Duke Lemur Center Research Manager

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

1d•$45,661 - $73,140•Onsite

About The Position

Duke University is seeking a Research Manager for the Duke Lemur Center. This role is pivotal in advancing primate research, conservation, and education. The Research Manager will work with researchers, veterinarians, animal care professionals, and institutional leaders to support scientific discovery, animal welfare, and research excellence. The position involves shaping and coordinating research programs focused on primate biology, conservation, evolution, and health, while fostering collaboration within Duke University and the global scientific community.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Zoology, Biological Anthropology, Animal Science, or a closely related scientific discipline.
Minimum of three years of experience supporting research programs involving captive animals, preferably nonhuman primates.
Experience coordinating research projects, regulatory requirements, and operational activities.
Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities in a dynamic research environment.
Knowledge of animal research compliance requirements, animal care standards, and institutional policies.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with researchers, technical personnel, administrators, and external partners.
Proficiency in developing and managing databases, tracking systems, and reporting processes.
Ability to work independently while contributing to a highly collaborative team environment.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to walk extended distances over uneven terrain.
Ability to stand for extended periods while supporting research and operational activities.

Nice To Haves

Previous supervisory or project management experience is preferred.
Flexibility to support occasional after-hours, weekend, and holiday research activities as needed.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external researchers regarding project planning, scheduling, logistics, and implementation.
Coordinate and oversee research activities conducted at the Duke Lemur Center from project initiation through completion.
Develop and improve operational processes, procedures, and systems that support research effectiveness and efficiency.
Monitor project activities, timelines, and research fee billing functions.
Partner with researchers to assess project feasibility, animal selection, methodologies, and resource needs.
Facilitate collaboration among research, husbandry, veterinary, operational, and administrative teams.
Build and maintain productive relationships with Duke departments, academic institutions, external investigators, sponsors, and research partners.
Ensure research activities comply with Duke policies, IACUC requirements, USDA regulations, and applicable animal care standards.
Collaborate with auditors, regulatory agencies, and compliance representatives during reviews and inspections.
Promote excellence in animal welfare through oversight of research practices and operational procedures.
Lead specimen acquisition, cataloging, quality control, storage, and distribution activities.
Oversee biological sample inventories, including tissues, blood samples, and cadaver resources used in approved research projects.
Participate in necropsy activities and biological sample collection to support institutional research goals and long-term resource preservation.
Supervise Research Technicians by assigning work, providing coaching, training, feedback, and performance management.
Coordinate onboarding, orientation, and training programs for new staff and visiting researchers.
Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
Monitor program effectiveness through reporting, data analysis, and performance metrics.
Develop and maintain databases and information systems that support project tracking, specimen management, and reporting.
Assist with identifying funding opportunities, developing grant proposals, preparing budgets, and managing awarded funding.
Participate on committees evaluating research proposals, feasibility, and strategic alignment.
Assist with approved research procedures involving animal observation, behavioral monitoring, handling, transportation, weighing, and sample collection.
Maintain research laboratories, equipment, workspaces, and supplies in accordance with safety and environmental standards.
Monitor inventory levels and coordinate procurement activities supporting research operations.
Report animal health or behavioral concerns and facilitate appropriate follow-up actions.
Participate in departmental meetings, strategic planning initiatives, and other duties as assigned.