Research Jobs at Duke University with Visa Sponsorship
Research jobs at Duke University span basic science, clinical trials, policy analysis, and translational medicine across departments and institutes. Duke has a strong track record of sponsoring international researchers through H-1B visa, E-3 visa, and employment-based green card pathways, making it a realistic target for candidates at every stage of their immigration journey.
Find Research Jobs at Duke UniversityOverview
Showing 5 of 25+ Research Jobs at Duke University
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all Research Jobs at Duke University
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Jobs at Duke University.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
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.
At Duke, we celebrate individuality, intellectual curiosity, and the unique perspectives that strengthen our academic community. As the Associate Director, Research Operations, you will play a critical leadership role in advancing Trinity College of Arts & Sciences’ research mission by supporting faculty, departments, and school leadership across the full lifecycle of sponsored research.
In this role, you will serve as a trusted advisor to faculty and administrators, a connector across institutional partners, and a champion for clear communication, effective processes, and inclusive research support. Reporting to the Senior Associate Dean for Research, you’ll work closely with the Vice Dean for Finance and Administration and Duke’s Office for Research & Innovation (OR&I) to ensure Trinity’s research enterprise is well-supported, compliant, and positioned for continued growth.
Be Bold.
You’ll help shape the future of research administration at Duke by identifying gaps, reducing barriers, and building systems that make it easier for faculty and researchers to succeed.
What You’ll Do
Lead Research Administration Strategy
- Partner with the Senior Associate Dean for Research and OR&I leadership to identify, develop, and disseminate best practices for research administration across Trinity.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for the implementation of institutional initiatives, policies, and compliance requirements related to research administration.
- Advise departmental business managers and Trinity staff on research administration policies, procedures, sponsor requirements, and regulatory updates.
- Provide ongoing training and professional development to administrative staff supporting research activities.
- Collaborate with the Vice Dean for Finance and Administration to assess gaps in research administration support and align solutions with shared services models and departmental staffing structures.
- Partner with institutional committees and working groups to advance coordinated research administration practices.
- Serve as a key liaison between Trinity and OR&I to ensure open, consistent communication.
Support Faculty and Researchers
- Monitor the effectiveness of administrative support for proposal development, grant submission, post-award management, research-related HR, procurement, IRB review, data storage, and related research functions.
- Meet regularly with faculty, department chairs, business managers, and administrators to understand evolving research administration needs and communicate those needs to Trinity leadership.
- Facilitate strong coordination among faculty, departmental administrators, and central shared service teams to ensure seamless pre- and post-award support.
- Provide onboarding and individualized support for new Trinity faculty navigating Duke systems for grants submission and management.
- Support implementation and administration of research-related policies affecting graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduate researchers.
- Identify breakdowns in research administration processes and work collaboratively with faculty and leadership to develop solutions.
- Serve as the primary point of contact within Trinity for research compliance matters.
- Consult on research administration resource needs and partner with school leadership on staffing and support strategies.
- Collaborate with the Office of Research Support (ORS) and designated grant managers on grant administration, policies, procedures, and budgeting.
Advance Research Development and Data Strategy
- Identify, track, and analyze key performance indicators related to Trinity’s research activities, including sponsored funding, publications, and broader scholarly and societal impact.
- Partner with OR&I and Trinity Technology Services to develop infrastructure that supports data-driven decision-making and performance monitoring.
- Meet with faculty to understand grant development needs and connect them to funding development resources across OR&I and campus partners.
Other Duties
- Perform other responsibilities as assigned in support of Trinity’s research mission.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in a scientific, allied health, or related field
- Master’s degree or PhD preferred
Experience
- Minimum of seven (7) years of experience managing research staff and supporting sponsored research activities
- Demonstrated experience with grant proposals and budget development
- Experience with REDCap software implementation and data management
- At least one (1) year of proven leadership experience managing or directing the work of a large staff
- General knowledge of internal and external research compliance regulations
PREFERRED SKILLS
- Strong proficiency with computing software and web-based applications
- Ability to use administrative tools to track, model, and analyze institutional data
- Proven ability to work effectively with researchers in an academic environment
- Exceptional relationship-building skills and experience working with stakeholders at all organizational levels
- Ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible guidance for diverse audiences
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- A problem-solving mindset with the ability to navigate complex situations and identify practical solutions
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, providing leadership and influence without direct supervisory authority
- Familiarity with financial tracking systems and/or research administration systems
- Understanding of Duke University policies and processes related to proposal submission and grant administration
Choose Duke.
At Duke, you’ll join a world-class research institution committed to excellence, collaboration, and impact. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive environment where your expertise helps advance discovery and scholarship across disciplines.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Apply now and help strengthen the research enterprise of Trinity College of Arts & Sciences at Duke University.
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 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/
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 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 reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS@duke.edu; phone: 919-668-1267).
LOCATION
Location:
Durham, NC, US, 27710
WORK ARRANGEMENT
Work Arrangement: On-Site
REQUISITION NUMBER
Requisition Number: 270857
REGULAR OR TEMPORARY
Regular or Temporary: Regular
DATE
Date: Jun 8, 2026
NEAREST MAJOR MARKET
Nearest Major Market: Durham
NEAREST SECONDARY MARKET
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh
INTRODUCTION
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.
At Duke, we celebrate individuality, intellectual curiosity, and the unique perspectives that strengthen our academic community. As the Associate Director, Research Operations, you will play a critical leadership role in advancing Trinity College of Arts & Sciences’ research mission by supporting faculty, departments, and school leadership across the full lifecycle of sponsored research.
In this role, you will serve as a trusted advisor to faculty and administrators, a connector across institutional partners, and a champion for clear communication, effective processes, and inclusive research support. Reporting to the Senior Associate Dean for Research, you’ll work closely with the Vice Dean for Finance and Administration and Duke’s Office for Research & Innovation (OR&I) to ensure Trinity’s research enterprise is well-supported, compliant, and positioned for continued growth.
Be Bold.
You’ll help shape the future of research administration at Duke by identifying gaps, reducing barriers, and building systems that make it easier for faculty and researchers to succeed.
What You’ll Do
Lead Research Administration Strategy
- Partner with the Senior Associate Dean for Research and OR&I leadership to identify, develop, and disseminate best practices for research administration across Trinity.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for the implementation of institutional initiatives, policies, and compliance requirements related to research administration.
- Advise departmental business managers and Trinity staff on research administration policies, procedures, sponsor requirements, and regulatory updates.
- Provide ongoing training and professional development to administrative staff supporting research activities.
- Collaborate with the Vice Dean for Finance and Administration to assess gaps in research administration support and align solutions with shared services models and departmental staffing structures.
- Partner with institutional committees and working groups to advance coordinated research administration practices.
- Serve as a key liaison between Trinity and OR&I to ensure open, consistent communication.
Support Faculty and Researchers
- Monitor the effectiveness of administrative support for proposal development, grant submission, post-award management, research-related HR, procurement, IRB review, data storage, and related research functions.
- Meet regularly with faculty, department chairs, business managers, and administrators to understand evolving research administration needs and communicate those needs to Trinity leadership.
- Facilitate strong coordination among faculty, departmental administrators, and central shared service teams to ensure seamless pre- and post-award support.
- Provide onboarding and individualized support for new Trinity faculty navigating Duke systems for grants submission and management.
- Support implementation and administration of research-related policies affecting graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduate researchers.
- Identify breakdowns in research administration processes and work collaboratively with faculty and leadership to develop solutions.
- Serve as the primary point of contact within Trinity for research compliance matters.
- Consult on research administration resource needs and partner with school leadership on staffing and support strategies.
- Collaborate with the Office of Research Support (ORS) and designated grant managers on grant administration, policies, procedures, and budgeting.
Advance Research Development and Data Strategy
- Identify, track, and analyze key performance indicators related to Trinity’s research activities, including sponsored funding, publications, and broader scholarly and societal impact.
- Partner with OR&I and Trinity Technology Services to develop infrastructure that supports data-driven decision-making and performance monitoring.
- Meet with faculty to understand grant development needs and connect them to funding development resources across OR&I and campus partners.
Other Duties
- Perform other responsibilities as assigned in support of Trinity’s research mission.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in a scientific, allied health, or related field
- Master’s degree or PhD preferred
Experience
- Minimum of seven (7) years of experience managing research staff and supporting sponsored research activities
- Demonstrated experience with grant proposals and budget development
- Experience with REDCap software implementation and data management
- At least one (1) year of proven leadership experience managing or directing the work of a large staff
- General knowledge of internal and external research compliance regulations
PREFERRED SKILLS
- Strong proficiency with computing software and web-based applications
- Ability to use administrative tools to track, model, and analyze institutional data
- Proven ability to work effectively with researchers in an academic environment
- Exceptional relationship-building skills and experience working with stakeholders at all organizational levels
- Ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible guidance for diverse audiences
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- A problem-solving mindset with the ability to navigate complex situations and identify practical solutions
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, providing leadership and influence without direct supervisory authority
- Familiarity with financial tracking systems and/or research administration systems
- Understanding of Duke University policies and processes related to proposal submission and grant administration
Choose Duke.
At Duke, you’ll join a world-class research institution committed to excellence, collaboration, and impact. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive environment where your expertise helps advance discovery and scholarship across disciplines.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Apply now and help strengthen the research enterprise of Trinity College of Arts & Sciences at Duke University.
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 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/
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 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 reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS@duke.edu; phone: 919-668-1267).
LOCATION
Location:
Durham, NC, US, 27710
WORK ARRANGEMENT
Work Arrangement: On-Site
REQUISITION NUMBER
Requisition Number: 270857
REGULAR OR TEMPORARY
Regular or Temporary: Regular
DATE
Date: Jun 8, 2026
NEAREST MAJOR MARKET
Nearest Major Market: Durham
NEAREST SECONDARY MARKET
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh
Tips for Finding Research Jobs at Duke University
Tailor credentials to Duke's research structure
Duke hires researchers across schools, medical centers, and institutes, each with different credential expectations. Align your CV to the specific unit you're targeting, whether that's the Duke Global Health Institute or the School of Medicine.
Identify open roles through Migrate Mate
Duke posts Research openings across multiple portals. Use Migrate Mate to filter specifically for Duke positions that have active visa sponsorship, so you're not applying blind to roles that may not support international candidates.
Distinguish E-3 eligibility before you apply
If you hold Australian citizenship, the E-3 pathway moves faster than H-1B and avoids the lottery. Confirm the role qualifies as a specialty occupation and that Duke's international office is prepared to file an LCA with DOL before your interview.
Request the offer letter early for LCA timing
Duke's Office of International Services needs a finalized offer letter to begin the Labor Condition Application. Delays in issuing the offer directly delay your DOL filing and start date, so push for written confirmation as soon as verbally agreed.
Prepare for PERM documentation if targeting permanent residency
Duke sponsors EB-2 and EB-3 green cards for Research staff, but PERM requires the employer to document recruitment and prevailing wage compliance with DOL. Confirm whether your role is eligible and ask HR about typical internal timelines before accepting.
Build a publication and grant record that matches the role level
Duke evaluates Research candidates against academic benchmarks. A stronger publication record or external grant history directly supports specialty occupation arguments during H-1B adjudication and signals readiness for senior researcher classifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Duke University sponsor H-1B visas for Researchers?
Yes, Duke University sponsors H-1B visas for Research positions through its Office of International Services. The university files as a cap-subject employer, meaning H-1B petitions for new beneficiaries are subject to the annual lottery. Cap-exempt options may apply if your role is based at a qualifying nonprofit research entity affiliated with Duke.
How do I apply for Research jobs at Duke University?
Research positions at Duke are posted on Duke's official careers site and through specialized academic job boards. You can also browse open Research roles at Duke that explicitly support visa sponsorship through Migrate Mate, which filters by employer and visa type. Prepare a research CV, cover letter addressing the specific project or lab, and contact information for academic references before applying.
Which visa types does Duke University commonly use for Research roles?
Duke uses H-1B for most international Research hires requiring specialty occupation status. Australian citizens can access the E-3 visa, which has no lottery and is processed through consular appointment or a change of status filing. For longer-term staff, Duke also pursues PERM-based EB-2 and EB-3 immigrant visa sponsorship depending on the role's requirements and the candidate's qualifications.
What qualifications does Duke University expect for Research positions?
Expectations vary by role level, but most Research positions require at minimum a master's degree in a relevant field, with doctoral degrees expected for independent research roles. Duke also values prior grant-funded project experience, a publication record aligned with the research area, and familiarity with IRB or IACUC compliance processes depending on whether the research involves human subjects or animal models.
How do I plan my timeline around Duke's visa sponsorship process?
For H-1B, USCIS opens registration in early March for an October 1 start date. If you're already in the U.S. on a valid status such as F-1 OPT, Duke can file a change of status petition after lottery selection. E-3 applicants typically move faster, with consular processing taking two to four weeks at most Australian posts. Start conversations with Duke's Office of International Services immediately after receiving a verbal offer.