Research Program Leader

Duke University; Durham (NC); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University School of Medicine seeks a Program Leader for an orthopedic trauma research and community health initiative in Durham. This hybrid-eligible role will develop a regional learning collaborative focused on improving care for complex fractures and advancing scholarly work.

The incumbent will build multicenter clinical research programs, translate findings into practice, and secure diverse funding.

Qualifications

• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree at minimum.
• Work requires a minimum of four years of research experience; a Master’s degree may substitute for two years.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development and execution of research and educational initiatives advancing orthopaedic trauma care.
• Coordinate clinical research programs, multicenter collaborations, and investigator-initiated studies.
• Lead preparation of manuscripts, abstracts, grant proposals, and other scholarly products.
• Lead community-focused prevention initiatives to identify high-risk individuals and improve musculoskeletal health.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with healthcare systems, industry, and public stakeholders to expand impact.

Skills

Research experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

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.

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.

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $0.00 to USD $0.00. 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 thedollars 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/

Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

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 reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: [e-mail]; phone: [phone]).