Program Coordinator, Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies

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.

Duke University’s Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies (CAGT) is a dynamic Center that exemplifies Duke’s interdisciplinary efforts with a focus on engineering new technologies and approaches to explain the function of the genome, decipher the role of the genome in health and disease, and develop new genetic medicines. This Center is supported across the Pratt School of Engineering, the Trinity School of Arts & Sciences, and the Duke University Medical Center, and has a physical home on Duke’s main campus. As the Program Coordinator for the Duke CAGT, you will work closely with Center leadership to execute the Center’s mission to maintain and expand a world-class scientific program in genome sciences and engineering, train the next generation of genome scientists and engineers, and distribute the results and activities of the CAGT to the broader scientific community.

You will play a pivotal role in advancing CAGT’s mission and elevating the Center’s reputation across Duke and the broader scientific community. Responsibilities include coordinating key programmatic, scientific, educational, recruitment, and outreach initiatives. You will also drive strategic communication efforts by spearheading digital engagement and managing website, social media, and internal content. In this role, you will report to the Center’s Managing Director.

Minimum Requirements: 

You will be ideal for this position if you are a highly organized, flexible and dynamic self-starter with strong communication skills. You should have enthusiasm for playing an active role in identifying needs of a research center, as well as an interest in expanding your skillset to ensure effective and efficient administrative and operational functions. Specifically, you are required to have:

• Analytical, communications and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program. A minimum of one year of experience in a relevant academic or industry position that includes independent responsibilities for event and outreach coordination and communications. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
• Experience with Microsoft Office products and shared file sharing and internal communication platforms.
• Ability to work collaborative as part of a team while also functioning independently, demonstrating accountability and initiative in managing responsibilities and competing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience managing a website content management system (e.g., WordPress, Drupal, or a comparable platform) and/or professional social media accounts is strongly preferred. 

This position is Hybrid / Onsite (a minimum of three days per week). Onsite work is performed in the Fitzpatrick Center for Interdisciplinary Engineering, Medicine and Applied Sciences Building on Duke’s main campus.

Be Bold.

Your responsibilities will include the following:

• Strategic & Programmatic Support (25%)
  • Assist the Managing Director and Center Leadership with the implementation of the Center's strategic plans and daily operations.
  • Coordinate and maintain internal operational infrastructure, including managing shared research files and optimizing internal communication channels.
  • Track and compile multi-channel communications data (website traffic, social media engagement, and newsletter readership) to support leadership's program assessment efforts.
• Event & Meeting Logistics (25%)
  • Execute logistics for regular and special programs (such as recruitment events, seminar series, workshops, and annual symposia). This includes managing speaker schedules, booking space, coordinating catering, handling publicity, arranging guest travel, and tracking expenses to budget.
  • Schedule Center research meetings, including securing venues, aligning participant calendars, and distributing agendas and materials in advance.
• Outreach & Education Support (20%)
  • Support the planning and execution of education and outreach activities, including organizing logistics for partnerships with neighboring colleges and hosting visiting students at Duke.
• Digital Engagement & Content Creation (10%)
  • Execute the Center's social media and digital strategy across platforms by planning content, tracking engagement analytics, and updating website copy.
  • Coordinate the regular internal communications rhythm, including drafting the newsletter, writing faculty/lab spotlights, and distributing community updates.
  • Maintain and update the Center's contact database and email distribution lists to ensure accurate, targeted outreach.
• Marketing & Public Relations Coordination (10%)
  • Draft components of the Center's annual report and design promotional materials (brochures, flyers, and digital assets) detailing academic goals and upcoming events.
  • Assist with the coordination of public relations and advertising activities, including routing marketing campaigns and acting as a point of contact for external design firms or media vendors.
• Internal Community Building (10%)
  • Plan and execute recurring internal community-building activities and social events, such as holiday parties, monthly breakfasts/happy hours, new trainee welcome events, and milestone celebrations.

Choose Duke

At Duke’s Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of science and discovery. Our interdisciplinary approach brings together top-tier researchers, cutting-edge technologies, and a collaborative environment to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in genomics.

Located in Durham, NC, Duke offers a vibrant academic community, access to world-class resources, and a culture rooted in inclusion, excellence, and innovation. Join us and be part of a team that’s shaping the future of genomic research.