Assistant or Associate Professor of Higher Education Policy

Aera; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in higher education policy. The role emphasizes rigorous quantitative research on student success, workforce preparation, governance, and AI in postsecondary settings.

The candidate will teach across levels, develop new courses, and mentor students. Applications begin Oct 31, 2026 with a start date in August 2027.

Qualifications

• PhD in higher education, public policy, or a social science discipline.
• Ability to conduct rigorous quantitative research and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Record of external funding or strong potential for it.
• Experience with teaching at undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels.
• Ability to engage with postsecondary institutions and policymakers.

Responsibilities

• Conduct rigorous quantitative research on higher education policy topics.
• Publish in leading peer-reviewed journals.
• Teach a mix of in-person and online courses across programs.
• Develop new courses to prepare students to understand policy implications.
• Mentor students and collaborate across disciplines.

Skills

Quantitative research

Policy analysis

Teaching/mentoring

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Communication of research

Education

PhD in higher education, public policy, or social science

Job description

The Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations (LPO) at Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate (with tenure) Professor specializing in higher education policy. This position will advance LPO’s multidisciplinary commitment to rigorous scholarship that is relevant to policy and practice given the changing landscape of higher education. The successful candidate will conduct rigorous quantitative research on pressing issues in higher education, including but not limited to policies and practices supporting student success in a broad range of postsecondary institutions, workforce preparation and transition, institutional governance, enrollment management, federal-institutional research partnership, or the application of artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

We seek a scholar trained in higher education, public policy, or a social science discipline. Candidates should possess demonstrated capacity to produce rigorous research and publish in leading peer-reviewed journals. We are seeking applicants with a track record (commensurate with experience level) of external funding, interdisciplinary collaboration, and engagement with postsecondary institutions and policymakers.

In addition to research, LPO operates programs and degrees at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral level, including a professional master’s degree program in Higher Education Administration. We expect the candidate to teach a combination of in-person and online courses across levels and to develop new courses to prepare students to understand, evaluate, and shape higher education policy and practice. Demonstrated experience or capacity for effective teaching and mentoring is required.

Applications Review of formal applications will begin October 31 2026. We expect the hire to start in August 2027. Applicants should submit the following materials through Interfolio via the link below: a letter addressing their research and teaching qualifications and interests, a full curriculum vitae, a writing sample, and the names and contact information of three references. References will only be contacted if the applicant is invited to an initial interview.