Project Planner I (Data Science Partner Engagement Specialist) Nicholas School (Remote)

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. Be Bold. Choose Duke.

 

Project Planner I (Data Science Partner Engagement Specialist)

Department: Transdisciplinary Environments Group, Duke University
Reports To: Research Manager, Transdisciplinary Environments Group
Term Appointment: One-Year Term (September 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027) with possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability
Work Arrangement: Fully Remote Eligible with frequent travel to the Western Great Lakes Region

 

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives each member of our community brings. As the Project Planner I (Data Science Partner Engagement Specialist), you'll play a critical role in supporting the STRONG Manoomin Collective, an interdisciplinary research collaborative dedicated to strengthening community resilience, advancing environmental stewardship, and supporting Indigenous-led innovation.

You will serve as a trusted bridge between Tribal governments, community organizations, educational institutions, and academic researchers while helping develop solutions that strengthen disaster preparedness, environmental sustainability, and community-driven science. Through your work, you'll help advance projects focused on environmental sensing, data science, cyberinfrastructure, education, and workforce development while supporting the sustainability of Manoomin (wild rice), a culturally significant keystone species throughout the Great Lakes region.

You'll join a collaborative team within Duke University's Transdisciplinary Environments Group that values community partnership, innovation, cultural respect, and impactful scholarship.

 

Be Bold.

The Project Planner I supports collaborative research, partner engagement, educational programming, and scientific implementation efforts across multiple interdisciplinary projects. This role helps strengthen long-term partnerships while ensuring project activities align with Tribal priorities and community goals.

 

What You'll Do

Lead Community-Driven Science & Program Implementation (55%)

• Partner with Tribal governments, educational institutions, community organizations, researchers, and project collaborators to co-develop and implement community-driven science initiatives.
• Coordinate interdisciplinary activities that integrate environmental science, education, workforce development, data science, and community engagement.
• Support the development and implementation of curricula, educational resources, workforce development programs, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Facilitate collaborative planning processes that connect Tribal priorities to research activities, educational programs, and project outcomes.
• Support the synthesis, interpretation, and integration of ecological, environmental, and multidisciplinary data to inform decision-making and environmental management efforts.
• Foster partnerships that expand community capacity, increase participation in research, and support sustainable long-term collaboration.
• Prepare reports, presentations, educational materials, and project deliverables that communicate activities, progress, and outcomes.

Build Partnerships & Coordinate Project Activities (40%)

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with Tribal governments, community organizations, academic institutions, funding partners, and research collaborators.
• Serve as a liaison among project partners to support communication, planning, coordination, and implementation efforts.
• Coordinate pa