Duke Lemur Center Research Manager

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Duke Lemur Center Research Manager, you will play a pivotal role in advancing one of the world's leading centers for primate research, conservation, and education. You'll work alongside researchers, veterinarians, animal care professionals, and institutional leaders to support groundbreaking scientific discovery while promoting the highest standards of animal welfare and research excellence.

In this role, you'll help shape and coordinate innovative research programs that contribute to our understanding of primate biology, conservation, evolution, and health while fostering collaboration across Duke University and the global scientific community.

Be Bold.

As the Duke Lemur Center Research Manager, you will provide leadership for research operations, biological sample management, regulatory compliance, project coordination, and staff development. You will serve as a trusted partner to researchers and key stakeholders while ensuring research activities are conducted efficiently, ethically, and in alignment with institutional standards.

What You'll Do

Lead Research Operations

• 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.

Drive Research Collaboration

• 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.

Champion Compliance and Animal Welfare

• 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.

Manage Biological Sample and Biobank Programs

• 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.

Lead and Develop Teams

• 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.

Advance Research Program Growth

• 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.

Support Research Activities

• 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.

What You'll Bring

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Zoology, Biological Anthropology, Animal Science, or a closely related scientific discipline.

Experience

• Minimum of three years of experience supporting research programs involving captive animals, preferably nonhuman primates.
• Experience coordinating research projects, regulatory requirements, and operational activities.
• Previous supervisory or project management experience is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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.
• Demonstrated leadership experience supervising, training, mentoring, and evaluating staff.
• 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.
• Flexibility to support occasional after-hours, weekend, and holiday research activities as needed.

Physical Requirements

• 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.

Why Duke?

At Duke University and the Duke Lemur Center, you'll join a community dedicated to discovery, innovation, conservation, and service. You'll have the opportunity to contribute to internationally recognized research programs while helping preserve one of the world's most unique and valuable primate populations.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where different perspectives strengthen our work and where employees are empowered to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and make a lasting impact.

What Makes Duke Different

• Mission-driven work supporting world-class research and conservation
• Collaborative and interdisciplinary environment
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development
• Commitment to animal welfare, research excellence, and innovation
• A culture that values inclusion, curiosity, and continuous improvement

Choose Duke.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Bring your expertise, leadership, and passion for research to an organization making a global impact in science, conservation, and education. Join Duke and help advance discoveries that improve our understanding of the natural world while supporting the future of primate research.

Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.