Duke University Job Description:
DIR OF RESEARCH, LEMUR CENTER (3771)


Job Title: DIR OF RESEARCH, LEMUR CENTER 

Job Code: 3771 

FLSA:

Job Level: 13 

Revised Date: 08/01/2022  

Job Family: JF 28 

Occupational Summary

The Director of Research works with the DLC Director of Operations & Administration and Director to create a well-defined research vision for the Center and implements the strategic initiatives necessary to successfully implement it. This positon is responsible for insuring all approved research protocols are compliant with Duke University's and the DLC's research policies and protocols as well as those regulated by the IACUC, AAALAC, AZA and USDA. The Director of Research also works proactively to engage top research talent and maximize cutting edge research being conducted at the DLC.

Work Performed

Work with DLC Director of Operations & Administration and Director to create the DLC's research vision and strategic goals that support the DLC's goal of being a leader in prosimian research.

Work with DLC Director of Operations & Administration and Director to identify research funding opportunities and develop grant proposals.

Engage Duke and other university researchers to develop collaborative multi-disciplined research initiatives.

Serve as a permanent member of the DLC's animal welfare committee; help design research methodology to gather needed data to assist the committee in making informed animal management decisions.

Establish a process to insure timely communication and smooth data flow to track projects from initial submission of research protocol, to execution of the project, to follow up assuring that published results carry DLC publication number.

As Chair of the Research Committee, coordinate monthly Research Committee Meetings, evaluate incoming research proposals, offering comment to the Director and the Research Committee on the quality and appropriateness of the research, with appropriate feedback provided to the researcher.

Work with investigators, students and DLC staff to assure that all research activities are commensurate with Duke University, IACUC and DLC policies and procedures.

Provide financial oversight regarding animal use/facility charges/staff charges - i.e. financial accounting for each project and insure timely billing.

Develop and keep current summary statistics and tables of research activities.

Create annual animal use reports and yearly project summaries.

Collaborate with Colony Curator in order to advise researchers in selection of animals for projects; provide guidance in selection of research site and activities.

Collaborate with Behavioral Management Coordinator and/or veterinarians to modify research designs as needed to minimize stress to research animals and maximize the quality of the data collected.

Collaborate with Communications Director, Development Officer and/or researchers to communicate research activities at the DLC; meet with donors and VIPs to promote the DLC's research program.

Plan and implement IACUC and AAALAC research inspections, as well as ESAC, AZA and USDA research audits.

Curate the DLC's frozen collection of irreplaceable biological samples.

Work with Duke Government Affairs Office and USFW to insure the DLC maintains all required permits necessary for the importation of biological samples by staff, students and researchers.

Assist Research Technicians as necessary to assure proper handling of animals, coordination with Primate Technician staff and compliance with all DLC policies and procedures.

Supervise Research Technician to assure that selection and handling of research animals is appropriate to proposed research activities and animal care standards, and that proper coordination with technical staff is assured.

Represents the DLC at professional scientific conferences, symposiums and workshops.

Work directly with students (K-12, undergrad and grad) to teach research methodology, basic data analysis to develop posters or abstracts for presentation, as needed.

Work with Division of Fossil Primates Curator to maintain synergy with all DLC research programs.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education/Training:

Master's degree preferred, with specialization in either biology, primatology or physical anthropology.

 

Experience:

Minimum of 8 years' experience with a preference in primatology or physical anthropology.

 

Skills:

 

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.


Duke University is an Affirmative Action/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, sexual orientation, or veteran 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 that 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 provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.