity to diversity and indigenous lens.
• Practices the recognition, inclusion and support of all types and aspects of diversity at all stages of engagement, with an understanding of the issues faced by people from equity-deserving groups.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes. Successful applicants may be required to complete a Criminal Records Review Check.

Why Join Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH):

VCH is a world class innovator in medical care, research and teaching, delivering service to more than one million BC residents. At VCH, we embrace thinking boldly, taking smart risks, and 'going first' when we believe it will lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. We invite you to join us in creating healthy lives in healthy communities by showcasing our passion for care, connection to the communities we serve and our culture of teamwork that makes VCH a great place to work.

• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• Grow your career with employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential to our goals of creating a great place to work and delivering exceptional care. We acknowledge and accommodate unique differences and ensure special measures are in place so that all prospective and current employees are given an opportunity to succeed.

We are committed to building a representative workforce and encourage applications reflecting diversity of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization or ancestry, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers in 2024.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for this posting.