Research Pathways Senior Coordinator
Vanderbilt University
Research Pathways Senior Coordinator
Job Description
Position Summary
Immersion Vanderbilt seeks a dedicated, intellectually curious, driven, and team-oriented professional to support undergraduate students pursuing research as part of the Research Pathway within Immersion Vanderbilt. This university-wide initiative requires all undergraduate students to participate in a transformative experience, both in and beyond the classroom, that culminates in an immersive culminating project. The Sr. Program Coordinator will play a key role in supporting undergraduate research experiences across Vanderbilt’s five schools and colleges, as these research experiences can occur in a variety of disciplines.
Serving as the primary point of contact for campus partners involved in undergraduate research, the Sr. Program Coordinator will coordinate undergraduate research programming, such as workshops, research symposia and information sessions. They will maintain and enhance the central database of undergraduate research opportunities and support for Immersion Vanderbilt team in managing the undergraduate research grant proposal and funding process, including associated data collection and reporting. This position collaborates with faculty, staff, academic units, and campus offices to promote experiential learning and uphold the goals of Immersion Vanderbilt.
About the Work Unit
Immersion Vanderbilt provides a unique opportunity for Vanderbilt students to pursue their interests through a hands-on, mentored experience inside and outside the classroom. Immersion Vanderbilt culminates with a tangible final project, such as a conference presentation, a journal article, a work of art, an op-ed piece in a newspaper, a senior thesis, a musical performance, or a prototype, among many other products. This work unit facilitates these transformative student experiences, supporting learners as they engage with mentors, apply classroom knowledge, and create novel products that demonstrate their learning and contributions. This office plays a vital role in providing Vanderbilt students with unparalleled opportunities for experiential learning, personal growth, and real-world impact.
Through Immersion Vanderbilt, students can explore diverse experiential learning pathways such as research (the focus of this position); study abroad; internships; civic and community engagement; innovation, arts and design; and leadership and professional development.
Key Functions and Expected Performance
- Builds and sustains strong partnerships with undergraduate research programs, academic departments, faculty, and centers across campus, and beyond, as applicable, to support and expand student research opportunities through Immersion Vanderbilt.
- Collaborates with faculty and Immersion Vanderbilt staff to define pre-experience preparation and post-experience reflection components specific to undergraduate research.
- Develops and participates in relevant trainings and workshops to support student engagement in research and increase access to research opportunities.
- Coordinates with Immersion Vanderbilt staff to plan and implement signature undergraduate research events, including the Vanderbilt Undergraduate Research Symposium (VURS) and Explorations in Research, ensuring representative student participation and faculty engagement.
- Assists with the application and selection process for Immersion Vanderbilt funding and research-related programs, such as Vanderbilt Undergraduate Summer Research Program (VUSRP) and the VURS poster competition.
- Maintains a database tracking undergraduate research projects, including project titles, faculty mentors, funding awarded, and outcomes.
- Provides timely and accurate information to Immersion Vanderbilt advisers about research programs, opportunities, and application timelines to help guide student advising.
- Supports outreach staff by identifying and highlighting student-faculty research collaborations through storytelling, photography coordination, and content creation.
- Updates and maintains the undergraduate research website and related digital content hosted by Immersion Vanderbilt.
- Contributes to continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities for process refinement and enhancements to student engagement tools and data systems.
- Monitors trends and best practices in undergraduate research at peer R1 institutions and contributes to developing new strategies to sustain Vanderbilt as a national leader in undergraduate research.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Relationships
This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities and reports administratively and functionally to the Senior Director of Immersion Vanderbilt.
Education and Certifications
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
- Educational background from an R-1 institution is preferred.
- Three to five years of relevant experience preferred.
Experience and Skills
- Demonstrated understanding of faculty-led undergraduate research is required.
- Self-motivated with a positive and professional demeanor is required.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including students and faculty, are essential.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment is required.
- Experience working with faculty and students in an academic setting is required.
- Willingness and ability to work occasional nights and weekends is required.
- Experience with conducting research in any field and at either the undergraduate or graduate level is required.
- Knowledge of experiential learning pedagogy is preferred.
About Us
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Job Info
- Job Identification 10007093
- Job Category Educational & Academic Support
- Posting Date 16/07/2025, 00:31
- Locations Nashville, TN, United States
- Job Schedule Full time
Similar Jobs