ASSOCIATE IN RESEARCH

Associate in Research

The Duke Global Health Institute (DGHI) was established to address health disparities both locally and around the world. Acknowledging that many global health challenges arise from economic, social, environmental, political, and healthcare inequities, DGHI brings together interdisciplinary teams to tackle complex health issues and to train the next generation of global health leaders. Central to this mission is the development of strong, equitable partnerships. DGHI therefore supports a diverse and growing portfolio of collaborations, both local and international-some built over decades, others newly emerging and innovative.

In this role, you will focus on advancing Duke's global health partnership agenda, including internal collaboration, external partnership development, and operational support. You will assist DGHI leadership in implementing strategic international priorities by coordinating with faculty and internal stakeholders to align goals, resources, and communications. Additionally, you will help strengthen DGHI's global partnership network by identifying and supporting collaborative initiatives in research, education, and capacity building. Your responsibilities will also include contributing to budget planning, developing calls for proposals, aligning resources with strategic objectives, and ensuring that administrative processes remain responsive to global trends and the evolving landscape of global health.

You will report directly to the Deputy Director. The role will require frequent travel to partner institutions in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Brazil and Vietnam. Your role will ensure cross fertilization of ideas and best practices between DGHI and target partners.

Your activities will include:

1. Research program development for Duke infectious diseases portfolio in Kenya - 25%

1. Mentor junior staff
2. Oversee workflow and establish systems to support research activities,
3. Assist with development of budgets and documentation for new grant submissions
4. Ensure projects receive and maintain ethical approvals in all relevant institutions.
5. Maintain excellent working relationships with funders and partners, including the MOH.
6. Represent the team to collaborators and partners

1. International partnership administration - 30%

1. coordinate and participate in meetings with DGHI faculty and staff to determine program objectives for international partnerships and identify internal and external resources available to meet those objectives.
2. Work on budgets and RFAs to support partnerships
3. Work closely with Duke Schools and Departments (especially the Global Priorities Committee and International RASR) to collaborate, coordinate efforts and identify solutions/best practices for supporting partnerships.
4. Prepare and facilitate regular update meetings with DGHI staff and faculty and the DGHI International Partnerships Committee to increase communication and information sharing.
5. Work with the education team to create opportunities for bilateral exchange and collaborative education activities. Ensure that education/training is centered in our partnerships as appropriate.
6. Work with the development team to create opportunities for dissemination of DGHI's activities and cultivation of relationships with (potential) donors

1. Partnership engagement - 45%

1. Foster and grow partnership networks across the DGHI partners

• Including strategic planning/organizing of international meetings
• Creating opportunities for Duke faculty to invest more time in partnerships
• Support existing and recruit new faculty champions to lead collaboration building with our partners

1. Identify potential research, education or community engagement opportunities at current partnership locations to grow multi-disciplinary collaborations
2. Develop plans for long term sustainability of partnership locations, including capacity building, in close consultation with leaders of partner institutions and DGHI faculty;
3. Identify funding sources for international sites development, including capacity building, and participate in preparation of grant proposals
4. Maintain and cultivate mutually constructive relationships between DGHI and the leadership of DGHIs international partners (academic institutions, health institutions, NGOs);
5. Identify or develop opportunities for faculty at our partner locations to benefit from leadership and research training, with an emphasis on training that is multi-institutional (i.e. DGHI and partner faculty can learn together)
6. Supervise Duke support staff in partner locations

Required qualifications:

* A masters' level degree in a relevant discipline

* At least five years of relevant work experience in research administration and partnership support in an academic context

* Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills.

Preferred qualifications:

* Experience working in a low- or middle-income country.

The work environment is likely to be fast-paced, rapidly-evolving, and highly results-driven.

The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and will be able to work independently, especially during periods when the PI/supervisor are on duty travel.