Graduate Program Coordinator, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Interdisciplinary Materials Science

Position Summary:

The Graduate Program Coordinator in the School of Engineering at Vanderbilt University plays a central administrative and operational role in supporting the graduate programs in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Interdisciplinary Materials Science. This position is responsible for coordinating and managing key aspects of graduate education, including oversight of the graduate admissions and recruitment process, student onboarding, and ongoing program administration.

Working closely with faculty, students, and university offices, the Coordinator ensures the smooth day-to-day operation of the PhD programs, maintains compliance with institutional policies, and supports academic milestones from admission through degree completion. The role requires the consistent exercise of independent judgment, initiative, and discretion in handling complex administrative matters, as well as a strong working knowledge of university systems, policies, and procedures.

About the Work Unit:

 The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Vanderbilt University is a collaborative and interdisciplinary community advancing research and education across a broad range of areas, including reaction engineering and catalysis, thermodynamics and transport phenomena, biomolecular engineering, computational modeling, and sustainability-focused process design. These efforts span applications such as drug delivery, metabolic engineering, advanced materials, renewable energy, and environmental systems.

Faculty and students work at the intersection of chemical engineering, biology, and the physical sciences, often in close partnership with Vanderbilt’s medical center, data science institute, and other interdisciplinary research centers. This environment fosters innovation that bridges fundamental molecular and cellular science with real-world engineering solutions, frequently advancing from discovery to translational impact.

Students in the department engage deeply in research, working closely with faculty to address complex engineering and scientific challenges and to develop specialized expertise. Supported by dedicated staff and a highly collaborative culture, the department is committed to advancing knowledge, educating future leaders, and contributing solutions that improve human health, sustainability, and the development of next-generation materials and processes.

The Interdisciplinary Materials Science program at Vanderbilt University brings together faculty and students from engineering, physics, chemistry, and related fields to advance the discovery and application of new materials. The program emphasizes a collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach to research spanning areas such as nanomaterials, biomaterials, energy materials, and electronic and photonic systems.

Students engage in cutting-edge research that integrates fundamental materials science with emerging technologies, often working across departments and research centers to address complex scientific and societal challenges. With a strong focus on both theory and application, the program prepares graduates to contribute to innovations in areas such as sustainable energy, advanced manufacturing, and next-generation devices, supported by a vibrant academic community and dedicated administrative staff.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Project Management: 

• Work independently and in close collaboration with the Department Chairman, Directors of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies, Graduate Recruitment Director(s), and Grants Manager to manage all matters related to doctoral students

• Request departmental item types using Kuali system

• Answer inquiries from prospective students regarding types of scholarship, tuition costs, health insurance, stipend or salary, source of support, and status of position

• Answer all admissions-related questions from prospective students and elaborate on admissions and waiver policies; Waive language requirement as needed

• Assist with registration as needed for all current students, tracking students from first year to terminal year, including assistance with scheduling of qualifying exams, committee meetings, and dissertation defense forms. Monitor student enrollment and ensure students are enrolling in the correct number of hours

• Proactively communicate with students and faculty advisors about upcoming d