The Student Research Programs Manager will be a member of the Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach (CSEO) at Vanderbilt University and is a leader responsible for working with existing CSEO middle and high school programs to develop an organizational structure and support network that will increase student participant access to science, technology, engineering, and math research projects. This position will lead and facilitate summer student research opportunities, recruit mentors to develop these opportunities, support student participants, and maintain compliance with all relevant rules concerning youth in university and laboratory settings. Reporting directly to the CSEO Executive Director, the Student Research Programs Manager will grow a robust and sustainable culture of middle and high school student research in partnership between Vanderbilt University and Metro Nashville Public Schools

The Student Research Programs Manager will organize and lead summer (on-campus and school-based) research components of existing CSEO programs serving local middle and high school students. This position will also build and maintain strong relationships with VUMC/VU faculty and researchers to help the development of research opportunities for these students. Demonstrated research experience is key and K-12 teaching experience is highly preferred.

About the Work Unit:

As part of Peabody College, the CSEO comprises a multidisciplinary group of scientists and educators who work to improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education through novel approaches and collaborations. The CSEO creates and enhances partnerships, develops and shares resources, and provides opportunities that engage K-12 students and educators in the process of STEM discovery. The CSEO envisions a world in which the process of science is accessible to everyone.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead workshops on research topics and skills to support students engaged in on-campus or school-based research projects

• Manage small supply budget for in-classroom and school-based research projects by making purchases and maintaining purchasing records

• Recruit, train, and support a network of mentors on benefits, guidelines, and compliance for working with middle and high school students in research settings

• Provide feedback to students on their research projects as appropriate, facilitate connection of students with mentors in the network who can offer additional assistance with their projects, and identifying opportunities to enter their research into local, regional, national, and international competitions and contests

• Know the rules, regulations, and best practices related to minors in research labs, and maintain compliance records with the Vanderbilt Protection of Minors office as required by TN Law, VU practices, and MNPS contractual obligations

• Develop and organize research symposia, demonstrations, and other opportunities for students to present and share their projects with current and potential stakeholders

Supervisory Relationships:

This position has no supervisory roles for other staff, although there may be supervision of minors and other project participants. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Executive Director of the CSEO.

Education and Certifications

• Master’s degree in a STEM or STEM Education discipline from an accredited institution is necessary. Ph.D. or doctorate degree in a STEM or STEM Education discipline from an accredited institution is strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in providing mentorship to middle and/or high school students on research projects is necessary.

• Strong communication (verbal, written, interpersonal) skills and an ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population is necessary.

• Strong time management, organizational and multi-tasking skills and an eye for detail is necessary.

• Demonstrated experience teaching in the middle and/or high school classroom is preferred.

  Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

  At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

  Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

  Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.