General Chemistry Laboratory Teaching Assistant

Position Details

Position Information

Job Title General Chemistry Laboratory Teaching Assistant Department Chemistry & Biochemistry Terms and Hours Approx. 3 hrs/wk per lab section assigned Job Category Student Employment Hourly Wage Portland Metro Minimum Wage ($16.80/hour) Job Summary

The General Chemistry Laboratory Teaching Assistant (TA) will report to the instructor of the course or the laboratory coordinator for the course. The assigned classroom for the course will be located in Swindells Hall. The approximate hours for a semester will be 3 hours per week per section (up to 39 hours per section each semester). The course instructor or laboratory coordinator will inform the TA of where they are performing well and of performance deficiencies (if any) on an on-going basis. A TA who is not meeting the communicated expectations may be dismissed and replaced with another qualified applicant at any time during the semester for which they are hired. In addition to completing this job application, candidates MUST complete the following survey: https://uportland.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ehbLOpJIajLI086.

If you are currently a Gen Chem Lab TA, you do not need to reapply (but you should still complete the availability survey: https://uportland.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ehbLOpJIajLI086.

Core Duties

• Assist the instructor in helping students conduct experiments safely.
• Answer student questions related to experimental procedure and calculations.
• Answer student questions related to underlying chemistry concepts.
• Be in the lab and actively helping students during assigned lab times.
• Assist the instructor in setting up for and cleaning up after experiments, including setting out chemical reagents and equipment prior to lab, returning reagents and equipment to the appropriate places after lab, capping and storing waste bottles, and general cleaning of the lab.
• Grade beginning-of-lab assignments as detailed by the instructor.
• Prep TA's - Assist lab coordinator in preparing solutions, chemical reagents, equipment, etc. for experiments. General lab upkeep and cleaning.
• Other relevant duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Successful completion of CHM 277 with a grade of B or higher.
• To be a TA for CHM 278, successful completion of CHM 278 with a grade of B or higher.
• Good technical and people skills.
• The ability to communicate effectively.
• Knowledge of safe laboratory practices.
• Knowledge of underlying chemistry concepts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Chemistry majors
• Previous TA experience
• Students with Federal Work Study in Financial Aid Package preferred.
• Student with Green Dot Certification preferred.

Physical Requirements

• N/A

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number SE1017-2023 Number of Vacancies Multiple Estimated Start Date 08/24/2026 Open Date 07/06/2026 Close Date 09/07/2026

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents