Duke University, Duke Quantum Center
Position ID:
Duke-Duke Quantum Center-RSS_BROWN [#31500]
Position Title:
Research Scientist Sr.
Position Type:
Other
Position Location:
Durham, North Carolina 27705, United States of America
Subject Area:
Appl Deadline:
(posted 2026/01/09, listed until 2026/06/28)
Position Description:
Position Description
Occupational Summary: Develop and implement research strategies essential to the achievement of the Duke Quantum Center (DQC) scientific mission. Coordinate administrative and research programming to foster strategic partnerships both internally at DQC and Duke, and externally with key stakeholders, and active or potential funders. Design and direct outreach initiatives in support of program goals including amplifying research achievements and offering training and education opportunities. Organize and support pre-award and post-award functions for complex project submissions and awards, including the development and administration of milestone-driven schedules, laboratory activities, training activities, and laboratory network interactions. Coordinate across DQC teams and collaborators, bridging technical and administrative functions, including faculty, research staff, students, grants administration, and operations/support staff. Directly interact with the research community at Duke and beyond, identifying partnerships, collaborations, and securing necessary funding opportunities to ensure the impactful and successful research of DQC. Work Performed: Duties and Responsibilities- Research (50%) Drive innovation in research strategy. • Develop, coordinate, and implement cutting-edge research and administrative strategies that enhance the efficiency and impact of investigator-led and faculty research programs. Identify opportunities to introduce novel methodologies and approaches to data collection, evaluation, and program management. •Work with DQC leadership and faculty to develop the short and long-range goals for the operation and administration of the Center, setting priorities and establishing timetables. Assist with developing implementation plans; revise and implement program operation strategies as appropriate. • Priorities and activities include but are not limited to research initiatives, working group interests, and recruitment efforts. Shape research direction. • Provide strategic guidance on portfolio and project implementation priorities, offering a clear direction for research activities within the program. Contribute, independently and in partnership, to the development of innovative research proposals and initiatives. • Develop research evaluation metrics to monitor progress towards program and project milestones, goals, and identify areas for improvement. Facilitate funding opportunities. • Actively assist with efforts to identify, secure, and manage study or program funding, exploring diverse funding avenues and contributing to compelling grant applications. • Facilitate the development of complex research proposals including project management and timeline development, facilitate planning meetings, dissemination of investigator assignments and follow-up, as well as contributing to research proposal text, completion of supporting documents, collection and organization of documents, review and edit of documents, development of grant figures, and overall formatting. • Coordinate wider program activities, ensuring seamless integration and collaboration across different research projects and teams, including the design and oversight of internal funding announcements for Duke applicants. Identify themes of research, analytic problems and areas of opportunity; communicate findings and funding opportunities to DQC leadership. External Engagement (30%) Cultivate Strategic Research Partnerships. • Serve as the primary liaison and networking lead, proactively engaging with other research groups, programs, and external stakeholders to forge meaningful collaborations. Identify and nurture partnership opportunities that can amplify the reach and impact of our research. • Priorities and activities include but are not limited to outreach and engagement initiatives, funding and investment opportunities, and collaboration and training programming. Management (20%) Direct cross-function operations. • Research programs will be across multiple institutions. The position requires managing the timely reporting of research outputs and expenditures across multiple universities working with grants administrators and researchers. • Demonstrate exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with a proven ability to build and maintain strong working relationships and strategic partnerships. • Demonstrate innovative strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate ideas into actionable plans. Minimum Qualifications: Education- PhD in engineering or physical sciences is required. Additional training in Project Management or related training is desired. Experience- Five years of experience in technical project management, with increasing scope and independence. Essential Skills- Leading groups of scientists and engineers in composing complex proposals and executing on project plans; identifying federal and non-federal funding sources for quantum research projects.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, (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 that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Two references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses
)
And anything else requested in the position description.
Further Info:
Duke University, Durham, NC, US