The Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach (CSEO) at Vanderbilt University invites applicants to apply for a postdoctoral position to build a new applied math and quantitative sciences education program in partnership with the STEM magnet high school on the US Virgin Island of St. Croix. This applicant will help develop and deliver innovative curriculum to engage high school students and teachers in physics, engineering, mathematics, and/or computational- and data-rich subject matter and projects with goals to increase student exposure and experience in these areas and provide graduates with the requisite backgrounds to pursue these majors in college. Applicants should have interests in designing curriculum focused on developing mathematical expertise of academically talented high school students, supporting and mentoring high school students’ development of data-rich, publication-worthy research projects and general engagement in math-related fields. Additionally, the postdoctoral fellow will collaborate with educators to enhance programming and curriculum at the high school level as a prerequisite for math-intensive post-secondary success.
The postdoctoral fellow will work both on-site in St. Croix and at Vanderbilt. Successful candidates must be willing to spend considerable time in St. Croix or live on-site. While at Vanderbilt, the postdoctoral fellow will also work in collaboration with existing CSEO programs currently implemented in Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) and collaborate with Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth colleagues, another St. Croix project partner. CSEO programs include the Interdisciplinary Science and Research (ISR) program, the School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt (SSMV), and the Day of Discovery (DoD) program. All CSEO programs offer K-12 students the opportunity to experience youth-centered, inquiry-based, and project-based learning designed to nurture their learning, interests, and identities in fields inclusive of the sciences, technology, engineering, and math. This new St. Croix project will have a specific focus on fields with a computational and mathematically heavy emphasis including but not limited to physics and engineering.
Responsibilities
Duties for this CSEO postdoctoral fellow include:
· Design and implement innovative, inquiry-based curriculum related to computational data, mathematics, physics, and engineering topics
·Guide student research projects
· Collaborate with teachers to develop and support inquiry-based, content-intensive instruction to further student learning and growth
· Engage in after-school/enrichment, summer programs, and club activities related to this project
· Encourage and model college-going attitudes and experiences
· Develop and follow through on an individual specialized growth plan aligned with professional goals
· Build and maintain relationships within Vanderbilt University and among project sponsors and stakeholders in the community towards partnering in ways that benefit all parties
· Collaborate with Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth to support the identification and recruitment of students to participate in PTY’s precollege residential experiences as well as provide support for St. Croix students while on Vanderbilt campus
· Complete other duties as assigned that fit into the scope and mission of the project
This position includes salary plus health insurance coverage and will be initially for 12 months with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and continued funding. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until this position is filled with a negotiable but preferred start date no later than September 2026. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
The CSEO aims to provide a supportive and inclusive multidisciplinary environment that promotes collaboration, encourages creativity, and values assembling a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds. Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the CSEO website at http://www.vanderbilt.edu/cseo/ and the Vanderbilt Peabody College website at http://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/.
Qualifications
· Ph.D. in physics, mathematics, engineering, or related scientific fields with a computational or mathematical focus
· Experience in research and experimental design
Preferred
· Experience teaching and developing programs and curriculum in formal or informal K-12 STEM education at the middle school or high school level
· Knowledge and experience with advanced academic curricula in the United States including but not limited to Advanced Placement coursework
· Knowledge and experience from a Research I University background
· Experience with teacher professional development and other learning opportunities with teachers, such as professional learning communities, coaching or mentoring teachers
· Project leadership and management experience
· Evidence of presentations at conferences and research published in professional, peer-reviewed academic journals
Please submit application materials to https://apply.interfolio.com/186677. The materials should include a letter noting your specific interest in this position, one publication (or manuscript in progress), and a current CV. In addition, please include the names and contact information in the letter for three references.
Vanderbilt University shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.
