Research Project Manager, Nicholas School of the Environment

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.

 

Be You.

 

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Research Project Manager, you’ll be a vital part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team that supports students from diverse backgrounds as they pursue careers in data science. You’ll join the Transdisciplinary Environments Group at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment. Our team of social scientists leads innovative, community-driven environmental research that addresses urgent global challenges.

 

Be Bold.

 

The Research Project Manager (working title: Research and Evaluation Manager) plays a pivotal role in both research and administration—each comprising 50% of the role. You’ll help shape the group’s research strategy, manage project implementation, and ensure the integrity and impact of our work.  

What You’ll Do:

 

Research (50%)

• Oversee and evaluate research progress across the group’s portfolio.
• Guide project implementation strategies and support long-term planning.
• Assist in developing and writing grant proposals to secure diverse funding.
• Design and conduct culturally appropriate program evaluations.
• Supervise and train research staff in data collection, analysis, and governance.
• Analyze qualitative data using NVivo and contribute to research publications.
• Ensure compliance with IRB protocols and data sovereignty agreements.
• Travel occasionally to research sites and conferences.

 

Administration (50%)  

• Implement project management and communication plans.
• Maintain administrative systems and documentation.
• Onboard/offboard team members and coordinate team activities.
• Provide day-to-day administrative support and manage internal communications.
• Hire and supervise student workers in coordination with HR.
• Schedule meetings and liaise with project partners.
• Coordinate with grants management and research development offices.
• Manage budgets, reporting, and procurement of supplies.
• Facilitate team meetings and uphold group protocols.

 

Qualifications  

• Master’s degree in interdisciplinary environmental or related social science field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in project management and program evaluation.
• Proficiency in NVivo and qualitative/participatory research methods.
• Subject matter expertise in environmental governance, policy, or resilience.
• Strong interdisciplinary literacy and commitment to Indigenous/decolonizing methodologies preferred.

  Term & Location  

• 1-year term with potential extension based on performance and funding.
• Based at Duke University in Durham, NC.
• Start date: October 1, 2025.

 

Anticipated Pay Range

 

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $76,811.00 to USD $130,576.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/   Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

 

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