GRAD STU INSTR - CSC 381

University of Michigan

Flint (MI)

Hybrid

USD 28,000 - 41,000

Part time

2 days ago

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Job summary

The University of Michigan Flint invites applications for a Graduate Student Instructor position in CSC 381 – Introduction to the Theory of Computation. The GSI will serve as the primary instructor, delivering instruction on automata theory, formal languages, Turing machines, and related computational models.

Responsibilities include grading, holding office hours, managing Canvas, coordinating class activities, and providing clear explanations of abstract concepts to support student learning.

Qualifications

Current UM‑Flint graduate student in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field.
Strong understanding of theory of computation including automata, formal languages, and models of computation.
Familiarity with finite automata, regular expressions, regular and context-free grammars, and Turing machines.
Experience with theoretical CS coursework preferred.
Ability to communicate abstract mathematical and computational concepts clearly and support student learning.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary instructor for CSC 381: theory of computation.
Grade homework, projects, exams, and other assignments.
Hold office hours to support students.
Provide feedback on assignments and concepts in computation theory.
Manage Canvas site with announcements, materials, and assignments.
Coordinate class activities and student communications.

Skills

Theoretical CS

Automata theory

Formal languages

Turing machines

Education

Graduate student in UM‑Flint CS/Math

Tools

Canvas

Job description

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and must be attached as the 1st page of your resume or CV. The letter should address your specific interest in and with this GSI position. Please include your University Program and year in graduate studies.

Responsibilities*

Serve as the primary instructor for the course, delivering instruction on theoretical computer science, including finite automata, regular expressions, formal languages, regular and context-free grammars, Turing machines, recursive functions, and universal machines.
Grade homework, projects, exams, and other student assignments.
Hold office hours to support students with course material and answer questions.
Provide feedback and guidance on assignments and concepts related to computational models, language recognition, and the theoretical foundations of computation.
Manage the course?s Canvas site, including posting announcements, instructional materials, and assignments.
Coordinate class activities, student communication, and other instructional responsibilities.

Required Qualifications*

Current UM-Flint graduate student in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field.

Strong understanding of theoretical computer science, including automata theory, formal languages, and models of computation.

Familiarity with finite automata, regular expressions, regular and context-free grammars, and Turing machines.

Experience with theoretical computer science or related coursework preferred.

Ability to communicate abstract mathematical and computational concepts clearly and support student learning.

Desired Qualifications*

Experience solving problems involving automata, formal languages, grammars, and computational models.
Familiarity with computability theory, recursive functions, and the theoretical foundations of algorithms and computation.
Proficiency in mathematical reasoning, formal proofs, and problem-solving related to computer science theory.
Experience with programming or computational tools used to illustrate theoretical concepts preferred.
Prior teaching, instructional support, or experience explaining abstract mathematical and computational concepts to students.

Course Description

CSC 381 - Introduction to the Theory of Computation

CSC 230 or MTH 230. (4)

Introduction to abstract notions encountered in machine computation. Finite automata, regular expressions and formal languages, with emphasis on regular and context-free grammars. Introduction to models of computation including Turing machines, recursive functions and universal machines. Graded ABCDE

Modes of Work

Hybrid
The work requirements allow both onsite and offsite work and an employee has an expected recurring onsite presence. On occasion, the employee may be required and must be available to work onsite more frequently if necessitated by unit leadership or their designee and/or the job requirements.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Contact Information

Questions regarding this position may be emailed to Ally Cooper at callyso@umich.edu

Decision Making Process

Applications will be reviewed following the posting deadline and selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. References will be contacted for the selected candidate; the selected candidate may also be required to submit a letter from their academic advisor supporting their acceptance of this position before hire is finalized.

Assistant Professor Makram Soui is leading this search.

Every effort will be made to have a hiring decision by December 1, 2026.

Selection Process

GEO Contract Information

The University will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, familial status, parental status or pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression (whether actual or perceived), sexual orientation, age, height, weight, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, HIV antibody status, political belief, membership in any social or political organization, participation in a grievance or complaint whether formal or informal, medical conditions including those related to pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, arrest record, or any other factor where the item in question will not interfere with job performance and where the employee is otherwise qualified. The University of Michigan agrees to abide by the protections afforded employees with disabilities as outlined in the rules and regulations which implement Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Unsuccessful applications will be retained for consideration in the event that there are last minute openings for available positions. In the event that an employee does not receive their preferred assignment, they can request a written explanation or an in-person interview with the hiring agents(s) to be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time.

This position, as posted, is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between the Regents of the University of Michigan and the Graduate Employees' Organization, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO 3550.

Standard Practice Guide 601.38, Required Disclosure of Felony Charges and/or Felony Convictions applies to all Graduate Student Assistants (GSAs). SPG 601.38 may be accessed online at https://spg.umich.edu/policy/601.38 , and its relation to your employment can be found in MOU 10 of your employment contract.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Job Opening ID

284899

Working Title

Job Title

GRAD STU INSTR

Work Location

Flint Campus

Flint, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Part-Time