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Applicants should have interests in K-12 outreach, teaching at the elementary, middle, or high school level, and curriculum development and implementation in interdisciplinary science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

The position involves participation in the Interdisciplinary Science and Research Program (ISR) in the Vanderbilt Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach
(CSEO, formerly the Vanderbilt Center for Science Outreach – CSO) in partnership with Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS). The ISR program offers high school students a four-year, interdisciplinary, research-centered learning experience as a course of study in three high schools in MNPS. Students pursue a curriculum that connects the different STEM disciplines through problem-based learning. The program partners a postdoctoral fellow with an MNPS teacher to collaboratively teach the problem-based curriculum.

The postdoctoral fellow will work with the CSEO Director, Dr. Jennifer Ufnar, the CSEO Director of High School Initiatives, Dr. Angela Eeds, and other members of the CSEO team to design and co-teach curriculum in the high school setting; evaluate the program and student learning; participate in grant writing for STEM outreach; and publish results. This person will work closely with other CSEO staff to bring his or her STEM expertise to a unique, multidisciplinary team. In addition, the postdoctoral fellow may contribute to the expansion and replication of the ISR program model to other schools and districts. The Director will encourage the postdoctoral fellow to develop instructional units, guide student research projects, and prepare publications that build on his or her research expertise in the context of an evolving high school interdisciplinary STEM curriculum.

Applicants should have an earned doctorate in science, mathematics, engineering, or a related field, with significant experience in research and experimental design. The position includes salary plus health insurance coverage and will be initially for 12 months with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance. Review of applications will begin immediately, and will continue until the position is filled. Please submit application materials electronically to Dr. Jennifer Ufnar, at
Jennifer.ufnar@vanderbilt.edu with “ISR Postdoctoral Fellow Search” included in the subject line of the email. The materials should include a letter of interest, one publication (or manuscript in progress), and a current CV. In addition, please include the names and contact information in the letter for three potential references. Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the CSEO website at vanderbilt.edu/cseo and the Vanderbilt Peabody College website at peabody.vanderbilt.edu.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities act.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Optical Scientist will join a small team of scientists and engineers working to characterize materials of technological importance. This position will involve the design and construction of complex optical systems and the execution of optical experiments to understand diverse condensed-matter phenomena. The ideal candidate will have experience making precision measurements with linear and non-linear optics, ultrafast optics, spectroscopy, and microscopy. The candidate should be self-motivated, scientifically curious, team-oriented, and inspired to solve challenging, high-impact problems.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and construct optical systems for various experiments
• Understand, maintain, optimize, and operate existing optical systems
• Collect and analyze experimental data

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• PhD in an experimental physical science
• 5+ years hands-on experience with optical experiments
• Expertise in ultrafast and non-linear optical techniques
• Experience with microscopy
• Experience with optical spectroscopy
• Proficiency in scientific computing techniques
• Experience with low-noise measurement electronics (e.g., lock-in amplifiers)

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.A.
• Must agree to a background investigation

WHAT WE OFFER:

• The opportunity to work on high-impact problems in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Excellent facilities and personnel
• Competitive salary and benefits