Job Description

The School of Science and Engineering (SSE) at Tulane University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow & Undergraduate Research Coordinator. This is a three-year position pending successful annual review. This fellowship will enable a recent STEM Ph.D. graduate to help lead, mentor, and transform undergraduate research experiences at an R1 university with a strong undergraduate focus. Undergraduates in SSE study topics ranging from Psychology to Physics, and everything in between. The Postdoctoral Fellow will coordinate SSE’s undergraduate research program, help develop materials and grant proposals supporting undergraduate research, teach a limited undergraduate load including innovative CURE courses and career development courses, and mentor students at multiple levels.

Responsibilities

Undergraduate Research Program Leadership

• Serve as the primary coordinator of undergraduate STEM research initiatives, implementing SSE’s Undergraduate Research Task Force 1,000-day plan.
• Collaborate with faculty to develop, implement, and assess Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs).
• Coordinate first-year career development courses introducing students to STEM careers, research opportunities, and professional development pathways.
• Organize programmatic activities such as lab open houses, student workshops, research symposiums, and mentorship events to enhance student engagement and visibility of undergraduate research.
• Support faculty in preparing proposals for undergraduate research funding (e.g., NSF REUs, NIH T34 supplements).
• Partner with administrative units, including the Center for Engaged Learning and Teaching (CELT), the Innovative Learning Center, Career Services, the Undergraduate Research and Fellowship Office, and the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (OGPS), to provide workshops, mentor training, and professional development.

Teaching and Mentoring

• Teach one undergraduate course per semester (1–1 load), including a career development course for first-year STEM students
• Develop resources to assist with mentoring undergraduate students on topics such as securing research positions, presenting scientific posters, preparing for and presenting at conferences, and navigating professional pathways in STEM.
• Mentor graduate students in best practices for supervising undergraduates in research, thereby fostering a culture of high-quality mentorship across SSE.

Professional Development and Scholarship

• Participate in professional development opportunities through CELT and Tulane’s Innovative Learning Center, including workshops in pedagogy, mentorship, and program leadership.
• Receive mentorship from faculty with expertise in STEM education research.
• Assist with program evaluation and research on undergraduate research outcomes, with opportunities to publish in STEM education or discipline-based education journals.

Appointment Details

• Full-time, 3-year appointment
• Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience.
• Mentorship and professional development provided in teaching, undergraduate research coordination, and STEM education scholarship.

Qualifications

Required:

• Ph.D. in a STEM discipline, completed by start date.
• Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate teaching, mentorship, and research training.
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.

Preferred:

• Experience teaching or mentoring students in STEM fields.
• Experience with or interest in CURE courses, program evaluation, or STEM education research.
• Experience supporting faculty in grant preparation or programmatic initiatives.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit the following materials:

1. Cover letter describing teaching philosophy, mentorship experience, and career goals.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Teaching and mentoring statement (max 2 pages).
4. Contact information for 2–3 references

Review of applications will begin on December 15, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. Materials should be submitted at apply.interfolio.com/176544.

Please direct questions about the position to Dr. Laurie O'Brien, lobrien@tulane.edu, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs, School of Science and Engineering.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Tulane University is an equal opportunity educator and employer committed to providing an education and employment environment free of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Legally protected demographic classifications (such as a person’s race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, shared ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws) are not relied upon as an eligibility, selection or participation criteria for Tulane’s employment or educational programs or activities.

Tulane University is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing an application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the Office of Human Resources by phone at 504-865-4748 or by email at hr@tulane.edu