Research Program Leader

Be You.

This is a unique leadership opportunity to guide an orthopedic trauma team dedicated to community and clinical health research with a focus on academic impact. Supported by strong philanthropy and industry partnerships, this funded role aims to improve care for trauma patients and enhance outcomes for these individuals. A solid background in community outreach and clinical science is essential to collaborate with Dr. Malcolm DeBaun, Chief of Orthopedic Trauma, in advancing our academic mission. Responsibilities include program development, clinical research, educational partnerships, and engaging with the community and stakeholders, such as leaders in Durham, industry, and multicenter research teams. The program will especially focus on addressing issues affecting vulnerable or high-risk populations for trauma. Operational leadership and our participation in multicenter clinical trials will also be key as the program grows. This is a 1-year position, renewable based on performance and grant funding.

Minimum Requirements: 

• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree at minimum

• Work requires a minimum of four years of research experience (e.g., research, clinical, interaction with study population, program coordination). A Master’s degree may substitute for two years of related experience.  

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Master’s degree or doctorate recommended.
• Enthusiasm for team-based research
• Critical thinking and proactive management philosophy
• Passion for grant and manuscript writing with authorship interest
• Comfort with developing new partnerships within the community and across institutions.

This position is:

• Hybrid-eligible. The position (exempt only) is partially remote, and the employee must reside in a Duke University-approved state.

Be Bold.                                                  

The Program Leader will develop and operationalize a comprehensive clinical and community health research infrastructure focused on the prevention and management of orthopaedic trauma. This program will establish a regional learning collaborative dedicated to improving the care of patients with complex fractures—including fragility fractures, periprosthetic fractures, pelvic and acetabular injuries, periarticular fractures, and limb reconstruction—through the generation, implementation, and dissemination of high-quality evidence.

Key responsibilities will be:

• Working closely with the faculty leader, the Program Leader will oversee the development and execution of research and educational initiatives that advance both the technical and non-technical aspects of orthopaedic trauma care.
• Coordinating clinical research programs, facilitating multicenter collaborations, supporting investigator-initiated studies, translating findings into evidence-based clinical practice, and operationalizing the academic mission of the orthopaedic trauma service through research and educational program development.
• Lead the preparation of scientific manuscripts, abstracts, grant proposals, and other scholarly products that disseminate the program's findings and support its long-term sustainability. This includes identifying funding opportunities, coordinating grant submissions, managing collaborative writing efforts, and developing competitive proposals to secure philanthropic, industry, foundation, and federal funding.
• Lead community-focused prevention initiatives aimed at identifying individuals at high risk for orthopaedic trauma and implementing strategies that improve musculoskeletal health and injury prevention within the Durham community.
• Strategic partnerships with healthcare systems, industry, governmental organizations, and community stakeholders will be cultivated to expand the program's reach and impact.

A central objective of this position is to establish a financially sustainable research enterprise capable of supporting participation—and ultimately leadership—in externally funded multicenter prospective studies, including collaborations such as the Major Extremity Trauma Research Consortium (METRC).

Additional responsibilities include coordinating academic outreach through educational programming, media engagement, and community partnerships to promote best practices in orthopaedic trauma care and enhance the program's regional and national visibility.

Choose Duke.     

Become part of a dynamic, growing Duke Orthopedic Trauma team to advance the academic mission of improving care in the region and establishing best practices for national impact. Leverage strong existing partnerships with the city of Durham, industry, and national research leaders. Enjoy a dynamic team culture of students, residents, scientists, and other faculty collaborators who pursue excellence and support one another.