MSD

Senior Specialist, Project Management, Research Initiation, Budget Execution

MSD

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: Rahway • New Jersey • Pennsylvania • United States

Visit company website

Explore more

✨ AI Apply
Apply

Salary

💰 $106,200 - $167,200 per year

Job Level

Senior

About the role

  • Provides support in the planning and startup activities related to the sourcing and contracting of an observational or non-interventional research project through collaboration with Procurement.
  • Assists OR leads in the preparation of Requests for Proposals (RFPs), assisting in the bid evaluations and the review of project scopes and associated budgets.
  • Proactively identifies, troubleshoots and resolves emerging challenges and works toward timely resolution.
  • Provides supplier/vendor oversight to ensure timely completion of supplier tasks and input.
  • Troubleshoots sourcing/study issues as they arise and work to bring to timely resolution.
  • Provides support for project-level compliance reviews [e.g., Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC) Due Diligence, Denied Party Screening (DPS)] to uphold regulatory standards.
  • Works with the supplier to provide the necessary documentation to support a Fair Market Value (FMV) assessment when required for project budgets.
  • Reviews documentation before it is sent for official FMV review.
  • Track the progress of projects within the FMV review cycle to ensure completion within required timelines.
  • Provides input to management on process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Partners closely with scientists to facilitate the budgeting process, ensuring accurate payment processing and forecasting for upcoming projects or studies.
  • Monitors and tracks invoices against the established payment schedule, promptly addressing any queries related to milestone deliverables to ensure timely resolutions.
  • Collaborates with Outcomes Research Scientists to provide real-time updates to the official forecast within System Analysis Program Development (SAP), reflecting the annual budget for each project accurately.
  • Assists Outcomes Research Scientists with inquiries regarding the timing of invoices, acting as an effective liaison if needed between vendors and our company’s Source to Settle team to resolve issues.
  • Maintains meticulous records of sourcing projects and conduct thorough analyses of sourcing and financial data to inform decision-making and enhance efficiency.
  • Contributes to the formulation of the annual plan, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and resource allocation.
  • Monitors the progress of all projects, ensuring that both internal and external stakeholders are kept informed with timely updates on project status.
  • Facilitates budget discussions with Executive Directors as necessary, focusing on monitoring, reviewing and mitigating financial risks associated with the organization’s projects.
  • Proactively troubleshoots discrepancies or potential financial issues as they arise, conducting thorough investigations to achieve resolutions.
  • Provides potential project management support for various improvement initiatives within the team, contributing to process enhancements and goal achievement.
  • Creates and maintains comprehensive training documents and checklists to ensure staff are equipped with the necessary resources and knowledge.
  • Oversees and maintains departmental SharePoint sites, ensuring that resources are organized, accessible, and up to date for team members.

Requirements

  • Minimum A bachelor’s degree in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, biological sciences, business, or a closely related discipline.
  • A master’s degree in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, biological sciences, or a related field is preferred but not mandatory.
  • Three years of experience in supporting the operational aspects of clinical or observational research, or equivalent experience in a related area.
  • Experience in budgeting and tracking invoices, showcasing the ability to manage financial processes efficiently.
  • Understanding of purchase orders, invoices, and associated financial documentation to support smooth transaction process.
  • Understanding of Fair Market Value (FMV) principles and practices as they relate to research and contracting.
  • Strong project-management skills with a proven ability to prioritize tasks effectively, ensuring timely delivery of project milestones.
  • Ability to work independently while identifying and raising recommendations to management as needed to resolve issues efficiently.
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively across geographic locations.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, paired with strong interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with internal stakeholders and fostering positive working relationships.
  • Proven flexibility to adjust to a rapidly changing environment of new opportunities.
  • Ability to deal with ambiguity and embrace change.
  • Working knowledge of SAP is helpful but not required.
Benefits
  • medical
  • dental
  • vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
  • retirement benefits, including 401(k)
  • paid holidays
  • vacation
  • compassionate and sick days
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
budgetinginvoice trackingproject managementFair Market Value (FMV)sourcingcontractingcompliance reviewsdata analysisprocurementbid evaluation
Soft Skills
collaborationcommunicationproblem-solvingflexibilityindependenceinterpersonal skillsorganizational skillsprioritizationadaptabilityattention to detail