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Graduate Teaching Assistant, Exploring Biology & Exploring Research

Apply now(opens in a new window) Job No: 511199
Division/Organization: Division for Teaching and Learning
Department: Wisconsin Institute for Science Education and Community Engagement (WISCIENCE)
Job Type: UW Student Assistant
Remote Eligbility: Not Remote
Location: STERLING HALL
Salary/Wage Range or Lump Sum: $6748.00 based on 64.5% appointment for 7 weeks
Job Categories: Interpersonal Communication, Leadership, Teamwork/Collaboration, Professionalism/Work Ethic, Education and Training, STEM, Graduate Assistant-Teaching Assistant

Department Overview:

 The Graduate Teaching Assistant is a core member of the instructional team for Exploring Biology/Exploring Research, which is offered as part of the Summer Collegiate Experience for incoming first-year students (https://cae.ls.wisc.edu/summer-collegiate-experience/). Exploring Biology is a first-year seminar designed to introduce students to a wide variety of ideas, concepts, and most importantly ways of thinking in biology as well as give students the resources to be successful at UW-Madison and in their future career. Exploring Research will offer students an overview of the different ways that research is conceived and conducted. The Teaching Assistant will support the instructor and course director in facilitating class activities and discussions, working with students one-on-one and in small groups, and grading and providing feedback to students. The integrated course runs for 6 weeks, from June 29 -August 7, 2026. Dates of the TA appointment are June 22, 2026 – August 9, 2026 to allow for preparation and course wrap up.  

Course overview: Explore exciting bioscience research and opportunities at UW-Madison in this unique course that combines Exploring Biology and Exploring Research. Students will learn the core concepts in biology, explore biology careers and opportunities, learn to read scientific literature, and build skills in thinking like a scientist. The course will be focused on biology in Wisconsin, including learning about Wisconsin biological systems, science affecting residents in Wisconsin, and research being done at UW-Madison. 
 
Course format: Class meets every day in person Monday through Friday for 1.5 hours from 1:30-3:00pm in Sterling Hall 3425. The course is taught using interactive and collaborative teaching approaches with students seated in groups. This collaborative format gives students the opportunity to form connections with classmates, while the focus on active learning uses research-based best practices to enhance student learning. The class will also include online assignments that students will complete individually outside of class. This will include tasks that prepare them for activities in class, as well as assignments that will reinforce and extend what was learned in class.  

Anticipated Start Date:

 June 22, 2026

Anticipated End Date (If Applicable):

 August 9, 2026

Remote Work Eligibility Detail:

Not Remote

 

Anticipated Hours Per Week:

 Minimum: 26 

Schedule:

 June 22–August 9, 2026. Monday–Friday 1:30–3:00pm during the instructional period (June 29–August 7), plus two weekly office hours, up to two evening Study Table sessions per week, and additional time for preparation, grading, and meetings — see Position Summary/Job Duties for more details.

Salary/Wage Range/Lump Sum:

 Minimum: $6748.00 

Number of Positions:

 1

Qualifications:

 Required qualifications:
• Current UW-Madison graduate student. Students who will graduate in May 2026 are not eligible UNLESS they will be continuing in a graduate program (at UW-Madison or elsewhere) in Fall 2026.
• At least 1 semester of TA or teaching experience
• BS/BA in Biology or related field
• Ability to hold a 64.5% Teaching Assistant appointment during the 7 weeks of the course (check with your HR representative)

Preferred qualifications:
• TA or teaching experience with first-year students
• Experience teaching in an active learning classroom or familiar with active learning approaches
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

See “Qualifications”

Position Summary/Job Duties:

The course Teaching Assistant (TA) is responsible for:
• helping create an interactive and productive class environment by:
o attending all class sessions
o aiding in the facilitation of activities by guiding groups and providing positive feedback
o being receptive to student questions
• supporting student learning outside of class by:
o holding regular office hours (twice per week for 1 hour before/after class)
o working with students one-on-one and in small groups outside of class by appointment, including possibly attending meals with students
o responding to student emails or posts about the course online
o attending SCE Study Table up to two nights per week (time TBD but likely Mo-Th 6-8 or 7-9pm)
• supporting the instructor and course director in development and implementation of the course by:
o assisting in the development of course materials and activities as needed
o attending staff meetings
o grading and providing feedback to students
o summarizing student responses from various course assignments and surveys to the instructor

Additional TA opportunities could include some direct instruction and activity implementation and/or development which is in line with the TA's professional development goals.

Physical Demands:

Work is primarily performed in a classroom and office environment. May require prolonged sitting and/or standing, use of a computer, and occasional lifting of light materials.

Institutional Statements:

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

UW-Madison is an Equal Employment, Equal Access Employer committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce.

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background-people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: diversity.wisc.edu

Accommodation Statement:

If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website:https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/
 
 

Advertised: Central Standard Time
Applications close: Central Daylight Time

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