Remote Research Operations Director Jobs in Chicago, IL

Department
BSD OCR - Research Compliance
About the Department
The Office of Clinical Research (OCR) was created to further the missions of the University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division and the University of Chicago Medical Center by developing and supporting specific infrastructure components related to clinical and translational research. To provide the highest level of support and resources, the Office of Clinical Research is divided into two groups- the Institutional Review Board Administrative Staff (IRB) and the Research Operations and Conduct group (ROC). The OCR focuses on six key areas of service including: Human Subject Protection (IRB); Training and Education; Regulatory and Contract Oversight; Quality Assurance/Reporting and Auditing; Financial/Billing Compliance; Institutional Infrastructure.
Job Summary
The job provides professional support and solves straightforward problems in projects related to revenue cycle operations, including activities related to charging, billing, and collecting. Coordinates the management of successful billing and compliance activities with department managerial and executive staff.
The Clinical Research Financial Analyst is an integral member of the Office of Clinical Research. Under the direction of the Associate Director Research Billing Compliance, the Clinical Research Financial Analyst will promote and facilitate a culture of financial compliance through the regulatory and financial amendments to clinical research studies to ensure institutional adherence with Federal, State, and Local Regulations and Guidelines.
Activities include but are not limited to supporting research revenue cycle management through research billing review, processing payments, reviewing and preparing research billing documentation, and producing research financial reporting, as well as department projects and initiatives to support research billing compliance tasks as needed.
Responsibilities

• Perform all research billing activities including, but not limited to: daily charge review, billing issue resolution, reconciliation and payment of research accounts.
• Conduct research billing quality assurance activities, such as individual patient billing audits, study audits, device audits and validation of data and information contained within institutional systems (e.g. Epic, IRB system, clinical trial management system, etc.).
• Assist in the development and design of training and resource materials related to research billing and financial management in collaboration with others in the office.
• Follow standard operating procedures and policies to ensure compliant research billing as mandated by regulatory agencies (FDA, OHRP, OIG, CMS).
• Has a moderate/solid understanding of coding procedures, workflow issues, billing infrastructure, and performance of Clinical Revenue staff.
• Generates Epic and CTMS reports for analysis, monitoring and improving research billing metrics and processes.
• Effectively collaborates with Clinical Trial Financial Group, Hospital Revenue Cycle team, study teams, research subjects, IRB, and other stakeholders to address research billing challenges.
• Ensure institutional research billing compliance with Medicare's Clinical Trial Policy, federal regulations, and contractual agreements.
• Maintain an understanding of Medicare's Clinical Trial Policy (NCD 310.1) and related guidance documents.
• Assist in developing and maintaining polices, SOPs & SOWs related to clinical research billing process.
• Stays current on all internal processes related to research billing, Medicare, National and local, regulations and guidelines, policies and procedures governing Research billing.
• Prioritizes chart documentation and maintaining requirements within the department. Ensures all processes involved in accurately posting professional fees.
• Has a moderate/solid understanding of coding procedures, workflow issues, billing infrastructure, and performance of Clinical Revenue staff. Informs department administrators, physicians, and Coder/Abstractors of regulatory changes.
• Participates and may lead in training sessions, performing audits, and promoting an understanding of procedures, policies, and expectations in promotion of compliance efforts.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
---
Preferred Qualifications
Education:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or health information management.

Experience:

• 2-4 years' experience with healthcare clinical research billing preferably in academic medical setting, clinical research management, health system operations.
• Experience with Epic Research Billing functions.
• Experience with a Clinical Trial Management system (CTMS) preferably OnCore, financial software, ERP systems.
• Accounting and finance experience strongly preferred.

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge of the Medicare Clinical Trials Policy and other federal, state and institutional clinical research regulations.
• Expertise in CPT, Modifiers, ICD, and HCPCS codes to support billing and compliance efforts.
• Strong knowledge of clinical trial contracting, revenue recognition principles, and relevant regulatory guidelines (e.g., ICH-GCP).
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills, with a focus on accuracy in financial operations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Expertise in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent Written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong investigative and problem-solving skills.

Working Conditions

• Office environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Financial Management
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$70,000.00 - $95,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.