The Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow who will promote excellence in teaching and learning across the university. The Postdocs will work with graduate students, faculty, and others in the Vanderbilt teaching community to enhance student learning using research-based practices in university teaching. The Postdocs will report to the Assistant Director of Graduate Programs and work collaboratively with senior and support staff at the CFT in supporting teaching at the university.
Center For Teaching
The Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow who will promote excellence in teaching and learning across the university. The Postdocs will work with graduate students, faculty, and others in the Vanderbilt teaching community to enhance student learning using research-based practices in university teaching. The Postdocs will report to the Assistant Director of Graduate Programs and work collaboratively with senior and support staff at the CFT in supporting teaching at the university.
The deadline for applying is February 28, 2023. Second-round candidates will be notified by March 14 and invited for interviews. The anticipated start date for the fellowship is July 1, 2023. In addition to salary and benefits, the postdocs will receive professional development funding for research/conference‐related travel and expenses. During the fellowship period, fellows are expected to be in residence and contribute to the teaching and research mission of the school.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND EXPECTED PERFORMANCES
• Assist in planning and implementing CFT programs for graduate students and Postdoctoral Fellows that offer opportunities for them to engage in sustained reflection on and conversation about teaching and learning principles and practices
• Facilitating sections of the Certificate in College Teaching program (CiCT)
• Designing and facilitating professional development events for graduate students, and Postdoc such as practice-focused workshops and more open-ended conversations on teaching, both for the entire campus community and for departments and units
• Consulting with graduate students, Postdocs, as well as faculty, helping them to critically reflect on their teaching and their student’s learning and to make informed, intentional choices about their teaching practices
• Engaging in scholarly work on teaching and learning, including the creation of teaching guides and other online materials for the CFT website, and participation in national (and international) conversations about teaching and learning
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES
• Significant university teaching experience • Background as an instructor at a college or university • Background and interest in graduate student / future faculty professional development • Strong consultation, interpersonal, and communication skills • Knowledge of the scholarly literature on teaching and learning in higher education • Familiarity with the academic mission of a research university • Experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating educational development programs
WHO SHOULD APPLY
Promising candidates in any discipline who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply:
• Graduate students who are far enough in their dissertation research to demonstrate findings. • Candidates must successfully defend their dissertation before beginning the Postdoctoral Fellowship. • Post-doctoral scholar within one year of earning the degree. • Those who demonstrate career goals, research interests, and career potential that align with the CFT mission and programs. • Those who contribute to the university’s continuing commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence.
APPLICATION MATERIALS
1. Application Letter Indicate the position for which you are applying Discuss the qualifications, experiences, perspectives, and workshop ideas you would bring to the position that would enrich the mission and services of the Center. Please include any interest and expertise in facilitating workshops, managing projects, and working collaboratively on projects or consulting with peers or students. Explain how you will contribute to the equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts at the CFT.
2. Curriculum Vitae: Include a list of all courses you have taught or served as a TA and your duties for each.
3. Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness: You can submit up to three documents showing your effectiveness as a teacher, e.g., teaching statement, sample syllabi, copies of teaching evaluations, sample assignments, and so on.
4. Letters of Recommendation: Provide three letters of recommendation that addresses the qualifications listed for the position.