Contracts Analyst II - 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.

• 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 keep the 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.

• 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 to 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…