Project Coordinator

School of Medicine

Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

A One Year, 100% Grant Funded, Project Coord Position Available. Any possible extensions will be contingent on funding, performance, and needs of the lab. Screening of applications continues until the position is filled.

Overview

The David Lab at Duke University (www.ladlab.org) is recruiting a project coordinator to join a team of scientists developing and using new DNA sequencing tools to study the community food consumption. We are particularly interested in creating new ways to measure and analyze food intake, which is essential for monitoring and improving human health. We are developing new DNA sequencing-based techniques that track the dietary plant and animal species people consume. Our techniques generate objective data on intakes of over 450 plant and animal species, robust to differences in memory/recall, and standardized across languages and cultures using the universal language of DNA. We collaborate with researchers and communities across North Carolina and the world. Our studies will also create new models of disease risk and examine geographic, cultural, behavioral, and socioeconomic determinants of diet. Our projects are funded by awards from Schmidt Sciences, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the National Institutes of Health, the Gerber Foundation, and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund.

The Role

We seek a Project Coordinator to play a crucial role in supporting our team’s research efforts. This position is suited for individuals who thrive in an in-person work environment and have a mindset geared towards continuous learning and improvement. The Project Coordinator will oversee operational, administrative, and partner-facing aspects of two large initiatives: Everyone EATS (a citizen-science study of diet and health) and our community wastewater projects. This position will ensure seamless coordination across municipal partners, citizen scientists, laboratory staff, and funders, while also improving logistics such as shipping and financial tracking.

Key Responsibilities

Coordination, Communication, and Outreach

• Serve as liaison with municipal wastewater facilities; schedule sample collections, manage data sharing, and track compliance with study protocols.
• Recruit, onboard, and manage citizen-scientist participants.
• Develop brochures, training materials, and other resources to ensure safe and consistent sample collection.
• Communicate with student research assistants on core tasks, safety, timelines, and quality.
• Coordinate with lab staff and field sampling teams on sample intake schedules, troubleshooting issues as they arise.
• Coordinate with community stakeholders to communicate scientific goals and ensure clarity of roles, expectations, and procedures.
• Support the lab’s external service development by assisting with market research, pricing, and outreach materials.
• Support transition of project responsibilities from pilot phase to providing long-term continuity through study completion.
• Work collaboratively within the lab team and contribute to a positive and productive research environment.

Logistics and Shipping

• Manage outbound and inbound shipments with FedEx and other couriers for sample collection kits wastewater and citizen-science projects, including pickup scheduling, supply replenishment, and return tracking.
• Coordinate with lab technicians on sample intake to ensure received samples are properly stored, recorded, and inventoried.
• Monitor shipping costs and identify opportunities to improve efficiency (e.g., consolidated pickups, vendor negotiations).
• Maintain clear records of shipping expenses and coordinate with departmental administrative staff to streamline processes.

Financial and Administrative Support

• Track budgets, invoices, and spending for wastewater and citizen-science projects; reconcile costs with Duke systems.
• Support PI and grants manager in preparing budgets, justifications, and proposal sections related to project coordination, citizen science, and logistics.
• Prepare quarterly and annual progress reports for funders and project partners.
• Approach projects with an entrepreneurial lens, exploring opportunities to advance and financially sustain our work (e.g., fundraising, development)

Compliance and Reporting

• Support submissions and updates to the Institutional Review Board and ensure compliance with Duke and sponsor requirements (e.g., safety training, reporting deadlines).
• Develop and monitor systems to track participant engagement, sample collection timelines, and protocol adherence.
• Generate regular reports on project progress, risks, and outcomes for internal leadership and external stakeholders.

What we value

Growth Mindset: A strong willingness to learn, adapt, and develop new skills. We value curiosity and a proactive approach to problem-solving. We seek individuals who are self-motivated and dedicated to continuous improvement.

Reliability: Consistently delivers on timelines, institutional and sponsor requirements, and follow-up with partners. Anticipates logistical hurdles, implements practical solutions, and seeks help when needed.

Collaboration and Communication: Ability to communicate effectively within a team and contribute to a collaborative research environment. Works effectively with scientists, community participants, and administrators. Translates scientific goals into clear, actionable plans for diverse audiences.

Join Us

Be part of a dynamic team committed to innovating in the fields of genomics, nutrition, and public health. Our lab offers a stimulating environment where your contributions will have a meaningful impact on scientific research and public health. We welcome applicants who are passionate about advancing the science of food in our world and are ready to embark on a challenging and rewarding research career.

Education: A degree in biology, genetics, environmental science, business administration or a related field is preferred, but not mandatory for candidates with hands-on experience and skill proficiency.

Skills: Strong organizational and communication skills; ability to manage multiple timelines and stakeholders; comfort with spreadsheets, budgeting, and logistics.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their suitability for the role, emphasizing their mindset and approach towards laboratory work.

Choose Duke.

The Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology serves as the administrative infrastructure for four research centers that bridge investigators with primary and secondary appointments in the Department with other investigators throughout the medical center, and foster robust interfaces between the clinical and basic sciences. We are committed to a highly interactive atmosphere where staff, students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty flourish.

Faculty members in the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology have been well-recognized for their achievements. Follow this link for detailed information about faculty honors and awards and this link for faculty highlighted publications.

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