Tenure-Line (Open Rank) - Position in Early Childhood Special Education with an Emphasis on Autism

The Department of Special Education at Peabody College of Vanderbilt University invites applications from an early childhood special education scholar whose research focuses on autism. This is an open-rank position; however, preference will be given to applicants with a history of federal research funding and who are current or emerging leaders in early autism research.

The primary academic appointment for this position is the Department of Special Education which, for over five decades, has been a leader in research and graduate training focused on individuals with disabilities, their families, and the schools and agencies that serve them. We are interested in early childhood autism scholars whose programs of research may include early identification and/or early intervention. We are particularly interested in scholars who are using new technologies such as data science and AI in their research programs. This scholar will also contribute to the teaching mission of the department through training researchers and educators in the field of early autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities and will collaborate with schools and agencies that serve young children with autism (local, state, and federal).

The Department of Special Education, Peabody College, and Vanderbilt University provide an exciting environment that fosters and supports collaboration. The Department of Special Education is home to several faculty who focus on early childhood special education and/or autism. Several of our faculty are members of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development (http://kc.vanderbilt.edu), and Peabody’s Early Childhood Research Collaborative (https://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/early-childhood-research-collaborative/). There is also the potential for collaboration with other relevant groups and centers, including the LIVE Learning Innovation Incubator (https://www.vanderbilt.edu/live-learning-innovation/), and the College of Connected Computing (https://computing.vanderbilt).

Application Instructions

Candidates should submit application letter describing their qualifications, interest in teaching at the college level, and how their accomplishments address the qualifications noted above. They should forward a curriculum vitae, teaching evaluations or other evidence of teaching and mentoring effectiveness and contact information for three people from whom letters of reference may be requested.

Applications materials should be submitted to https://apply.interfolio.com/197202

Review of applications will begin January 4th, 2027 and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries regarding this position should be addressed to: Chair of Search Committee Dr. ML Hemmeter, Professor - ml.hemmeter@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 take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.