Instructional Learning Assistants/Undergraduate Tutors/Spring 2027

University of California Merced; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

University of California Merced is seeking an Instructional Learning Assistant to support students in STEM courses. You will facilitate in-class discussions, guide groups, and provide one-on-one assistance during office hours under faculty supervision.

The role helps you learn teaching methods, work with graduate students and instructors, and is designed for undergraduates aiming to pursue teaching careers. Training includes a pedagogy course.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at UC Merced.
• Completed the assigned course with a B or higher.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Awareness of individual learning styles and student needs.
• Ability to apply study strategies, organizational skills and time management in sessions.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate discussion with groups of students in lecture by asking questions to help students learn material.
• Work one-on-one with the students and hold office hours.
• Attend weekly meetings with course instructor and TAs to prepare for sessions.
• Participate in mandatory one-hour long weekly meetings with the instructor of record.
• Register for the Instructional Learning Assistant Pedagogy Course, anticipated to meet once per week. Location/Day/Time TBD.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Listening

Time management

Organizational skills

Education

Undergraduate student at UC Merced

GPA 3.0 or higher

Course completed with B or higher

Job description

An Instructional Learning Assistant works with groups of students on challenging course materials during class time. This undergraduate student has recently taken the course they will be working in and works as a bridge between students and faculty. An Instructional Learning Assistant is responsible for interacting with students and managing in class discussions. This job is ideal for someone who is a good listener and communicator, wants to help others learn, interested in learning more about teaching and/or pursuing a career in teaching, wants to learn course content more deeply, and wants to work with graduate students and faculty to transform STEM classrooms.

Key Responsibilities:

• Facilitate discussion with groups of students in lecture by asking questions to help students learn material
• Work one-on-one with the students and hold office hours
• Attend weekly meetings with course instructor and TAs to prepare for sessions
• Participate in mandatory one-hour long weekly meetings with the instructor of record.
• Working as a newly-hired LA requires you to register for an Instructional Learning Assistant Pedagogy Course, anticipated to meet once per week. Location/Day/Time TBD.

Spring 2027 LA-Supported Courses Include:

• MATH 005: Preparatory Calculus
• MATH 008: Foundations of Quantitative Reasoning
• MATH 021: Calculus I for Physical Sciences and Engineering
• MATH 022: Calculus II for Physical Sciences and Engineering
• BIO 011: Introduction to Molecular Biology
• BIO 012: Introduction to Organismal Biology
• CHEM 002: General Chemistry I
• CHEM 010: General Chemistry II and CHEM 010: Honors
• PHYS 008: Introductory Physics I for Physical Sciences
• PHYS 009: Introductory Physics II for Physical Sciences
• PHYS 018: Introductory Physics I for Biological Sciences
• PHYS 019: Introductory Physics II for Biological Sciences

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at UC Merced
• Has completed course assigned and earned a B or higher
• GPA 3.0 or higher
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Awareness and sensitivity to individual learning styles and student needs
• Ability to apply study strategies, organizational skills, & time management in sessions