Postdoctoral Position · STEM Education · Vanderbilt University · Nashville
Vanderbilt University’s Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach (CSEO) is accepting applications for postdoctoral research positions that combine STEM expertise with K–12 teaching, curriculum development, student research, programme evaluation and education outreach. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the available positions are filled.
12-month initial appointment
Salary + health insurance
Nashville, Tennessee
Important correction: this current CSEO postdoctoral advertisement is centered on Vanderbilt’s Nashville-based K–12 STEM programmes and partnerships. Older CSEO opportunities involving St. Croix should not be treated as the terms of this current postdoctoral appointment.
1Vanderbilt CSEO Postdoc 2026 at a Glance
| Feature | Current information |
|---|---|
| Institution | Vanderbilt University |
| Unit | Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach (CSEO) |
| Academic home | Department of Teaching and Learning, Peabody College of Education and Human Development |
| Location | Nashville, Tennessee, USA |
| Area | STEM Education, K–12 Outreach, Curriculum Development, Student Research |
| Initial appointment | 12 months |
| Extension | Possible subject to satisfactory performance and available funding |
| Compensation | Salary plus health insurance coverage |
| Deadline | No fixed closing date stated; rolling review until positions are filled |
| Application method | Email application to Dr. Angela Eeds |
2Who Can Apply?
According to Vanderbilt’s current posting, applicants should hold a PhD in science, technology, mathematics or engineering, or a PhD in a STEM education field, and should have experience in research and experimental design.
Required
- PhD in a STEM discipline or STEM education field
- Experience in research and experimental design
- Ability to work across research and educational settings
Preferred
- Formal or informal K–12 STEM teaching experience
- Middle- or high-school teaching exposure
- Conference presentations
- Peer-reviewed publications in STEM or STEM education
Applicants without formal K–12 teaching employment may still have relevant experience through university teaching, laboratory instruction, tutoring, mentoring, science outreach, curriculum development or supervision of student research.
3CSEO Programmes Connected with the Role
Postdoctoral fellows may contribute to different CSEO programmes conducted in partnership with Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. Exact assignments depend on programme needs, the fellow’s academic background and professional interests.
Interdisciplinary Science and Research
The ISR programme engages high-school students in research-centred STEM learning. Fellows may help with curriculum development, instruction, research methods and student projects.
School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt
SSMV provides an interdisciplinary STEM programme for MNPS students, progressing from broad STEM learning toward individual research experiences.
Day of Discovery
This programme provides inquiry- and project-based STEM learning for middle-school students. Fellows may contribute to lesson development, instruction and student engagement.
Resident Scientist
Resident scientists work with teachers in local schools to develop interdisciplinary STEM and STEAM lessons using authentic scientific methods, data and real-world applications.
4What Will the Postdoctoral Fellow Do?
This is not a conventional research-only postdoc. Teaching, curriculum design, outreach and school-university collaboration are central to the role.
- Serve as lead or co-lead instructor in CSEO programmes
- Develop inquiry-based and multidisciplinary STEM curricula
- Guide student research projects
- Collaborate with school teachers and education partners
- Develop a professional growth plan
- Work with Vanderbilt and Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers where relevant
- Participate in programme evaluation
- Contribute to teacher professional development
- Participate in grant-supported projects
- Undertake research, conference presentations or publications where appropriate
Candidates seeking a laboratory-only research appointment should review these duties carefully before applying. The position is designed for researchers who want to connect disciplinary STEM expertise with education and outreach.
5Appointment, Salary and Benefits
Initial Term
12 months.
Extension
May be possible subject to satisfactory performance and available funding.
Compensation
The position includes salary. The current posting does not state a specific salary amount.
Health Coverage
Health insurance coverage is included.
The current general CSEO advertisement does not state that accommodation, relocation expenses, travel allowances or meal support are included. Applicants should not assume these benefits unless Vanderbilt confirms them for a specific appointment.
6Application Documents
Vanderbilt’s current advertisement asks applicants to prepare:
- Letter of interest
- One publication or manuscript in progress
- Current curriculum vitae
- Names and contact information for three potential references
The current posting does not state that full recommendation letters are required with the initial submission.
7How to Apply
- Prepare a role-specific letter of interest. Explain both your STEM research background and your interest in K–12 education and outreach.
- Select one publication or manuscript. Choose a work that demonstrates your research capability clearly.
- Update your CV. Make teaching, mentoring, outreach and student-supervision experience visible.
- Add three potential references. Include names and contact details as requested.
- Email the complete application to Dr. Angela Eeds.
Application Contact
Dr. Angela Eeds
Executive Director
Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach
Vanderbilt University
Email: angela.eeds@vanderbilt.edu
Subject line: CSEO Postdoctoral Fellow Search
Because review is rolling, verify that the opportunity is still available immediately before submitting the application.
8CareerAidHub Applicant Guidance
The following guidance is intended to help applicants interpret the role. It is not a statement of Vanderbilt’s internal selection criteria.
Connect research with education
Applicants from conventional STEM PhD programmes should clearly explain how their disciplinary expertise can translate into meaningful learning experiences for younger students.
Make teaching and mentoring visible
Do not rely on a generic academic CV to communicate educational fit. Highlight relevant experience such as laboratory instruction, tutoring, mentoring, science communication, workshops, curriculum design and supervision of junior researchers.
Write a role-specific letter
The letter should explain your STEM or STEM-education background, relevant teaching or outreach experience, interest in working with K–12 students and educators, experience with research or experimental design, and how this position supports your professional development.
Choose the publication strategically
The requested publication or manuscript does not need to be a STEM-education paper unless Vanderbilt specifically states otherwise. Select a work that demonstrates strong research ability and can be understood by an interdisciplinary academic audience.
Separate programme clarification: Vanderbilt also runs other STEM-education training opportunities for graduate students and current postdocs. Those programmes are distinct from this salaried CSEO postdoctoral appointment and should not be treated as the same opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Vanderbilt CSEO postdoctoral opportunity still open?
The current posting states that applications are reviewed immediately and continue until the available positions are filled. Applicants should verify availability before submitting.
Who can apply?
Applicants should hold a PhD in science, technology, mathematics, engineering or a STEM-education field and have experience in research and experimental design.
Is prior K–12 teaching experience mandatory?
Vanderbilt lists K–12 teaching experience as preferred, not as a stated mandatory qualification. Relevant teaching, mentoring or outreach experience can still strengthen an application.
Is this a research-only postdoc?
No. The role combines STEM expertise with teaching, curriculum development, student research, programme evaluation and outreach.
How long is the appointment?
The initial appointment is 12 months. Extension may be possible subject to satisfactory performance and available funding.
Does the position include salary and health insurance?
Yes. The current posting states that the appointment includes salary plus health insurance coverage. It does not specify the salary amount.
Does the current role require travel to St. Croix?
The current general CSEO postdoctoral advertisement described here does not state a St. Croix travel requirement. Older CSEO opportunities involving St. Croix should not be treated as the terms of this current Nashville-focused posting.
What documents are required?
A letter of interest, one publication or manuscript in progress, a current CV, and names and contact information for three potential references.
How do I apply?
Email the application to Dr. Angela Eeds at angela.eeds@vanderbilt.edu using the subject line “CSEO Postdoctoral Fellow Search.”
Official Vanderbilt Sources
Last verified by CareerAidHub:
Verified status: rolling review until positions are filled; 12-month initial appointment; salary plus health insurance; application by email with the specified documents.
