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STAFF SPECIALIST

Duke Clinical Research Institute
United States, North Carolina, Durham
300 West Morgan Street (Show on map)
Dec 08, 2025
Occupational Summary

Duke University Chapel invites applications for the position of Organ Scholar for the 2026-2027 academic year. This full-time, ten-month position begins in August 2026 and concludes in June 2027, with potential for continued service through June and July. Benefits are included, as is housing.



Overview

Established in 2015, the organ scholar program at Duke University Chapel provides an immersive and supportive environment for students of organ and church music.



The successful candidate will have access to the exceptional organs in Duke University Chapel, Duke Divinity School, a new Bosendorfer grand piano, as well as several harpsichords and practice instruments in the Department of Music. Although the position is akin to a paid internship, the Organ Scholar serves as an integral member of the Chapel Music staff and is expected to maintain the highest level of performance and professional standards in music making, communication, and other responsibilities.



Responsibilities

Responsibilities include:




  • Serve as principal accompanist for the Evensong Singers including anthems, psalmody, and hymnody
  • Prepare and play preludes, postludes, and other service music as needed, and assist with weekly organ demonstrations featuring Chapel instruments
  • Attend all services, regular rehearsals, and special rehearsals or sectionals of the Chapel Choir, Evensong Singers, and Schola Cantorum
  • Maintain a regular schedule of individual practice using available instruments in the Chapel, Divinity School, and Department of Music
  • Play 15 weddings (included in salary and not compensated separately)
  • Learn and perform continuo accompaniments and solo literature for early music programs, possibly including Bach cantata programs and Handel's Messiah
  • Attend regular meetings or coaching sessions regarding musical and administrative tasks
  • Research and write music notes for Evensong bulletins and other special services



The Organ Scholar may also pursue these and similar opportunities:




  • Serve as organist for funerals, academic ceremonies, and other special events (compensated separately)
  • Develop a program of study for service playing, choral accompaniment, improvisation, conducting, continuo realization, or other areas of interest with members of the Chapel music staff
  • Under mentorship of Chapel music staff, prepare for a full recital on campus and/or complete a professional certification (e.g. AGO examinations)



Qualifications

Candidates for the position of Organ Scholar must:




  • Have a degree (BA, BM, MA, MM, or DMA) in organ performance or equivalent certifications from the American Guild of Organists or Royal College of Organists
  • Exhibit commitment to continued professional work as a church musician
  • Demonstrate previous experience in choral accompaniment and conducting
  • Possess advanced proficiency in public performance of organ repertoire



The following skills will also be considered in evaluation of candidates:




  • Sight-reading proficiency
  • Exceptional oral and written communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills



Application Instructions

To apply, please complete the application process through Duke Careers and be prepared to upload (.pdf) or paste the following when prompted:




  • A one-page cover letter describing your past qualifications and future interests as they pertain to this role
  • Curriculum vitae and repertoire list
  • A document or list containing URL links for no more than five (5) recordings that demonstrate proficiency in any of the following areas: (a) performances of significant organ repertoire including a major work by J. S. Bach; (b) leadership of congregational singing; (c) proficiency in choral accompaniment or continuo playing
  • Contact information for three (3) references



Review of applications will begin on 5 January 2026; materials received by then will receive full consideration, though all applications will be considered until the position is filled.



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.



Minimum Qualifications

Duke 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 of 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.

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $18.00 to USD $25.54. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's workexperience, 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/

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 forrequests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.



Education

Work requires knowledge of basic mathematical, research and communications principles normally acquired through two years of postsecondary education.



Experience

Work generally requires two years of clerical or research experience to acquire skills in administrative or project research responsibilities as well as accepted office organization, communications and research practices. A bachelor's degree in a field of study directly related to the specific position may be substituted for the education and experience requirement. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE



Degrees, Licensures, Certifications

N/A


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 provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.


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