Contract Specialist

The Contract Specialist at the Northern Alberta Clinical Trials and Research Centre (NACTRC) is a key professional position supporting clinical research conducted within Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the University of Alberta (UofA). This position plays a pivotal role in the negotiation, review, and management of clinical research agreements and supports the integration of legal, operational, and institutional priorities to ensure timely and compliant study activation. The Contracts Specialist supports vital clinical and health research by delivering professional, efficient, and compliant management of research agreements. You will draft, review, and administer a variety of agreements-including Clinical Trial Agreements, Confidential Disclosure Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, Data Transfer Agreements, Master Services Agreements, and related amendments-working collaboratively with sponsors across academia, industry, start-ups, and non-profit sectors. This position will be part of Acute Care Alberta effective April 1, 2025. By applying on this posting, if you are the successful candidate, you agree to and will become an employee of Acute Care Alberta.

The Contracts Specialist is a key member of the research administration team, ensuring that clinical and health research is supported by timely, compliant, and high-quality agreements. In this role, you will draft, review, and manage a wide range of research contracts, including Clinical Trial Agreements, Confidential Disclosure Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, Data Transfer Agreements, and Master Services Agreements. You will also lead or support negotiations with sponsors from the pharmaceutical industry, academia, start-ups, and non-profits. Working in partnership with legal counsel and other experts, you will ensure that complex or high-risk negotiations align with institutional policies and regulatory requirements. You will confirm that all operational approvals (ethics, biosafety, privacy) are secured, and that contract terms are consistent across documentation. Familiarity with budget development and Fair Market Value (FMV) principles is an asset. As the primary liaison for internal stakeholders-including research teams, finance, legal, and privacy-you will manage a high volume of agreements while tracking milestones such as renewals, amendments, and expirations. You will also identify and escalate legal, financial, or privacy risks and support their resolution at the appropriate level. This role offers the opportunity to contribute beyond contract execution. You will help maintain template libraries, develop policies and training materials, and participate in outreach to strengthen awareness of research contracting requirements. If you are detail-oriented, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to support leading-edge clinical research, we encourage you to apply.

Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies, Business Administration, Health or a related field. Alternatively, a Paralegal Diploma or Certificate combined with relevant legal experience and executive or senior administrative support. Minimum 3 years of relevant legal experience, preferably involving contract drafting, negotiation, or legal coordination within healthcare, research, or the public sector. Familiarity with legal, medical, and insurance terminology. Strong ability to manage high volumes of work with attention to detail and efficiency. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal terms to non-legal audiences. Ability to work with material of a confidential and sensitive nature. Exercising judgment in prioritizing work and demonstratable diplomacy and tact. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams). Strong organizational skills, professionalism, discretion, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Familiarity with: AHS/ACA Bylaws and Corporate Policies. Research systems such as ARISE/IRISS (ethics submission platforms). Document tools (e.g., Litera Compare, DocuSign). Legal and regulatory frameworks such as the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA), and the Access to Information Act (ATIA). Canadian and US clinical trial regulations (e.g., Health Canada, FDA). Certification in Clinical Research (SOCRA or ACRP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Tri-council Policy Statement 2 (TCPS 2).

Advanced degree (e.g., JD, MBA) or certification in contract management or research administration considered an asset. 5+ years of experience in a legal or research administration environment, particularly with commercial research contracts in the life sciences or clinical trial sector.