Associate Director, Research Operations

Occupational Summary:

Provide support for research operations and initiatives by ensuring efficient IT integrations and use of Duke research administration systems, tools, and data. Provide oversight and direction of staff who are engaged in research operations and technology integrations. Additionally, serve as the product owner for myRESEARCHhome, as well as the technical and strategic lead for other research support initiatives and platforms such as myRESEARCHpath and Duke’s Research Funding program. Collaborate with other support groups, such as the Research Navigators, to support and optimize their data capture process and ensure their integration within research operations.

 

Work Performed:

• Strategic lead for key research support systems
  • myRESEARCHhome: Design and implement institutional tools in the portal, including effort & commitment management tools, intent to submit and proposal intake process, other support / current & pending tools, and mirrored portfolio views for faculty researchers and research administrators.
  • Other tools (e.g., myRESEARCHpath, funding program technologies): Oversee priorities, integrations, and enhancements for other key research support tools. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that tools accurate address the needs, and that the technical specifications are met
• Stakeholder engagement:
  • Research community engagement: Seek and incorporate feedback from the research community as it pertains to supportive research IT tools.
  • Collaboration with technical teams: Partner with OIT, DHTS, and OASIS development teams to efficient integrate new and existing administrative and operational systems and workflows
  • Leadership and institutional: Partner with stakeholders at all levels – from central offices to departments to individual researchers – to understand needs and deliver solutions. Provide reports as requested.
• Process and tool development and implementation: Support the development and implementation of processes or tools associated with research support operations. Engage with stakeholders and the research community to understand the needs and determine data and technical requirements. Engage with research leadership to roll out tools and processes with the research community. Employ deep understanding of the process and data flow within and between research administrative and operational systems (e.g., COI/Compliance Apps, SPS, SAP, iRIS, OnCore, Innovate, Scholars, dFAC, IDMS, Training systems, etc.).
• Internal Operations and Metrics: Determine the elements of processes and services that need to be collected or recorded to evaluate efforts and success. Prepare reports reflecting progress, metrics, and appropriate recommendations and conclusions. Share with relevant stakeholders and evaluate any needed changes.
• Consultant and collaborator for other support groups: Support and optimize the workflows and data capture for other research support groups (e.g., the myRESEARCHnavigators team). Provide consultation or direct support to ensure efficient integrations of their workflows with other research operations.
• HR: Direct staff personnel functions, including time and attendance monitoring, hiring, performance appraisals, promotions, space management, and staff development assessments. Resolve problem situations related to staffing, onboarding, and management of current and future employees.

 

Required Qualifications:

• Education/Training: Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of seven years of experience with research support operations and management of research staff.  At least one year of experience in proven leadership and effective management of the work of staff. General knowledge of internal and external research compliance regulations.

 

Minimum Qualifications

 

 

Education

Bachelor degree in a scientific, allied health or related field of study. Master degree preferred.

 

Experience

 

Minimum of seven years o