Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (TA) Program

The Tarpo Department of Chemistry relies on undergraduate TAs to support our teaching mission in many of our undergraduate courses. This is a paid position and is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors who succeeded in their undergraduate chemistry courses. The application opens in March each year. Selected students will be invited for interviews in April. Students hired for a TA position are required to attend TA training in August the Thursday and Friday before the start of the fall semester. 

Click here to submit an application.

FAQs:

Where can I find the link to the application? 

The link will be posted here when it goes live in March. It will also be sent via email to the chemistry major email list. 

When is the application due? 

March 31st is the deadline. 

Do I have to be a chemistry major to apply? 

No, any student who succeeded in their chemistry courses is eligible to apply.

When do I apply to teach in the spring? 

We do not hire additional TAs for the spring, so the only application is in March. 

Do I have to reapply if I have been a TA before? 

If you have already been a TA in the Chemistry Department, you do still have to apply, but you will not go through the interview process again.  

Can I pick the course I TA for? 

You will be able to list your preferences, but we cannot guarantee that you will be assigned to your preferred course. 

What do I need to have when I apply?

You will have to submit a resume, and you will need to list someone in the Chemistry Department (instructor, course coordinator, TA) as a reference. We will not contact any references external to the Chemistry Department. 

I will not be back on campus until the first day of class in the fall. Can I complete the training later? 

No. Students must be able to attend the training on the Thursday and Friday prior to the start of classes or they will not be hired. 

What if I only want to TA in the spring? 

You can still apply and let us know during the application process. Since training is only offered in August, you will need to be able to attend the fall training if you are hired to teach in the spring. 

How much time does this position require? 

It depends on the course, but in general you should expect to work about 10 hours a week. 

Who do I contact if I have additional questions? 

Dr. Starr is the person in charge of the undergraduate TA program, and she can answer your questions. Her email is: starrh@purdue.edu