26-27 AY Teaching Associate (TA) - Biology

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a Teaching Associate for the Department of Biology at Fresno State. The role involves instructing and managing classrooms, preparing course materials, assessing student performance, and maintaining office hours. Applicants must be graduate students in good academic standing, able to exhibit commitment to diversity and professionalism in the workplace.

The position allows for flexibility in hours, with a limit of 20 hours per week, beginning Fall 2026.

Qualifications

• Admission to the Biology Program in good academic standing.
• Enrollment in at least 6 units for the semester.
• Demonstrated satisfactory progress towards the degree.

Responsibilities

• Instruct and manage the classroom.
• Evaluate student work and provide feedback.
• Assist students outside of class during office hours.

Skills

Ability to instruct and evaluate students

Strong interpersonal skills

Commitment to diversity

Education

Graduate student in Biology

Job description

Teaching Associate (TA) – Department of Biology, College of Science and Math

Position Overview:

The Department of Biology seeks graduate students as Teaching Associate applicants. Teaching Associates typically are responsible for providing classroom instruction. Eligibility is determined by TA eligibility, department eligibility, and adequate funding.

• Department is seeking TA applicants for sections of Biology lab classes.
• TAs will teach sections of one or more courses the following semester and may have opportunities to teach other beginning courses in the Biology Department.

The department reserves the right to choose the most qualified candidate for each position and to assign TAs to the courses that are appropriate for the department program and curriculum in any given semester. Due to staff and curriculum changes, courses offered may vary, and no guarantee of employment from semester to semester can be made.

Anticipated Appointment Dates

• Fall 2026: August 19, 2026 – December 22, 2026
• Spring 2027: January 15, 2027 – May 26, 2027

Hours/Units per week

• Students can work up to 20 hours per week.
• 1 unit is equivalent to 2.66 hours per week (40 hrs × 1 unit ÷ 15 units).
• The typical range for labs is between 1.3–5.2 units (dependent on courses and number of section(s) assigned).
• The typical range for lectures is between 3–6 units (dependent on courses and number of section(s) assigned).
• No more than 7.5 units.

Job Duties

• Instruct and manage the classroom.
• Create or implement course design and assignment sequence.
• Prepare course materials and classroom activities.
• Respond to and evaluate student writing.
• Assess student performance, including giving course grades.
• Assist students outside of class during office hours and by appointment.
• Attend TA orientation at the beginning of the semester.
• Participate in programmatic assessment procedures.
• Teach beginning Biology lab course (as instructor of record).
• Maintain office hours.
• Evaluate student work.
• Provide class time for student evaluations of instruction.
• Attend weekly meetings with the course instructor.
• Practice professionalism consistent with university policies for all instructors.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the instructor.

Qualifications

• Admission to the Biology Program in the Department of Biology, in good academic standing.
• Enrollment in at least 6 units for the semester or in two courses toward the degree.
• Demonstrated satisfactory progress towards the degree.
• Ability to relate well with others within the academic environment and the ability or potential to learn how to instruct and evaluate students.
• Demonstrated commitment to working effectively with faculty, staff, and students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Demonstrated commitment to professionalism in the workplace.

Teaching Associate Classification and Standards

• Evaluations: For details, see Academic Policy Manual, Section 311.
• Salary: Each department has different salary scales. Salary is calculated based on the weighted teaching units assigned; check with your department for your base salary.
• Salary Schedule: The CSU Salary Schedule can be found (Class Code = 2354 for Teaching Associates).
• Assignments: Assignments are made by Department Chair or Program Coordinator after consultation with the teaching associate.
• Duties Form: Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement for Unit 11, a Duties Form (see Appendix E of the CBA) will be completed between the department and the Academic Student Employee.
• Teaching Associate is a student position for those actively enrolled in a graduate program at Fresno State.
• Students are limited to 20 hours of part-time work on campus.

Education Code 89521 Requirements

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status including race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, and covered veteran status. Fresno State’s commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.