Senior Contract Specialist, Clinical Research

Based in Waterloo, Ontario, Probity Medical Research (PMR) is a Canadian organization supporting the advancement of clinical research by partnering with research sites, pharmaceutical companies, and contract research organizations. Through our specialized administrative services, we help clinical research teams deliver studies that contribute to the development of new treatments and therapies.

At PMR, employees have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work while developing specialized knowledge within the clinical research industry. Our teams collaborate across departments and with external partners, providing employees with exposure to a variety of projects, stakeholders, and opportunities to expand their skills.

As a growing organization, we value individuals who are eager to learn, contribute ideas, and help improve the way we work. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees can build their expertise, take ownership of their work, and grow alongside the organization.

PMR is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a respectful and inclusive workplace. We offer a benefits program and an opportunity to build specialized experience within the clinical research industry while contributing to the continued success and growth of our organization.

The Senior Contract Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the legal and operational integrity of clinical research activities by reviewing, negotiating, and executing clinical trial and syndication agreements. This role is responsible for identifying and mitigating contractual risks, ensuring alignment with regulatory and business requirements, and protecting the organization’s interests through effective contract strategy and negotiation.

Working closely with internal teams, sponsors, CROs, and legal stakeholders, the Senior Contract Specialist serves as a key point of contact for contract-related inquiries and supports the full contract lifecycle, including amendments, terminations, and document management. Additionally, this role contributes to the development and maintenance of standardized contract templates and improves tracking processes to support growing study volumes.

With a strong focus on accuracy, organization, and problem-solving, the Senior Contract Specialist manages multiple studies simultaneously, adapts to changing priorities, and ensures timely delivery against strict deadlines while elevating the way work is done. This position requires a high level of discretion, critical thinking, and independent judgment, while also contributing collaboratively to continuous improvements in contract management operations.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Job Responsibilities
Contract Management
• Lead the review, negotiation, and finalization of complex Clinical Trial Agreements, Master Agreements, and other research-related contracts from draft through execution.
• Independently manage high-value, high-risk, or strategically significant contract negotiations with sponsors, CROs, and other external stakeholders.
• Analyze sponsor-proposed contract language and develop negotiation strategies that balance legal, operational, financial, and business considerations.
• Identify contractual, operational, legal, and financial risks, recommending appropriate revisions to protect the organization’s interests.
• Resolve complex contractual issues by collaborating with internal stakeholders and external partners to achieve mutually acceptable terms.
• Escalate significant contractual risks or unresolved legal issues to the Contracts Lead with recommended solutions.

Development & Standardization
• Develop and update internal contract templates, language, clause libraries, and negotiation guidance to ensure consistency, compliance, and efficiency in negotiations.
• Recommend updates to templates based on regulatory changes, sponsor trends, operational experience, and organizational risk tolerance.
• Promote consistency across negotiated agreements through standardized contract language and best practices.

Collaboration & Advisory Support
• Serve as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, addressing inquiries related to Clinical Trial Agreements and Syndication Agreements.
• Draft, execute, and maintain Syndication Agreements and related amendments, terminations, and supporting documents.
• Support the Contracts Lead with workload planning, assignment coordination, and quality review activities where appropriate.
• Provide guidance and support to internal teams regarding contract requirements, processes, and best practices.

Process Improvement & Operational Efficiency
• Identify and implement improvements to the contract tracking process for both study and site agreements as contract volume increases.
• Manage assigned studies, maintaining accurate records to support operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
• Analyze contract metrics and recurring negotiation challenges to recommend operational improvements.
• Support quality assurance initiatives by identifying trends, recurring issues, and opportunities for standardization.

Adaptability & Additional Responsibilities
• Support departmental initiatives and special projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned to contribute to the overall success of contract management processes.

Skills
• Advanced Contract Negotiation
• Contract Interpretation and Risk Assessment
• Business and Legal Acumen
• Advanced Critical Thinking Skills
• Stakeholder Relationship Management
• Conflict Resolution
• Attention to Detail
• Excellent Written and Verbal Communication Skills
• Advanced Organizational and Time Management Skills
• MS Office Proficiency
• Creative and Innovative Thinking
• Ability to work independently and be a team player
• Task Delegation
• Process Analysis
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Advanced Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills
• Strategic Decision Making
• High level of professionalism and discretion

Qualifications
• A bachelor’s degree or college diploma in Law, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in contract management, legal administration, and clinical research contracts.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while collaborating effectively across departments.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing complex contract negotiations from initiation through execution.
• Strong understanding of contract interpretation, contractual risk assessment, and negotiation strategy.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite knowledge (particularly Word and Excel).
• Experience with DocuSign, PDF editing software, and contract management systems.
• Ability to handle and prepare all aspects of confidential and sensitive documents.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent studies while consistently meeting deadlines.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment while handling confidential and legally sensitive information.

Working Environment
• Manual dexterity is required to use a computer and peripherals.
• High-volume office environment working consistently at a desk using a computer to review documentation and complete tasks.
• Performing extensive document review, contract management activities, and administrative tasks.

9:00AM - 5:00PM Monday to Friday
40 hours per week