We are looking for a Clinical Start‑Up Contract & Finance Specialist to support clinical trial start‑up activities across Austria. This role is an excellent opportunity for professionals with experience in clinical start‑up operations, budget/contract negotiations, and regulatory processes — even if they have not previously worked in a Lead position. The successful candidate will receive development and support to grow into full leadership responsibilities while contributing immediately to meaningful clinical research initiatives.
This role is for upcoming future opportunities that may arise at Fortrea
Key responsibilities:
Drive and oversee clinical trial country submissions and approvals for assigned protocols.
- Manage country-level deliverables, timelines, and outcomes to meet study commitments.
- Collaborate closely with sponsors, CROs, and site teams to streamline start‑up processes.
- Negotiate investigator budgets, manage financial forecasting, and track trial-related expenses.
- Ensure timely delivery of clinical and financial contracts within fair market value through strong partnerships with local clinical teams.
- Oversee and track clinical research‑related payments.
- Conduct payment reconciliation at study close-out.
Qualifications:
- University degree (life sciences preferred) or equivalent healthcare-related certification.
Fortrea may consider relevant and equivalent experience in lieu of formal education. - Solid experience in clinical research, particularly in study start‑up.
Prior Lead experience is welcome but not required; candidates with strong operational and budget/contract exposure will be supported in developing leadership capabilities. - Good understanding of budget and contract negotiation, local regulatory requirements, and submission/approval processes.
- Fluent in German and English, with strong communication and negotiation skills.
What we Offer:
- A hybrid work model enabling effective collaboration (2 to 3 days onsite at the sponsor’s office in Vienna).
- Professional development pathways, mentorship, and opportunities to build leadership experience.
- The chance to work with an industry‑leading sponsor and contribute to impactful clinical research.
- Access to Fortrea Employee Resource Groups supporting inclusion, networking, and development.
- Wellness and mental health support programs, including fitness initiatives and wellbeing resources.
#LI-GQ1 #LI-Hybrid
Learn more about our EEO & Accommodations request here.
Skills Required
- University degree (life sciences preferred) or equivalent healthcare-related certification
- Solid experience in clinical research, particularly in study start-up
- Good understanding of budget and contract negotiation, local regulatory requirements, and submission/approval processes
- Fluent in German and English with strong communication and negotiation skills
- Prior Lead experience (welcome but not required)
What We Do
Fortrea (Nasdaq: FTRE) is a leading global provider of clinical development and patient access solutions to the life sciences industry. We partner with emerging and large biopharmaceutical, medical device and diagnostic companies to drive healthcare innovation that accelerates life changing therapies to patients in need. Fortrea provides phase I-IV clinical trial management, clinical pharmacology, differentiated technology-enabled trial solutions and post-approval services. Fortrea’s solutions leverage three decades of experience spanning more than 20 therapeutic areas, a passion for scientific rigor, exceptional insights and a strong investigator site network. Our talented and diverse team working in more than 90 countries is scaled to deliver focused and agile solutions to customers globally. Learn more about how Fortrea is becoming a transformative force from pipeline to patient at Fortrea.com.
