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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.

Assistant Dean for Simulation and Experiential Learning

  • Description

    Description

    The Vanderbilt University School of Nursing invites applications for the Assistant Dean for Simulation and Experiential Learning. The Assistant Dean reports to the Senior Associate Dean for Academics (SADA) and serves as a member of the Academic Affairs leadership team.

    The Assistant Dean provides leadership for the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of simulation and experiential learning across all graduate nursing programs, including the Master of Nursing (MN) program and MSN specialty programs (nurse practitioner, nurse-midwifery, and nurse anesthesia). Experiential learning includes all types of simulation, skills-based learning, and integration with clinical and practice-based experiences.

    The Assistant Dean ensures that simulation and experiential learning are aligned with program outcomes, accreditation standards, evidence-based nursing education and the Health Care Simulation Standards of Best Practice, while supporting innovation, competency-based education, efficiency, and excellence in teaching and learning.

    This is a full-time (12-month) non-tenure track faculty leadership position. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Full-time faculty members are expected to live and maintain residency in Tennessee. This position requires a physical presence on campus and in-person participation in Simulation Center operations, curricular activities, and leadership responsibilities within VUSN and the University.

    Qualifications

    Education and Certifications:

    • Doctoral preparation in nursing or related field preferred. Master’s Degree required.
    • Current unencumbered license to practice as a registered professional nurse (RN) in Tennessee or eligibility to obtain one.
    • Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE or CHSE-A) required or expected within the first six months of employment.

    Experience and Skills:

    • At least five years of experience in higher education.
    • At least five years of experience with simulation-based education.
    • Evidence of experience in curriculum development, teaching and learning best practices, and program evaluation.
    • Experience with CCNE accreditation process.
    • Experience with SSH Simulation Center Accreditation
    • Demonstrated leadership in supervising faculty and staff, operations, and resources.
    • Experience with simulation center operations and budgeting.
    • Evidence of fostering an inclusive faculty, staff, and student environment. 

    Application Instructions

    Apply now for this position. 

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

Non Tenure Track Positions

  • Full Time Non Tenure Track Positions

    Description

    The Vanderbilt School of Nursing seeks qualified applicants for full-time faculty positions to teach in the MN program and the prelicensure level of the MSN program. We are especially interested in faculty with practice and teaching experience in OB/perinatal, pediatric, or adult med-surg nursing.

    Responsibilities include working collaboratively with course coordinators to teach, supervise, and evaluate students in the classroom, on-campus clinical (skills, simulation), and in off-campus traditional clinical settings for generalist nursing practice. These are 12-month, renewable, non-tenure-track appointments. Participation in faculty meetings and committees is required.

    Salary and rank are commensurate with experience. The prelicensure curricula are delivered in both face-to-face and online formats. Full-time faculty must maintain residency in the state or be willing to relocate to Tennessee for regular, on-campus engagement in VUSN activities.

    Qualifications

    • A master’s degree in nursing is required and will be ranked at the instructor level; a doctoral degree in nursing is required for rank at the assistant professor level or higher
    • An active, unencumbered license as a registered nurse or advanced practice nurse in Tennessee or eligibility to obtain licensure in Tennessee
    • Prior experience working with diverse populations
    • Clinical teaching experience in an academic setting
    • A minimum of two years of nursing experience is required 

    Apply now for this position

     

  • Simulation Nurse Educator

    Description

    This is a full-time, (12-month) faculty position with expectations to be on campus five days per week. The Simulation Nurse Educator is a member of the Simulation Center faculty and staff at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (VUSN) and provides essential support for healthcare simulation and experiential learning facilitation for Master’s of Nursing (MN), Post-Master’s Certificate and Master’s of Science in Nursing students. Primary responsibilities include developing and facilitating simulations, nursing skills, and OSCEs. Reporting directly to the Assistant Dean for Simulation and Experiential Learning, the Simulation Nurse Educator works collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students to ensure successful learning experiences.

    Key Functions and Expected Performance Includes:

    Simulation Design (25%)

    • Collaborates with Program Directors and faculty in simulation selection and design of new simulations based on desired objectives and competencies.
    • Reviews existing simulations annually to ensure they represent current evidence-based practice.
    • Develops simulations using the VUSN template based on identified needs using the Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice and current evidence-based practice.
    • Works with the Director of Simulation Innovation and Extended Reality to incorporate innovative technology, standardized patients, and embedded participants into simulations.

    Simulation, Skills and OSCE Facilitation (50%)

    • Practice simulations prior to use with students to ensure proficiency with facilitation.
    • Assists Simulation Operations Technicians with setting up and taking down the equipment and supplies as needed.
    • Prepares and executes prebriefing
      • In collaboration with the Program Director and faculty, designs prepwork
      • Delivers a briefing before each simulation or OSCE experience
      • Overview of experience
      • Orientation to the facilities and equipment
      • Acknowledgment of safety and expectations
    • Facilitates the simulation using the Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice
      • Assigns roles to students.
      • Ensures observers are in the correct location and can see and hear the simulation.
      • Carefully observes the simulation, noting correct and incorrect aspects.
      • Guides the Simulation Operations Technicians in managing the fidelity and the responses based on the participant’s actions and the simulation template.
    • Facilitates debriefing
      • Ensures observers and participants are actively engaged.
      • Provides feedback and reflection opportunities using the Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice

    Simulation Assessment and Evaluation (10%)

    • Collaborates with Program Directors and faculty to develop assessment and evaluation rubrics and tools.
    • Utilizes assessment and evaluation rubrics and tools as directed.
    • Collates data from assessment and evaluation rubrics and tools as directed.

    Tours & Demonstrations (10%)

    • Conducts lab tours and demonstrations for faculty, students, and external visitors.

    Additional Responsibilities

    • Performs additional duties as necessary.

    Job responsibilities listed herein are intended to be a thorough representation of the duties, responsibilities, expectations, and qualifications for this role at the time of hire, but should not be considered all-encompassing, as responsibilities may evolve based on organizational and operational needs.

    Qualifications

    • Master’s degree in nursing is required.
    • Unencumbered Registered Nurse licensure in the state of Tennessee is required.
    • Knowledge of the Healthcare Standards of Simulation Best Practice is  required.
    • Certification as a Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) is preferred.
    • At least two years' employment as a Registered Nurse or equivalent nursing experience is required
    • One year experience with healthcare simulation is required.

    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.