Description

Interested candidates should submit both their resume and a cover letter for consideration, both in PDF format.

The Ph.D. Program in Law and Economics is unique in its combination of analytical training in economic theory and methodology with the study of law. While one can separately earn a J.D. and a Ph.D. in economics at many other universities, our program is distinctive in that training in economics is fully integrated with training in law. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a J.D and a Ph.D. in Law and Economics. The Ph.D. Program in Law and Economics at Vanderbilt is the first Ph.D. program to be administratively based in a law school. The program's field design requires students to fully integrate law and economics in specialized areas of interest.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research and Project Management

• Compile data, conduct research, and summarize findings according to general instruction.
• Assist faculty in tracking and monitoring research-related expenditures.
• Conduct research using online databases, download citations or cases at professor's request, and assemble research for professor's use.
• Prepare academic and scholarly articles for publication by formatting the table of contents, introductory notes, heads and subheads, and tables and charts.
• Review and edit all submission drafts and page proofs to align with the general style of the publication.
• Edit articles to establish and conform to all publication standards and deadlines to meet the goal of timely submission.
• Edit content for mechanics, syntax, style, and voice for material written for academic purposes and professional journals.
• Provide corrections and suggestions in reference to grammar, spelling, document flow, punctuation, usage and intended meaning.

Administrative Support

• Assemble and prepare class materials, correspondence, speeches, minutes, memoranda, reports, special projects, and legal manuscripts of a complex and technical nature that require basic knowledge of legal terminology and proper legal citation form; ability to proofread for accuracy and grammar.
• Maintain knowledge of guidelines and proper format for submitting manuscripts to legal publishers; familiarity with on-line Expresso and Scholastica systems for submitting law review articles.
• Conduct legal research using online databases (Lexis, Westlaw, Social Sciences Research Network, Google Scholar), download citations or cases at professor's request, and assemble legal research for professor's use.
• Routine postings for faculty (i.e., class assignments, faculty materials, or other information as needed to Brightspace)
• Create and produce seating charts, photo index cards, attendance lists, or similar classroom materials and/or PowerPoint slides for professional presentations at faculty member's request.
• Assist Academic Affairs Office with exam distribution, proctoring, and compiling of completed exams during heavy exam period.
• Assist individual professors with grades, exam preparation, course evaluations, letters of recommendations and other highly sensitive student data and information.
• Assist faculty with creation and administration of mid-term exams.
• Maintain faculty calendars, arrange appointments, and coordinate complex meeting schedules.
• Handle domestic and international travel arrangements for assigned professors including filing travel expense reports; assemble and submit passport and visa applications for international travel; familiarity with Concur (travel) and Oracle (expense) systems.
• Assemble payment requests and procurement orders for Oracle Procurement Requestors. Maintain documentation of research related expenditures; familiarity with university COA and POET numbers.
• Handle incoming mail and correspondence; set up, organize, and maintain filing systems; and other clerical assignments as needed.
• Familiarity with mail merge in order to generate multiple personalized clerkship recommendation letters as requested.
• Serve as assistant to faculty for University, Law School, and external committees or professional associations/organizations.
• Serve as liaison between professors and students, student research assistants, and other University departments or schools. Answer inquiries without further consultation, resolve routine matters on professor's behalf, and respond to minor complaints or problems. May be called upon to review work of research assistant or student worker.

Program Support/Event Coordination

• Provide back-up support for the program manager and assist with all major program events (i.e., Admitted Students Day, guest speakers, conferences, faculty workshops, class socials, and fall and spring socials).
• Maintain web pages/web sites for programs, special research projects for professors, etc., including data collection surveys.
• Prepare reimbursement requests for program activities that requires a familiarity with university COA and POET numbers.
• Set up and maintain project/program files.
• Maintain high level of discretion and professionalism to assemble and work with confidential and sensitive information related to matters of the program.
• Assist with arrangements and coordination for domestic and international off-site conferences.
• Coordinate complex meeting/conferences/event logistics and program budgetary activities with the Law School Event Services and Finance & Administrative Services including media services, printing services, catering, travel agencies, airlines, hotel and restaurant arrangements, etc.
• Handle domestic and international travel arrangements for guest speakers, panelists, and conference registrants, including filing travel expense reports and reimbursement requests.
• Design event posters, fliers, signage, and conference materials using Adobe Photoshop and/or other publishing software. Maintain a library of image files for use in these designs.
• Compile lists of participants or registrants for conferences/events. Track registrant information using database software applications. May collect registration fees/income for special conferences.

Profile of an Ideal Candidate

• A Bachelor's degree or the equivalent is necessary.
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience is necessary.
• Prior experience in proofreading and editing with strong command of the English language is necessary.
• Strong facility with computers and ability to learn new software applications easily, including expertise in MS Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat is necessary.
• Ability to be self-sufficient and juggle multiple tasks with minimal supervision is necessary.
• Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects is necessary.
• Experience in a higher education setting is preferred.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Vanderbilt University is committed to achieving the goal of a diverse and inclusive academic community of faculty, staff, and students. We seek individuals who are committed to this goal and our campus values.