Purpose:
The Research Specialist – Grants & Contracts, is responsible for supporting sponsored program agreements and submissions throughout UPMC, such as negotiating and executing Confidential Disclosure Agreements; intercepting, tracking, and reviewing grant applications and contracts; participating in reviews of ancillary contracts; negotiating and executing emergency use contracts; risk screening; and other contractual-related activities as needed. Works collaboratively with many UPMC departments, centers, subsidiaries, compliance offices, central administrative offices, corporate legal, and other departments as necessary. Provides vision in planning by setting measurable goals and complying with all new and ongoing processes and peripheral sponsored program activities and compliance. This is a highly visible position that interacts with UPMC business units at all levels of the organization.

Responsibilities:

• This individual’s primary areas of responsibility will be to negotiate and execute Confidential Disclosure Agreements, to process and review Grant Applications and to ensure appropriate designation of grant responsibility, financial compliance involvement, and accurate tracking throughout all stages of the grant cycle.
• Additional focus will be on emergency use contracts, conflict of interest screening, and other external regulatory requirements. 
• Contribute to resource and training materials, including the development of computer-based module training.
• Review and monitor adherence to research compliance policies and procedures.
• Effectively collaborate with Legal to timely and effectively handle submissions and negotiate select sponsored agreements throughout UPMC.
• Provide ongoing advice and resources to management for sponsored program issues and process monitoring and improvement, and work with management to implement these improvements.
• Research clinical trial related questions and provide follow up advice.
• Maintain a working knowledge of the various laws, regulations and industry guidance that impact the corporate research compliance program.