Organic Chemistry Undergraduate Tech Teaching Assistant

The University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 17,908 - 23,419; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS is seeking Undergraduate Teaching Assistants to support organic chemistry laboratories within the Chemistry Department. UGTAs may lead lab sections by delivering pre-lab lectures, supervising experiments, grading assignments, and holding office hours.

They may also assist with lab setup, cleanup, and inventory management throughout the week. This hourly, non-exempt role requires safety-conscious lab supervision, glassware maintenance, and collaboration

Qualifications

• Must have completed CHEM 331 as shown on application materials.
• Preferred: CHEM 335 and CHEM 336 as shown on application materials.

Responsibilities

• Teach and support organic chemistry lab sections, including delivering pre-lab lectures and supervising experiments.
• Enforce lab safety protocols and evaluate student performance through grading and feedback.
• Participate in weekly TA meetings and hold office hours to assist students outside of lab sessions.
• Clean and maintain laboratory glassware and prep materials for sessions.
• Conduct room checks between lab periods to maintain cleanliness, safety, and organization.
• Retrieve packages and supplies from stockroom and maintain inventory records.
• Prepare and organize materials for lab sessions, including solutions and specialized supplies.
• Set up and break down experiments, manage waste and lab areas.

Education

CHEM 331

CHEM 335

CHEM 336

Job description

Position Overview

Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (UGTAs) in the Department of Chemistry support the instructional and operational needs of the organic chemistry teaching laboratories. Depending on qualifications, UGTAs may lead lab sections by delivering pre-lab lectures, supervising student experiments, grading assignments, and holding office hours. They may also assist with technical responsibilities including lab setup, cleanup, restocking, equipment maintenance, and chemical inventory management. This role plays a key part in ensuring the smooth and safe operation of the teaching labs throughout the week.

Responsibilities

• Instructional Duties:
  • Teach and support organic chemistry lab sections, including delivering pre-lab lectures and supervising experiments.
  • Enforce lab safety protocols and evaluate student performance through grading and feedback.
  • Participate in weekly TA meetings and hold office hours to assist students outside of lab sessions.
• Technical and Operational Support:
  • Clean and maintain laboratory glassware (e.g., distillation apparatus, flasks).
  • Conduct room checks between lab periods to maintain cleanliness, safety, and organization by returning equipment, replacing glassware, replenishing supplies, managing waste, and handling lost-and-found items.
• Stockroom and Inventory Tasks:
  • Retrieve packages and supplies from the Chemistry Department stockroom.
  • Maintain accurate records of chemical and equipment inventory.
• Lab Preparation and Breakdown:
  • Prepare and organize materials for lab sessions, including chemical solutions and specialized supplies such as ice, dry ice, and liquid nitrogen.
  • Set up and break down experiments, manage waste, clean lab areas, and ensure all labs are stocked with necessary equipment and supplies.
• General Support Duties:
  • Break down cardboard boxes and transport them to recycling.
  • Monitor glass waste containers and replace them as needed.

Required Qualifications

1. Must have completed and passed CHEM 331 as shown on application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Successfully completed CHEM 335 and CHEM 336 as shown on application materials.

Position Requirements

During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).

Employment Conditions

Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.

This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.

Salary Range

$15.00

Anticipated Start Date

Wednesday August 19, 2026