Postdoctoral Program
Program Overview
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (VUSN) offers an in-person, two-year Postdoctoral Fellowship Program that provides fellows with a unique opportunity to advance their research career by:
- Extending knowledge in their research area
- Conducting successful interdisciplinary research projects
- Enhancing writing and communication skills
- Establishing new peer networks
While in the program, fellows may focus their education and research in any of our signatures areas including:
Acute & Chronic Illness
Cancer survivorship and symptom management
Outcomes after critical illness, family centered care, advanced practice registered nurse roles and outcomes
Adverse effects of unhealthy drinking patterns on the cardiovascular system
Data Science and Health Technologies
Design and evaluation of technology-mediated patient assessment and behavior change systems
Implementation and sustainability of complex, multidisciplinary health care interventions to enhance patient safety and quality of care
PREGNANCY OUTCOMES, MOTHER & INFANT HEALTH, FAMILY HEALTH
Eliminating health disparities in pregnancy, maternal and infant health
Models and formats of perinatal care and associated outcomes
Patterns of normal labor progression among women and use of inflammatory biomarkers as predictors of active labor
Applicants are encourage to visit the Postdoctoral Faculty program page to learn more about individual faculty research areas.
During the two-year program, fellows will work with faculty mentors to develop a semester-by-semester research plan, grant submissions, acquisition of new knowledge, and other scholarly endeavors. During the first year, a strong emphasis is placed on grant submissions (e.g., F32s, K99/R00) to support fellow effort and their program of research.
Program Goals
Research
Fellows are provided an opportunity to:
| Obtain hands-on involvement in research projects | Participate in on-going research projects | Conduct pilot studies |
| Participate in research conferences | Write and submit grant applications |
Acquisition of New Knowledge
Fellows are Provided an Opportunity To:
| Enhance and extend their career as independent researchers | Establish and maintain peer networks with Vanderbilt and national experts | Broaden their professional growth and development through formal courses |
| Audit classes | Travel to research conferences | Participate in weekly research and professional meetings, seminars and workshops |
Writing and Communication
Fellows are provided opportunity to:
| Write and submit one manuscript per semester to a peer-reviewed journal | Communicate results of studies | Interact with the media |
| Deliver effective public presentations |
Complete a media training program |
Participate in programs designed to provide knowledge and skills in course development, teaching strategies and evaluation |
Why Choose Vanderbilt?
- Individualized program
- Senior mentors
- Interdisciplinary research opportunities
- Supportive environment
- Generous stipend and salary
The Right Environment
A postdoctoral fellowship at VUSN opens doors to an environment rich with experienced mentors and resources designed to support your growth as a nurse scientist and scholar.
With nearly 500 postdoctoral fellows in the Medical Center, the School of Nursing postdoctoral fellows participate in seminars, programs, special projects, and other activities with Medical Center and University colleagues. Our fellows expand their professional and social contacts and gain a broad understanding of successful strategies used by other postdoctoral fellows to advance their research careers.
Financial Support
The VUSN Office of Research offers an annual stipend of $57,850.93 plus fringe benefits and $16,500 to support research-related activities such as tuition, travel for meetings, funds for data collection, purchase of data, supplies and equipment.
