Employment Opportunities

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, a nationally recognized leader in graduate nursing education, research and innovation, seeks diverse and talented professionals who are dedicated to raising up the next generation of nurse leaders and advancing knowledge and science.

About Vanderbilt University School of Nursing

As part of Vanderbilt University, one of the nation's top private research institutions, VUSN has a long-standing reputation for excellence in nursing teaching, practice, informatics and research. It seeks to recruit diverse and talented professionals who are dedicated to raising up the next generation of nurse leaders and advancing knowledge and science. Successful candidates will be those who thrive in a collegial, interprofessional culture and are interested in personal and career growth in a caring, culturally sensitive and professional atmosphere.

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing is highly ranked for its DNP and MSN nursing programs, with its MSN holding the #4 spot for graduate nursing programs. Its MSN nurse-midwifery program is ranked as the nation's #1 program. Vanderbilt offers Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Nursing/Master of Nursing Prespecialty, Doctor of Nursing Practice and PhD in Nursing Science degrees as well as Post-Master's Certificates.

Vanderbilt University is located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, named one of the nation's hottest cities by no less than Forbes and the New York Times. Health care, technology, entertainment, auto, sports and education are only a few of the industries booming in Nashville. Last year Nashville ranked second in the United States for job growth. The city is home to more than 400 health care businesses, including Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the region's top research hospital. Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, a separate nonprofit, share a respected name and enjoy close collaboration through practice, education and research.

Senior Associate Dean for Research

  • Description

    Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Vanderbilt University in its search for Senior Associate Dean for Research.

    For full consideration, please apply by September 15.

    This is a rare opportunity to provide visionary research leadership at one of the nation’s most historic and resource-rich nursing institutions. The next Senior Associate Dean for Research (SADR) will join the  Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (VUSN), a nationally recognized leader in nursing research,  education, practice, informatics, and scholarship, at a moment of transformation and momentum. With a bold new Manhattan, NY campus launching and a cutting-edge interdisciplinary research hub under development on the Nashville campus, VUSN is investing in the future of research and academic excellence. In this dynamic academic setting, the next SADR will have a rare opportunity to expand the School’s research enterprise, build and amplify its national leadership in nursing science, and shape the next generation of nurse scholars.

    The incoming SADR will step into a thriving, collaborative environment at a School ranked No. 4 among the best graduate nursing schools by U.S. News & World Report, with top-ranked DNP and MSN programs, a highly engaged faculty, and robust research infrastructure, that includes the Center for Research Development and Scholarship (CRDS) and a fully supported Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. Faculty benefit from dedicated research time, expert statistical and grant development support, and a collegial, forward-thinking culture that values inquiry, mentorship, and innovation.

    Vanderbilt University offers a uniquely supportive environment for research, fueled by deep institutional commitment from the Chancellor and Provost. Their strategic investment in research growth is evident across the university, particularly within the School of Nursing, where interprofessional partnerships and a revitalized leadership team are driving momentum. The Dean, an accomplished scholar and mentor, has fostered a culture of inquiry and innovation, providing faculty with the resources they need to succeed, including generous start-up packages, protected time for research, and structured mentorship.

    Set on a beautiful 340-acre national arboretum in the heart of Nashville, ranked among the best cities to live, Vanderbilt offers an exceptional quality of life and an ideal academic setting for research and collaboration. The School of Nursing is housed in a beautifully restored historic building and embedded in a world-class academic medical center and top-tier research university, with strong infrastructure, bold investments, and a culture that supports innovation.

    Reporting to the VUSN Dean, the SADR will provide strategic leadership and direction for the growth of the School of Nursing’s research and scholarship programs. In addition to maintaining an active, externally funded research program as a principal investigator, the Senior Associate Dean also directs both the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program and the CRDS.

    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

    • Provide leadership and direction for the growth of the School of Nursing’s research and scholarship programs
    • Maintain an active externally funded research program as a principal investigator
    • Serve as the Director of the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
    • Serve as the Director of the Center for Research Development and Scholarship (CRDS)

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

    • Demonstrated leadership abilities, creativity, ability to make timely decisions, ability to collaborate effectively, and openness to the ideas of others and to constructive feedback
    • Ability to identify faculty strengths and to encourage others in their personal and professional growth and competency
    • Strong administrative and management capabilities that reflect an appreciation for consensus-building, decision-making and establishing processes, as well as accountability, confidentiality and transparency
    • Ability to maintain collaborative relationships with those in the School, Medical Center, University, and other internal and external entities
    • Good financial acumen with experience in developing and managing budgets and other resources

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

    • Earned doctorate in nursing or a related field
    • Eligibility for RN licensure in Tennessee
    • Rank of Associate or Full Professor
    • Evidence of success in a sustained and significant program of research
    • National recognition as a leader in the field

    About the Institution

    Vanderbilt University is a globally recognized private research institution located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. Home to 10 schools including top-ranked programs in nursing, education, law, business, medicine, and divinity, Vanderbilt fosters a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment where faculty and students address complex challenges facing health, society, and culture.

    Known for its academic rigor, vibrant campus community, and commitment to innovation, Vanderbilt attracts students and scholars from across the U.S. and around the world. Its alumni lead in fields ranging from medicine and law to the arts, business, and athletics. While Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center operate as separate entities, they continue to collaborate closely on education and research, anchoring the region as one of its largest and most respected employers.

    About Vanderbilt School of Nursing

    With a legacy of innovation since 1908, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (VUSN) has long been a national leader in shaping the future of nursing education and practice. The school pioneered multiple entry points to advanced nursing degrees including one of the first accelerated MSN pathways, and today enrolls over 800 students (including MSN, DNP, and PhD) across 12 specialties. VUSN’s programs are consistently ranked among the best in the nation, with the MSN program ranked #4 and the DNP program currently ranked #17 by U.S. News & World Report. The school is also home to one of the country’s most extensive faculty practice networks, providing care to underserved communities through clinical partnerships.

    The school’s research mission focuses on transforming healthcare delivery through innovative, multidisciplinary inquiry. Faculty benefit from robust internal support, including the Frist Center for Nursing Informatics and the Center for Research Development and Scholarship (CRDS), which offers end-to-end assistance with grant development, statistical analysis, manuscript preparation, and postdoctoral training. VUSN also collaborates closely with major university-wide research centers such as VICTR, the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, and the Clinical Research Center. Together, these resources support a vibrant culture of scholarship in areas like informatics, chronic illness, community health, and health workforce development.

    Living in the Area

    Located just a mile from downtown Nashville, Vanderbilt’s campus offers a rare blend of natural beauty and urban access. Nashville is one of the fastest-growing, most culturally rich cities in the U.S., proudly known as “Music City, U.S.A.” and ranked among the friendliest cities in America. It boasts a thriving music and arts scene, world-class dining, diverse neighborhoods, excellent schools, and abundant outdoor activities. The city combines southern charm with the energy of a major metropolitan area, offering a high quality of life for professionals and families alike.

    Vanderbilt’s central location gives access to a wide variety of residential options. The city’s economy is strong and diversified, home to major industries like healthcare, education, finance, publishing, and tech. Nashville’s mild climate and vibrant seasonal changes add to its appeal, especially during the celebrated fall and festive winter months. Fortune, Forbes, and Expansion Management consistently rank Nashville among the best U.S. cities for job growth, corporate relocations, livability, and family-friendly quality of life.

    To Apply

    For full consideration, please apply by September 15.

    To be viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjyt4yqo

    Please apply through the application link and do not email applications.

    Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

    Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

    Inquiries and questions: Please send to VanderbiltADR@acesrch.com.

    Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com.

    Institutional Information

    Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity 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.

Tenure Track Positions

  • Associate or Full Professor

    Description

    The Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (VUSN) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Associate or Full Professor. We seek candidates using innovative approaches to address important and challenging problems in all aspects of nursing science. Candidates are expected to have a strong externally funded program of research and participate in the education of graduate students and postdoctoral scientists. We are especially interested in investigators who complement current VUSN and institutional research strengths. Full-time faculty must be willing to relocate to the area for regular, on-campus engagement in VUSN activities.

    All applications are welcome. However, we currently have needs in the following priority areas: HIV/AIDS, health equity, social determinants of health, health services, global health, community-based research, data, and implementation science. In addition, as an integral part of the Vanderbilt School of Nursing, we have interdisciplinary initiatives in:

    Acute and Chronic Illness (Pain Management; Cardiovascular; Diabetes; Cancer; Sleep; Substance Use Disorders) and Maternal Child Health (Pregnancy Outcomes; Mother, Infant, Child, and Family Health).

    The school provides many interdisciplinary collaborative opportunities, including with colleagues in the Vanderbilt University Medical Center and other schools within Vanderbilt University.


    Qualifications

    • PhD or equivalent research doctorate.
    • Ability to obtain an unencumbered license to practice as a registered professional nurse (RN) in Tennessee.
    • An established competitive program of research.
    • Recent history of securing external funding.
    • A sustained record of publications in peer-reviewed multidisciplinary and nursing journals.
    • 7-10 years of teaching experience at the graduate level.
    • Evidence of service to the profession, nationally and internationally.
    • Salary and rank will be commensurate with experience.

    Apply now for this position

VU has made the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, VU may require employees to comply with any testing or health and safety measures which VU may require. Your willingness to participate in this responsibility is greatly appreciated and will provide a significant contribution to the mission of the School.

Contact Us

For questions regarding faculty positions at VUSN, please contact:

VUSN Faculty Recruitment
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
vusnfacultyrecruitment@vanderbilt.edu

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.