Sr. Site Contract and Payment Associate

Ora is building the future of ophthalmic clinical research. As the world’s leading full-service ophthalmic drug and device development firm, we guide clients across all phases of clinical research to efficiently bring new products and therapies to market. With over 45 years of experience, our expert teams have helped earn more than 85 new product approvals. Ora's pre-clinical and clinical models, unique methodologies, integrated clinical data solutions, and global regulatory strategies have been refined across thousands of global projects. Today, our team spans 400 employees across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

About the role

The Senior Site Contract and Payment Associate is responsible for the preparation, review, negotiation, and management of clinical trial contracts and study budgets with sponsors and investigative sites. This role ensures clinical research agreements comply with regulatory requirements, institution policies, and financial objectives while supporting timely study start-up and execution. Additionally, the associate manages the accurate and timely processing of payments to clinical trial investigative sites globally, aligning payments with contract terms, study milestones, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the review and execution process for Clinical Trial Agreements (CTAs) and Amendments with Sponsor, Site, and Ora legal teams.
• Support the development, review, and negotiation of clinical trial budgets with sponsors and sites, including per-patient costs, start-up fees, pass-through expenses, and overhead.
• Track contract milestones, renewals, and amendments throughout the study lifecycle.
• Monitor budget approvals and align contract terms with negotiated budgets.
• Ensure payment terms, invoicing schedules, and milestone payments are clearly defined in contracts.
• Analyze study protocols to assess cost implications and ensure budgets reflect fair market value (FMV).
• Prepare reports for the study team regarding contract status, budget approvals, and payment status.
• Collaborate with Ora’s global cross-functional project teams, including Project Management, Clinical Trial Associates, Clinical Research Associates, Project Directors, and IT.
• Work with Legal for contract negotiations.
• Identify, track, and monitor data integration between EDC and Veeva Vault systems; resolve data issues that may lead to payment delays.
• Set up, process, and manage clinical trial site payments in accordance with CTAs and approved budgets in the Veeva Vault Payment system, including:
  • Verifying payment triggers (e.g., visit completion, data entry, monitoring milestones).
  • Calculating and reconciling per-patient payments, start-up fees, milestone payments, and pass-through expenses.
  • Ensuring payments are issued accurately and on schedule.
  • Reconciling payments with invoices, supporting documentation, and financial systems.
  • Identifying and resolving overpayments, underpayments, and payment discrepancies.
• Provide support and guidance to Site Contract & Payment team members on studies, as appropriate.
• Adhere to Ora’s quality system and all essential systems and processes to maintain compliance with data integrity, business ethics, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrate Ora’s values—prioritizing kindness, operational excellence, cultivating joy, and scientific rigor—through linked behaviors.

Requirements

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in business or Life Sciences, with one or more years of experience in clinical research or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Years of experience may be considered in lieu of education.
• 2+ years of experience in clinical research administration, contracts, or budget negotiation.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple studies simultaneously.
• Experience in clinical trial contract negotiation and budget development and cost analysis.
• Experience working at a research site or in a CRO environment.

Skills

• Knowledge of clinical trial agreements and research billing.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Experience in clinical site payments and clinical trial operations.
• Strong organizational skills with a commitment to consistently producing high-quality work.
• Proficiency in Adobe, Excel spreadsheets, Microsoft Word, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of GCP/GXP/ICH regulations.
• Execution Excellence: Ability to set goals, create structure, and maintain a focused and collaborative approach to delivering timely, high-quality work.
• IQ, EQ, and SQ: Agile and positive thinker, communicator, and collaborator who uses a growth mindset to work and lead with authenticity, transparency, resilience, and empathy.
• Scientific, intellectual, and emotional/social curiosity to innovate, learn from mistakes, and try again.
• Clear and direct communication, feedback, and conflict resolution: Practice radical candor and actively give and receive feedback to foster psychological safety and growth.
• Seek meaning and purpose in work, desiring to be part of something bigger than oneself.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare options (Medical, Dental, and Vision) beginning on day 1.
• Flexible PTO and unlimited sick time, plus 14 company-paid holidays.
• Competitive salaries with a 401K plan through Fidelity, including company match.
• Adoption and fertility assistance.
• 16 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Company-paid life and disability insurance.
• Remote and wellness reimbursement to support your workspace and well-being.
• Employee Assistance Program for personal and family support.
• Career development opportunities to grow your professional journey.
• Opportunities to collaborate with a global team.
• Impactful work researching new ophthalmic therapies that improve patients' lives worldwide.

Benefit eligibility: Full-time employees working a minimum of 30 hours per week. Per diem employees are eligible for Medical and Dental coverage after 6 months of service, working an average of 30 hours per week.