Research Business Analyst

Turn data into discoveries that make a difference.

Join our innovative oncology team as a Research Business Analyst, where your analytical expertise will help drive groundbreaking cancer research, improve patient outcomes, and support the advancement of life-changing treatments. In this impactful role, you will collaborate with clinical, research, and operational leaders to transform complex data into meaningful insights that guide strategic decisions and accelerate progress in cancer care. If you're passionate about combining data, healthcare, and innovation to make a real difference in patients' lives, we invite you to be part of our mission.

Highlands Oncology began in 1996 with three physicians and a desire to change the face of oncology care in our community. Dr. Malcolm Hayward, Dr. Dan Bradford, and Dr. Thad Beck knew that patients do better at home, in the community where they live and work, and where their support system is already in place. In furthering that goal, Highlands has grown with the region from a single location 26 years ago, to 6 locations in Northwest and Northcentral Arkansas today employing more than 800 diverse team members.

As Northwest Arkansas continues to grow, so must the services and providers available in the region. Highlands Oncology is committed to remaining on the cutting edge to ensure our community has access to the very best cancer care. What we have is something quite unique right here in our own backyard with a caring multidisciplinary team focused on treating patients like family.

Job Summary: The Research Business Analyst supports the financial, operational, and compliance functions of the oncology research program. This role is responsible for analyzing clinical research protocols for financial feasibility, developing and negotiating study budgets, monitoring financial performance of active trials, and ensuring compliance with sponsor, institutional, and regulatory requirements. The Research Business Analyst serves as a liaison between research, finance, clinical operations, and sponsors to support the success and sustainability of the research enterprise.

Job Duties / Responsibilities:

• Review and analyze research protocols to identify required services, procedures, and resources.
• Develop, negotiate, and finalize study budgets with sponsors and contract research organizations (CROs).
• Conduct financial feasibility assessments of potential studies to ensure sustainability and resource alignment.
• Monitor ongoing clinical trial financials, including billing compliance, cost recovery, and variance tracking.
• Collaborate with research coordinators, principal investigators, and finance teams to ensure accurate billing and reconciliation of sponsor payments.
• Maintain tracking systems for budget negotiations, executed contracts, and sponsor invoicing.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state billing regulations, institutional policies, and sponsor requirements.
• Assist in preparation of financial reports, forecasts, and performance dashboards for leadership.
• Identify areas for process improvement in research financial workflows and recommend solutions.
• Participate in audits, monitoring visits, and internal quality assurance reviews.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills, with ability to interpret clinical protocols into financial terms.
• Knowledge of clinical research operations, trial budgeting, and sponsor contracting.
• Familiarity with federal regulations (OHRP, FDA, NIH) and billing compliance guidelines for research.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and financial management software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex concepts to non-financial staff.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining collaborative relationships across departments.

Certifications/Licenses/Education/or Experience in a related field:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or related field preferred. May be able to substitute relevant work experience.
• Minimum of 2–4 years of experience in clinical research finance, healthcare business analysis, or related role.
• Experience in oncology research or healthcare finance strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting for prolonged periods of time at a desk.
• Computer use that requires visual acuity, typing, use of mouse/keyboard, and staring at a screen for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally lifting objects of up to 25 pounds such as files, office supplies, assisting patients when needed, etc.
• Walking and standing for continuous periods around the office or clinic as needed.
• Fine motor skills for tasks like typing, writing, handling small objects or equipment and materials.

Work Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Due to the nature of our business and the use of radiation and hazardous chemicals, it is imperative that all employees foster a culture and environment of safety.
• Safety Sensitive: In accordance with the Arkansas code this position is designated as a safety sensitive position wherein the employee performing the job duties under the influence may constitute a threat to health or safety.