Reader in Liberal Studies: Academic Year 2026-27

University of California Merced; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 47,000; Part time

Job summary

Reader(s) in Liberal Studies courses at UC Merced will mark and grade problem sets, midterms and final exams using provided rubrics, assist with marking in-class exercises, and provide coursework assistance to students during class periods as directed by the instructor.

The positions support Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters at the University of California, Merced, with hours ranging through the semester and expected start mid-October 2026.

Responsibilities

• Mark and grade problem sets, midterm exams and a final exam using a rubric.
• Assist with marking of in-class exercises to be periodically assigned to the class.
• Provide assistance with coursework to students during class periods as directed by the instructor.

Job description

Position overview

Position title: Reader

Salary range: See Table 18 for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $21.86 - $22.81 per hour.

Anticipated start: Mid October 2026

Review timeline: Throughout the Fall 2026 and/or Spring 2027 semesters

Position duration: Depending on instructor's needs, hours could range from 50-100 hours in a semester.

Application Window

Open date: October 8, 2026

Next review date: Wednesday, Oct 14, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Monday, Mar 1, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Position description

The School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts anticipates hiring a Reader(s) in Liberal Studies courses throughout the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters.

Reader(s) will be responsible for marking and grading problem sets, midterm exams and a final exam based on a grading rubric given, assist with marking of in-class exercises to be periodically assigned to the class, and providing assistance with coursework to students as needed during class periods, as directed by the instructor.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

Reader will be a student in good standing at the University with at least a 3.0 grade-point average in their previous work, and should have taken and received at least a B grade in the course or related course. Readers will usually be graduate students; but qualified undergraduate students may be employed, especially when graduate students are not available. Professional readers, not enrolled as students, may be employed to meet special needs, but only on an hourly basis.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Cover Letter

• Authorization to Release Information Form - As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

  "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

  Required Authorization of Information Release may be found at the linked page. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.

• Unofficial Transcript

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

JPF02231

About UC Merced

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.

Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application: Required Authorization of Information Release Form.

Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Aff Cherative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (Center of Institutional Effectiveness), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.

Job location

Merced, CA