Organic Chemistry Undergraduate Tech Teaching Assistant

University of Kansas; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Topeka seeks an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for its Chemistry Department. The role involves supporting organic chemistry labs, teaching lab sections, and managing inventory. Ideal candidates must have completed CHEM 331 and preferably CHEM 335 and CHEM 336. Responsibilities include preparing lab materials, maintaining lab safety, and providing technical support during experiments. This is a non-exempt hourly position with specific enrollment requirements during the semester.

Qualifications

• Must have completed and passed CHEM 331 as shown on application materials.
• Successfully completed CHEM 335 and CHEM 336 as shown on application materials.

Responsibilities

• Teach and support organic chemistry lab sections by delivering lectures.
• Clean and maintain laboratory glassware and conduct room checks.
• Prepare materials for lab sessions and organize supplies.

Skills

Teaching laboratory sections

Lab safety protocols

Laboratory glassware maintenance

Chemical inventory management

Education

Completion of CHEM 331

Completion of CHEM 335 and CHEM 336 (preferred)

Job description

Organic Chemistry Undergraduate Tech Teaching Assistant

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.

Job Description

The Department of Chemistry maintains a pool of Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (UGTAs) who, depending on their qualifications, may teach organic chemistry laboratory sections or provide technical support through lab preparation, maintenance, and inventory management. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

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 like 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

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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

(1) Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.
(2) 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.

Additional Candidate Instructions

Application should include:

• Resume
• Cover Letter including grades in CHEM 330/331 and if taken CHEM 355/336 as well as your TA for the lab classes.
• Only Complete applications will be considered.

To ensure consideration please complete the application in its entirety. A review of applications will begin on April 1st, 2026 and continue until a qualified pool of candidates has been identified.

• Primary Campus: University of Kansas Lawrence Campus