Vanderbilt University School of Nursing - Senior Associate Dean for Research

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.

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.