Vanderbilt CSEO Postdoctoral Positions in STEM Education and Outreach

Vanderbilt University is accepting applications for postdoctoral research positions with its Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach (CSEO) in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Peabody College of Education and Human Development.

The positions are intended for PhD holders in STEM disciplines or STEM education who are interested in connecting their research background with K–12 STEM teaching, curriculum development, student research, programme evaluation and education outreach.

Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis until the available positions are filled. The current opportunity is based in Nashville, Tennessee, and is associated with CSEO programmes conducted in partnership with Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools.

Current opportunity at a glance

About the Vanderbilt CSEO postdoctoral opportunity

The Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach works with Vanderbilt researchers, educators, students and local schools to provide research-informed STEM learning experiences for K–12 students and teachers.

Unlike a conventional laboratory-focused postdoctoral appointment, this position combines STEM disciplinary knowledge with educational practice. Postdoctoral fellows may contribute to teaching, curriculum design, student research projects, programme evaluation, teacher development and other activities connected with CSEO’s school-university partnerships.

The specific programme assignment may depend on programme availability, the fellow’s academic background and professional interests.

Who can apply?

Required qualifications

According to Vanderbilt University’s current posting, applicants should have:

• a PhD in science, technology, mathematics or engineering, or a PhD in a STEM education field; and

• experience in research and experimental design.

The opportunity is therefore not restricted to one narrow STEM discipline. Researchers from different scientific, engineering, mathematical or STEM-education backgrounds may be suitable if their qualifications and experience align with the position.

Preferred experience

Vanderbilt lists the following as preferred:

• experience teaching in formal or informal K–12 STEM education, particularly at middle- or high-school level; and

• evidence of conference presentations and research published in STEM or STEM-education peer-reviewed journals.

These are preferred qualifications rather than stated mandatory requirements.

Candidates without formal K–12 teaching employment may still have relevant experience through university teaching, laboratory instruction, student mentoring, science outreach, curriculum development, tutoring, public engagement or supervision of research projects.

CSEO programmes connected with the positions

Postdoctoral fellows may contribute to different CSEO programmes conducted in partnership with Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools.

Interdisciplinary Science and Research

The Interdisciplinary Science and Research (ISR) programme works with high-school students through a research-centred STEM curriculum.

Postdoctoral fellows may collaborate with school teachers in curriculum development and instruction while helping students understand research methods, experimental design and interdisciplinary scientific problems.

Fellows associated with ISR may also participate in CSEO summer research activities for high-school students.

School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt

The School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt (SSMV) provides an interdisciplinary STEM programme for Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools students.

Participants attend Vanderbilt regularly during the school year and progress from broad interdisciplinary STEM learning toward individual research experiences.

Postdoctoral researchers and science educators may contribute to instruction, curriculum development and student research mentoring within the programme.

Day of Discovery

The Day of Discovery programme provides inquiry- and project-based STEM learning for middle-school students.

Students participate in structured STEM activities during the school year at locations that may include Vanderbilt University and partner sites in Nashville.

Postdoctoral fellows working with the programme may contribute to lesson development, instruction and student engagement.

Resident Scientist

The Resident Scientist programme places research scientists in local elementary or middle schools.

Scientists work with teachers to develop interdisciplinary STEM and STEAM lessons that connect classroom learning with authentic data, scientific methods and real-world applications.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities can vary depending on the programme and the postdoctoral fellow’s expertise.

The current Vanderbilt posting indicates that fellows may:

• serve as lead or co-lead instructors in CSEO programmes;

• develop inquiry-based and multidisciplinary STEM curricula;

• guide student research projects;

• collaborate with school teachers and other 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; and

• undertake research, conference presentations or publications where appropriate to the appointment.

Applicants should recognise that teaching and education outreach form an important part of this position. Candidates seeking a research-only postdoctoral appointment should therefore review the responsibilities carefully before applying.

Appointment, salary and benefits

The initial appointment is for 12 months.

Vanderbilt states that an extension may be possible depending on:

• satisfactory performance; and

• availability of funding.

The position provides:

• salary; and

• health insurance coverage.

The current official advertisement does not specify a salary amount.

Applicants should therefore rely on Vanderbilt for any further information concerning compensation rather than third-party estimates.

The current general CSEO posting also does not state that accommodation, relocation expenses, travel allowances or meal support are included. These should not be assumed unless Vanderbilt confirms them for an individual appointment.

Application documents

Applicants should prepare the following materials:

1. Letter of interest

2. One publication or manuscript in progress

3. Current curriculum vitae

4. Names and contact information for three potential references

The reference details should be included with the application as instructed by Vanderbilt.

The current advertisement does not state that full recommendation letters must be submitted with the initial application.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted electronically to:

Dr. Angela Eeds
Executive Director
Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach
Vanderbilt University

Email: angela.eeds@vanderbilt.edu

Use the following subject line:

CSEO Postdoctoral Fellow Search

Vanderbilt states that applications will be reviewed immediately and that review will continue until the available positions are filled.

Because this is a rolling recruitment process, interested applicants should verify that the position remains available immediately before submitting their application.

CareerAidHub applicant guidance

The following guidance is intended to help applicants interpret the position. It is not a statement of Vanderbilt University’s internal selection criteria.

Connect your STEM research with education

Applicants coming from conventional STEM PhD programmes should make the connection between their disciplinary expertise and the educational responsibilities of the role clear.

A chemistry researcher, for example, might discuss experience mentoring students, explaining experimental methods or developing laboratory activities. A computational researcher could highlight work involving data analysis, modelling, coding or quantitative problem-solving that could be adapted for student learning.

The application should show how the candidate can translate advanced subject knowledge into learning experiences appropriate for younger students.

Make teaching and mentoring experience visible

Applicants should not assume that their CV automatically demonstrates their ability to work with students.

Relevant experience may include:

• undergraduate or postgraduate teaching;

• laboratory instruction;

• tutoring;

• mentoring student research;

• science communication;

• outreach programmes;

• curriculum development;

• workshops;

• research internships; or

• supervision of junior researchers.

Where possible, state the learner group, the applicant’s responsibility and the nature of the activity rather than simply listing “teaching” or “mentoring.”

Write a role-specific letter of interest

A generic postdoctoral cover letter centred almost entirely on publications is unlikely to communicate the full fit for this position.

The letter should explain:

• the applicant’s STEM or STEM-education background;

• relevant teaching, mentoring or outreach experience;

• interest in working with K–12 students and educators;

• experience with research or experimental design; and

• how the position relates to the applicant’s professional development.

Applicants without extensive K–12 experience should not exaggerate their background. Instead, they can identify transferable experience and explain why they are interested in developing further expertise in STEM education.

Select the publication carefully

Vanderbilt asks applicants to submit one publication or manuscript in progress.

Candidates with several publications may wish to choose a work that clearly demonstrates their research capability and can be understood by an interdisciplinary academic audience.

The document does not necessarily need to be about STEM education unless Vanderbilt specifies otherwise for an individual position.

Important note about earlier CSEO opportunities

CareerAidHub previously reported a CSEO-related opportunity involving work in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.

That earlier recruitment should not be confused with the current general CSEO postdoctoral advertisement described on this page.

The present posting focuses on CSEO’s K–12 STEM programmes associated with Vanderbilt University and Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools in Nashville.

Applicants should use the current Vanderbilt advertisement when preparing their application and should not assume that earlier St. Croix travel, accommodation or other conditions apply to this position.

Why applicants should verify the vacancy before applying

Rolling advertisements can change once available positions are filled.

Before sending an application, candidates should check the current Vanderbilt University posting to confirm:

• that applications are still being accepted;

• the current application instructions;

• the required documents;

• the contact person; and

• any changes in programme placement or appointment terms.

CareerAidHub last verified this opportunity on 9 August 2026.

Official sources

Applicants should consult Vanderbilt University directly before applying.

Vanderbilt University Office of Postdoctoral Affairs – Current Opportunities
https://www.vanderbilt.edu/postdoc/prospective-postdocs/current-opportunities/?id=913

Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach (CSEO)
https://www.vanderbilt.edu/cseo/

CSEO – Work With Us
https://www.vanderbilt.edu/cseo/who-we-are/work-with-us/

CSEO Staff
https://www.vanderbilt.edu/cseo/who-we-are/staff/

Similar postdoctoral opportunities

Candidates interested in this position may also explore:

• current postdoctoral positions in the United States;

• postdoctoral positions in STEM education;

• education-research postdoctoral fellowships;

• postdoctoral opportunities involving science communication and outreach; and

• interdisciplinary STEM research and education positions.

CareerAidHub recommends checking the official institutional advertisement for every opportunity before applying because application status, deadlines and eligibility requirements can change.

Application summary

Applicants who meet the qualifications should prepare:

• a targeted letter of interest;

• one publication or manuscript in progress;

• an updated CV; and

• names and contact details of three potential references.

Send the application to angela.eeds@vanderbilt.edu using the subject line:

CSEO Postdoctoral Fellow Search

Applications are currently being reviewed on a rolling basis until the available positions are filled.

Frequently Asked Questions