Instructional Course Specialist

Department

PSD Computer Science: Administration

About the Department

The Department of Computer Science is an academic department that has a rich history of advancing and defining new fields of discovery in the physical sciences and computer science, and this tradition continues today. Our inquiry and impact spans from the edge of theory to human-computer interaction to Data Science. We are part of the Physical Sciences Division which includes departments and a number of interdisciplinary research institutes and centers.

Job Summary

The job of the instructional course specialist is to provide classroom support for the faculty of the Computer Science department in undergraduate and/or masters classes. This is a renewable one-year appointment. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting various facets of the courses assigned, reporting to the Director of Undergraduate Studies and Associate Director of Operations and Academic Affairs.

Responsibilities

• Oversees teaching assistants and graders, ensuring grading is accurate, consistent, fair, and completed on schedule.
• Provide training and clear guidance on grading standards, course policies, and instructional procedures.
• Conduct regular in-person meetings (at least once per week per course) with assigned TAs and graders-typically 2-4 TAs and 3-4 graders per course-to resolve grading questions, ensure consistency, and address issues in real time.
• Coordinate the instructional team and assume responsibilities as needed to maintain uninterrupted course operations.
• As Lead TA, this role will be required to set up lab equipment for each session. They will need to learn how to safely handle the equipment and set up, which cannot be easily assigned to another person.
• Manage course technology platforms, including GitHub, Gradescope, Canvas, Ed Discussion, and other instructional systems.
• Securely handle course materials, examinations, instructional resources, and laboratory equipment.
• Coordinate communication among faculty, staff, TAs, graders, and students regarding course activities and policies.
• Prepare instructional materials, including manuals, syllabi, and other course documentation.
• Lead discussion sections and laboratory sessions as needed, including providing last-minute instructional coverage for assigned courses.
• Attend lectures when necessary to support course instruction and coordination.
• Answer student questions through Ed Discussion and other course communication platforms.
• Grade homework, laboratory assignments, quizzes, and examinations.
• Assist faculty with the design and development of assignments, examinations, lecture demonstrations, and other instructional materials.
• Support students in developing experimental techniques and interpreting laboratory data.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Student Disability Services (SDS) accommodations and other special student circumstances.
• Coordinate classroom logistics for accommodated testing, including proctoring exams for students requiring extended time or reduced-distraction testing environments.
• Respond promptly to student needs and coordinate with faculty and university offices to ensure appropriate accommodations are implemented.
• Set up, test, operate, maintain, and safely handle laboratory and instructional equipment for laboratory sessions. Equipment depends on the course (3D printer, robots, etc.)
• Apply technical expertise to support instructional laboratories and demonstrations.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is properly prepared and available for each instructional session.
• Maintain effective communication with faculty, staff, students, TAs, and graders to support successful course delivery.
• Perform other related instructional, administrative, and operational duties as assigned.
• Prepares and tests lecture demonstrations to ensure consistency with course content. Works with faculty or staff to determine the suitability of demonstrations for specific lectures.
• Instructs students, staff, and faculty in the operation of laboratory or classroom equipment. Promotes safety in handling equipment and/or materials.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

• --

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelors Degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field, at the time of appointment.
• Experience as a Teaching Assistant or Grader in undergraduate or graduate classes in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong knowledge of one or more of the following areas of Computer Science: Introductory programming in Python, Systems programming in C, Computer Systems (Networks, Operating Systems, Databases, etc.), Machine Learning, Theoretical Computer Science (Discrete Mathematics, Algorithms, etc.)
• Experience with EdTech tools, such as Ed Discussion, Gradescope, GitHub Classroom, Canvas, etc.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Ability to respond on short notice and work in stressful situations.
• Ability to work independently in a self-directed manner as well as in a group environment.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Technical competence in using Linux.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Reference Contact Information (required) At least one reference from an instructor that the candidate supported as a teaching assistant or grader is preferred.

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Academic Affairs

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Pay Range

$33.33 - $38.46

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.