Contracts Analyst 2 - Grants & Contracts Office

Summary

The Office of Research helps to facilitate life-saving biomedical research at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Nine distinct units provide specialized support to meet the administrative needs of our investigators and research staff, and together we coordinate, regulate, and monitor research studies. Our Grants and Contracts Office (GCO) unit supports MCW investigators and research staff in both facilitating the negotiation of research-related contracts as well as preparing other high-quality business agreements.  

The GCO Contracts Analyst II is expected to operate with a high degree of independence, accountability, and professional judgment in managing a specialized and complex portfolio. The Analyst II role reflects advancement beyond foundational contract negotiation and requires consistent demonstration of critical thinking, initiative, and ownership of outcomes. This individual has experienced legal knowledge of industry requirements and works with investigators, departments and other central offices to implement clinical research programs in compliance with institutional policy and sponsor regulations. The GCO Contracts Analyst II facilitates, submits, negotiates and awards clinical trials; develops and implements compliance measures; and drafts and manages sub-recipient awards in support of clinical research. Demonstrates daily working knowledge of regulatory and governing bodies which impact contracts administration to ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.  

Primary Responsibilities

• Demonstrate dependable performance and follow-through in managing deadlines, high-volume submissions, and complex awards without the need for routine oversight. 

• Exercises independent judgment in interpreting sponsor and institutional policies, identifying risk, and resolving issues through proactive problem-solving. 

• Review, draft and negotiate clinical trial agreements, material transfer agreements, data use and transfer agreements, confidentiality agreements and subtier agreements of the same.  

• Responsible for the interpretation and articulation of institutional and sponsor policies and procedures to ensure compliance and proactively keeping department apprised of changes in policies and regulations of relevant granting agencies.  Work with departments and central administrative offices to achieve compliance. Communicates with clarity and authority when representing GCO to departments and sponsoring agencies.

• Contributes to team stability and reliability, especially during peak periods, serving as a consistent and trusted resource. .

• Demonstrates commitment to professional growth, expanding subject matter expertise, identifying process improvements, and building readiness for an increasingly complex research enterprise. 

• Models professionalism and accountability, reinforcing team standards and contributing positively to team culture.  Partners with other GCO analysts and MCW stakeholders in a collaborative, team-based environment.

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge – Skills – Abilities

• Preaward grants and clinical research support is a lengthy and structured process that requires an individual to have strong organizational skills and persistent follow through. 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential. 

• Strong critical thinking, problem solving and attentiveness to detail are required.

• Must have solid knowledge of related federal regulations, especially NIH and OMB, and ability or interpret organizational policies and guidelines for research management.

• Must have strong computer skills and high comfort level with multiple web-based systems.

• Proven ability to maintain balance between positive relationships with external sponsors and internal personnel while adhering to the requirements of the institution. 

• Ability to maintain confidences, perform effectively in a stressful, deadline-driven environment, and effectively plan and organize projects impacting the work of others. 

• Positive advocacy of the goals and objectives of the unit, department and mission of the College is essential. 

• Flexibility with internal processes and timelines is fundamental. 

• Must have strong customer service skills that includes courteous and helpful behavior; accomplishing tasks through teamwork and initiative; ensuring timely and thorough responses to complaints and critiques; and anticipating the needs of all those with whom you work

Qualifications

Appropriate experience may be substituted for education an on equivalent basis.

Minimum Required Education:  Bachelor's degree in health sciences, business, healthcare administration, or law

Minimum Required Experience:  5 years of related experience. 

Preferred Education: JD, Master’s or advanced degree preferred.

Preferred Experience:  Contract administration, contract negotiation         

Physical Requirements

Work requires handling average weight materials or equipment, but not for sustained periods.

Work Environment

Typical working conditions found in most administrative work areas.

Sensory Acuity

Ability to detect and translate speech or other communication required. May occasionally require the ability to distinguish colors and perceive relative distances between objects.

Why MCW?

• Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental. Along with Flexible Spending options
• 403B Retirement Package
• Competitive Vacation and Paid Holidays offered
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Pet Insurance
• On campus Fitness Facility, offering onsite classes
• Additional discounted rates on items such as: Select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation and entertainment etc.

For a brief overview of our benefits see: Benefits Overview

For a full list of positions see: MCW Careers

At MCW all of our endeavors, from our internal operations to our interactions with our partners, are driven by our shared organizational values: Caring – Collaborative – Curiosity – Inclusive – Integrity – Respect. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives through merit-based processes and in alignment with all applicable laws. We believe that embracing human differences is critical to realize our vision of a healthier world, and we recognize that a healthy and thriving community starts from within. Our values define who we are, what we stand for and how we conduct ourselves at MCW. If you believe in embracing individuality and working together according to these principles to improve health for all, then MCW is the place for you. For more information, please visit our institutional website.

MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination:

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.