Title: Researcher and Manager of Agroecology and Climate Science (resident)
Location: Duke Farms, Hillsborough, N.J.
Reports to: Deputy Executive Director of Science and Conservation
Status: Full time, exempt
How to Apply: Click here to apply. Please include a cover letter and a curriculum vitae in academic format. The CV should include relevant sections such as publications, grants, presentations, teaching experience and other professional accomplishments. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Duke Farms is a living lab where model strategies for nature restoration, wildlife conservation and clean energy transition are developed. Located on 2,700 acres in Hillsborough, New Jersey, the campus serves as a gathering place for global decision-makers and local neighbors to ignite change.
As a center of the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF), Duke Farms advances the foundation’s mission to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future. We work across three areas: arts & culture, nature and health & well-being. In addition to Duke Farms, DDF operates five national grantmaking programs as well as Shangri La, a global center for transformation located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. DDF’s activities are guided by the will of Doris Duke, who endowed the foundation with financial assets that currently total over $2 billion. (To learn more about the foundation, visit dorisduke.org.)
POSITION
The Researcher and Manager of Agroecology and Climate Science spearheads the development and operation of a long-term ecological research station dedicated to applied agroecological practices and climate resilience on working lands. This role will lead programmatic strategy, research development and landscape master planning, and oversee day-to-day management of agricultural and ecological operations.
By guiding research and programmatic strategy, overseeing field operations and fostering external partnerships, the Manager advances Duke Farms’ mission of applied conservation and climate leadership through science, demonstration and education.
As a condition of employment, the Manager is required to live on-site at Duke Farms and remain on call to ensure timely response to emergency situations related to the model farm and animal care.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Strategy and Research Development: Leads the design and implementation of applied research and long-term strategies that advance regenerative agriculture, ecological resilience and biodiversity outcomes.
• Collaborate closely with the Deputy Executive Director of Science and Conservation to design and implement a robust research agenda focused on sustainable agroecology, regenerative agriculture, soil health, carbon sequestration, biodiversity enhancement and climate adaptation strategies.
• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive master plan for the ecological research station, integrating research, agricultural practices, conservation goals, public visitation and education.
• Collaborate with landscape architects and ecological planners to ensure that research and education are thoughtfully designed, accessible and aligned with programmatic goals.
Field Operations and Animal Management: Oversees the effective and ethical management of agricultural systems and livestock operations to support research integrity and sustainability goals.
• Directly oversee animal care, including grazing cattle operations.
• Supervise farm staff and technical research teams to maintain operational excellence and uphold research protocols.
• Ensure compliance with animal welfare standards and best management practices for sustainable agriculture.
Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivates and manages collaborations to strengthen research impact, resource sharing and community engagement.
• Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with academic institutions, government agencies, NGOs, community groups and industry partners.
• Act as a spokesperson representing Duke Farms in relevant external meetings, conferences and symposia to share research insights and advance the visibility of agroecological and climate resilience work.
Education, Communication and Public Engagement: Translates scientific research into public knowledge through collaboration, education and outreach initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal education and communications teams to develop public-facing programs, materials and engagement strategies for disseminating research findings and promoting sustainable agriculture and climate resilience practices.
• Engage in teaching, mentorship and training activities both internally and externally to build knowledge and capacity within the field.
Resource Development for Conservation Impact: Drives strategic resource development to sustain and expand Duke Farms’ applied research and conservation programs.
• Secure and manage external resources—including grants and mission-aligned partnerships—to support Duke Farms’ long-term research priorities, restoration efforts and operational capacity.
• Lead the development of competitive proposals that reflect the organization’s applied science and sustainability goals.
• Oversee research budgets, track expenditures and ensure compliance with reporting requirements to maintain strong relationships and program integrity.
Other responsibilities as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Master’s degree with demonstrated experience in ecology, soil sciences, agroecology, climate science or a closely related field. Ph.D. preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing agricultural and ecological teams with various backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
• Proven track record securing and managing competitive research grants.
• Strong publication record, public speaking skills and stakeholder engagement experience.
• Experience with regenerative agriculture practices, livestock management and landscape-scale ecological research.
• Experience designing and managing experimental agricultural or ecological research stations.
• Strong strategic thinking, organizational leadership and project management skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• Commitment to sustainability, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
• Proficiency in data management and familiarity with ecological research methods.
• Passion for community engagement, environmental stewardship and biodiversity conservation.
• Ability to navigate the 2,700-plus-acre Duke Farms property as well as travel to other locations, both indoors and outdoors, in various weather conditions.
• Ability to repeatedly lift and carry up to 50 pounds to a height of 12 inches.
• Ability to work in various outdoor conditions including but not limited to heat, cold, sun exposure and wet weather with potential exposure to environmental factors such as poison ivy, ticks and mosquitoes.
• Available to work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays.
• A valid driver’s license.
We recognize that not every candidate will meet every qualification listed. If you are passionate about our mission and believe you have the skills and experience to perform the essential functions of this role, we encourage you to apply.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
• Anticipated salary range is $88,800--$133,200, and the final offer will depend on experience.
• Industry-leading benefits, including a 15% employer contribution to your 401(k), comprehensive health insurance, four weeks of paid vacation with additional paid time off and matching gift benefits of up to $20,000 per year—all designed to support employees’ well-being, productivity and engagement.
OUR VALUES
The following values underpin everything we do in pursuit of our mission across the Doris Duke Foundation:
Integrity: We must be honest and ethical in all that we undertake. As a private foundation, we are accountable to the many stakeholders affected by our work.
Excellence: We will insist on the highest standards of performance in fulfilling our mission, will ground our work in best practices and will make decisions based on the best available information.
Openness and Imagination: We will be a listening and learning organization that is responsive to ideas and opinions from a variety of sources. We value imagination and creativity, the ability to think in new ways about the work we do and how we do it.
Collaboration: We value a collaborative and supportive environment in which to advance our mission and objectives. Creating a working environment that promotes trust, honesty and respect within our organizations is as important as earning the trust and respect of our colleagues and peers in the fields in which we work.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: We believe in the essential value that a diverse set of perspectives, experiences and abilities brings to the table. Our commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice is an ongoing, active engagement reflected in our funding areas, grantees, museums, centers, board and staff. At the core of our work is a dedication to serving and learning from organizations and individuals addressing inequities and working toward a more just, healthy and inclusive society. (Learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and how we incorporate this value into our work.)
The Doris Duke Foundation is committed to inclusive hiring and equal employment opportunity. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations and communities to apply. Our recruiting and employment practices adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation in the job application process is needed, please contact us here.