Chemistry Teaching Student Assistant

Sweet Briar College; Virginia, Northern (IL, KY); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Sweet Briar College is seeking part-time Chemistry Student Teaching Assistants to support laboratory instruction in a safe, organized, and engaging learning environment. TAs may serve as a LabPrep TA or a LabInstructional TA, assisting with materials, prep, and student guidance during labs.

Qualified candidates will have earned A or B in at least two chemistry lab courses, maintain good academic standing, and demonstrate reliability, communication, and a mentoring mindset.

Qualifications

• Earned a grade of A or B in at least two chemistry lab courses (for Instructional TA, including the course supporting).
• Demonstrated a strong understanding of laboratory techniques, safety practices, and the scientific concepts covered in the course.
• Maintain good academic standing with the college.
• Exhibit professionalism, reliability, initiative, and a strong work ethic.
• Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Be dependable, organized, and able to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in mentoring fellow students and contributing to a positive, safe, and inclusive laboratory learning environment

Responsibilities

• Prep TA: Prepare laboratory materials, chemicals, glassware, and equipment.
• Lab prep: Reset stations, replenish materials, maintain stockroom.
• Maintain organized, clean workspace and proper storage of chemicals.
• Assist with inventory, labeling, and storage of supplies.
• Dispose of laboratory waste per safety procedures.
• Report damaged or low-inventory equipment.
• Foster a safe and professional learning environment.

Skills

Chemistry labs

Safety practices

Communication skills

Reliability

Organizational skills

Mentoring others

Education

Two chemistry lab courses with A or B

Job description

Overview

Position Type

Student

Not Specified

Travel Percentage

Description

Classification of position: Students are only eligible to work for the department once they have completed the course in which they will be working and another chemistry course with a grade of A or B. Thus, first-year students are not eligible for this position.

Name of Student Supervisor: Amy Ngo

Position type/Expected work hours: Part time, up to 5 hours per week depending on lab and prep schedule

Chemistry Student Teaching Assistants (TAs) play an important role in supporting laboratory instruction and creating a positive, organized, and safe learning environment. TAs work closely with the lab instructor to ensure laboratories are prepared, students receive timely assistance, and the laboratory operates efficiently. Depending on assignment, TAs may serve as either a LabPrep TA or a LabInstructional TA.

Prep TA Responsibilities

• Prepare laboratory materials, chemicals, glassware, and equipment before each lab session
• Reset laboratory stations between sections and ensure all materials are replenished
• Maintain an organized, clean, and well-stocked stockroom and laboratory workspace
• Assist with inventory, labeling, and storage of chemicals and supplies
• Dispose of laboratory waste according to established safety procedures
• Report damaged, missing, or low-inventory equipment and supplies
• Help maintain a professional laboratory environment by ensuring workspaces are clean, organized, and ready for instruction

Instructional TA Responsibilities

• Attend assigned laboratory sessions and provide instructional support to students
• Answer student questions and guide students through laboratory procedures
• Reinforce laboratory safety practices and proper use of equipment
• Assist students with troubleshooting experimental techniques and interpreting results
• Encourage critical thinking by asking guiding questions and helping students build confidence in the laboratory
• Notify the instructor of safety concerns, equipment issues or students requiring additional assistance
• Foster a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for all students

Time Commitment
Instructional TA

• Attend one assigned laboratory section per week (3-hour lab session, Monday-Thursday).
• Dedicate an additional 1-2 hours per week for laboratory preparation, TA meetings with the instructorand other assigned tasks.

Prep TA

• Dedicate approximately 4-5 hours per week preparing laboratory materials, organizing the stockroom, resetting laboratory stations and completing other assigned preparation tasks.
• Prep hours are flexible and will be coordinated with the instructor based on laboratory schedules and preparation needs.

Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Earned a grade of A or B in at least two chemistry lab courses (for Instructional TA, including the course supporting).
• Demonstrated a strong understanding of laboratory techniques, safety practices, and the scientific concepts covered in the course.
• Maintain good academic standing with the college.
• Exhibit professionalism, reliability, initiative, and a strong work ethic.
• Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Be dependable, organized, and able to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in mentoring fellow students and contributing to a positive, safe, and inclusive laboratory learning environment