Teaching Assistant, Biology

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Saskatoon is looking for a Teaching Assistant for its Biology courses during the 2025-2026 academic term. The ideal candidate should possess a strong foundation in biological concepts and have experience as a TA. Responsibilities include preparing lab materials, conducting experiments, and supervising field trips. Applicants are encouraged to apply by January 6, 2025, and preference will be given to graduate students from the Department of Biology.

Qualifications

• Strong fundamentals in general biological concepts.
• Experience as a TA in Biology or in specific courses is an asset.
• Microscopy experience mentioned for various courses.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and demonstrating laboratory material.
• Setting up experiments and marking.
• Delivering briefings and supervising field trips.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Effective time management

Ability to work independently and as a team

Proficiency with Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Experience with Canvas

Education

Strong fundamentals in general biological concepts

Education in relevant Biology or Botany courses

Job description

Teaching Assistant, Biology

The Department of Biology, College of Arts and Science invites applications for a Teaching Assistant for the following courses during the 2025-2026 Winter (T2) sessions:

120 (The Nature of Life), 121 (The Diversity of Life), 222 (The Living Plant), 224 (Animal Body Systems), 226 (Genes to Genomics), 302 (Evolutionary Processes), 345 (Introductory Plant Pathology), 363 (Population Ecology), 373 (Community Ecology), 437 (Parasitic Arthropod Vector Borne Diseases), 451 (Ichthyology), 458 (Ornithology), Palaeobiology 230 (On the Origin and Life of Animals)

Hours and Duration

Required Number of Hours: 48-80 hours during the academic term, hours vary with assignment
Duration of Employment: 2025-2026 Winter (T2)
Start Date & End Date: Within 6 Jan 2026 to 30 Apr 2026

Duties

Preparing and demonstrating laboratory material, setting up experiments, marking, invigilating examinations, delivering briefings, supervising field trips, moderating discussion boards, hosting virtual meetings via WebEx/Zoom, and conferring with the Supervisor in charge as required by the assignment; other duties as required.

General Qualifications (Skills and Abilities)

Education: Strong fundamentals in general biological concepts. Academic standing will be taken into account.
Experience: Recent experience as a TA in Biology or in the specific course is an asset; prior experience taking the course is an asset.
Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to take direction; effective time management; ability to work independently and as a team; ability to instruct a large group of students; effective at troubleshooting; proficiency with using internet browsers and the Microsoft suite of programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with Canvas is an asset.

Course Specific Qualifications

• Biology 120: Education – Biol 226 or equivalent; Experience – Microscopy experience is an asset.
• Biology 121: Education – Any introductory Biology course; Experience – Microscopy experience is an asset.
• Biology 222: Education – Biology or Botany courses; Experience – Microscopy is an asset.
• Biology 224: Education – Biology or Physiology courses; Experience – LabScribe/iWorx experience is an asset.
• Biology 226: Education – Any introductory Genetics course covering Mendelian Genetics.
• Biology 302: Education – Population Genetics/Evolution; Skills – Scientific Writing, Math/Excel.
• Biology 345: Education – Botany, Genetics, Plant Pathology or Microbiology.
• Biology 363: Education – Population Ecology/Biology; Skills – Animal census techniques, scientific writing, Math/Excel.
• Biology 373: Education – Ecology.
• Biology 437: Education – Parasitology is an asset; Skills – Research in Parasitology is an asset.
• Biology 451: Education – Ichthyology is an asset.
• Biology 458: Education – Ornithology is an asset.
• Palaeobiology 230: Education – Fundamental and advanced invertebrate animal evolution and body structure.

How to Apply

1) Complete the application form found at https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/NKFS2PG.
2) Send your CV, academic transcripts, and academic timetable to [e-mail].
Submit your application no later than January 6th, 2025. Positions will likely be filled before the closing date.
Inquiries for this position can be directed to [e-mail].
Preference will be given to graduate students in the Department of Biology with scholarships requiring teaching service hours.
Where a graduate student is appointed to this position, it will be in-scope of PSAC.

Job Details

Department: Biology
Status: Term
Employment Group: Graduate Students - PSAC
Rate of Pay: Current rates of pay
Posted Date: 12/2/2025
Closing Date: 1/5/2026
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity‑deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.