Job Description

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their resume, transcript, cover letter, and any optional additional information in one PDF document to this posting and complete the course interest survey found at the link below.

https://umich.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e8pX6D4Jrjpgil8

The deadline for the application is Friday, November 8, 2024.  

Job Summary

The University of Michigan Program in Biology hires 70-100 graduate student instructors (GSIs) each full term to assist instructors with various introductory, mid-, and upper-level courses in the biological sciences (specifically BIOLOGY, EEB, and MCDB courses).  (A smaller number are hired in the spring and summer half-terms.)

GSIs work closely with the instructor(s) on all facets of the course in order to help meet student needs.  Duties will vary with the course, but may include any of the following:  leading individual sections of discussions or labs, assisting with the development of lessons or exams, proctoring and grading assignments, quizzes and exams, meeting individually with students in office hours or tutoring sessions, and meeting with fellow instructors to prepare/review course material.  Familiarity with the subject matter covered in the course is assumed.  

Course Description

Course descriptions, including dates and times, can be found in the LSA Undergraduate Course Guide. All positions are .50 appointments. Open positions are as follows and are subject to change according to actual enrollment.

Responsibilities*

GSIs typically teach 2-3 sections of 20-30 students each (though this may vary with the pedagogy of the particular course). Full-term (winter and fall) GSI positions are 50% effort, with an anticipated workload of 16.5 -20 hours per week (averaged over the entire term). Specific weekly hour estimates for the courses hiring GSIs typically include teaching discussion/lab section(s), holding office hours, communicating with students and instructors, prep session attendance, administering exams, and grading. Courses with predetermined prep sessions are listed below. 

BIO 171

Friday 12-2

BIO 172

Monday 9-11am (one hour TBD)

BIO 173

Friday 3-5pm

BIO 207

Friday 9:30am

BIO 305

Wednesday 10-12

MCDB 429

Friday 1-4pm

Required Qualifications*

To be considered for this position, you must be a University of Michigan graduate student in good standing, taking at least 6 credit hours in the term for which you are applying. 

Desired Qualifications*

LSA student enrolled in a graduate program. Preference may be given to applicants who have previously taken a course for which they apply to be a GSI. 

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Contact Information

Biology Student Services Team
[email protected]

Decision Making Process

Applications are reviewed and positions are assigned by the Undergraduate Office, in consultation with course instructors. Considerations include academic qualifications and prior teaching experience, as well as course preference indicated in the interest survey. 

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed and positions are assigned by the Undergraduate Office, in consultation with course instructors. Considerations include academic qualifications and prior teaching experience, as well as course preference. The Program in Biology will make reasonable effort to extend offers within 3 weeks after the application due date. 

GEO Contract Information

The University will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, familial status, parental status or pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression (whether actual or perceived), sexual orientation, age, height, weight, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, HIV antibody status, political belief, membership in any social or political organization, participation in a grievance or complaint whether formal or informal, medical conditions including those related to pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, arrest record, or any other factor where the item in question will not interfere with job performance and where the employee is otherwise qualified. The University of Michigan agrees to abide by the protections afforded employees with disabilities as outlined in the rules and regulations which implement Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Information for the Office for Institutional Equity may be found at https://oie.umich.edu/ and for the University Ombuds at https://ombuds.umich.edu/

Unsuccessful applications will be retained for consideration in the event that there are last minute openings for available positions. In the event that an employee does not receive their preferred assignment, they can request a written explanation or an in-person interview with the hiring agents(s) to be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time.

This position, as posted, is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between the Regents of the University of Michigan and the Graduate Employees' Organization, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO 3550.

Standard Practice Guide 601.38, Required Disclosure of Felony Charges and/or Felony Convictions applies to all Graduate Student Assistants (GSAs). SPG 601.38 may be accessed online at https://spg.umich.edu/policy/601.38 , and its relation to your employment can be found in MOU 10 of your employment contract.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

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