Graduate Teaching Assistantships
2024-2025 GTA Job Advertisement
The Department of Biology in the College of Science invites well-qualified George Mason University graduate students to apply for a teaching assistantship. This will include a stipend as well as 6 credits of in-state tuition for fall and spring semesters.
About the Department:
The Department of Biology offers B.A. and B.S. degrees in Biology, and a B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science. Our faculty are involved in graduate programs such as the M.S. in Biology, the M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy, the Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Policy, and the Ph.D. in Biosciences. We offer a broad curriculum with concentrations available in A) Biopsychology; B) Biotechnology and Molecular Biology; C) Environmental and Conservation Biology; D) Microbiology; and E) Bioinformatics. The bachelor’s degree programs in Biology provide a sound liberal arts education with substantial experience in quantitative and analytical thought, along with preparation for a related profession.
Responsibilities:
The primary purpose of a graduate teaching assistant is to assist faculty or other instructional staff in postsecondary institutions by performing teaching or teaching-related duties, such as teaching lower-level courses, developing teaching materials, preparing and giving examinations, and grading examinations or papers. Graduate teaching assistants must be enrolled in a graduate school program.
- Lead recitation sections, tutorials, or laboratory sections.
- Demonstrate use of laboratory equipment and enforce laboratory rules and supervise laboratory work.
- Inform students of the procedures for completing and submitting class work, such as lab reports
- Evaluate and grade lab assignments, and help grade examinations, papers, and record grades.
- Return assignments to students in accordance with established deadlines.
- Schedule and maintain regular office hours to meet with students.
- Attend prep sessions held by the Lab coordinators in the preparation of teaching labs
- The incumbent is responsible for adjusting to changing conditions, ensuring that the laboratories meet all required safety standards.
- Attend Mandatory training the week before classes start in August.
Required Qualifications:
- Completed bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences; and have/maintain at least a GPA of 3.0.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Must be enthusiastic about engaging with students about learning
- Needs to be able to work independently
- Good interpersonal skills, strong organizational skills, and the ability to learn new laboratory techniques.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous teaching assistant experience
- Master’s degree or Ph.D. in progress at George Mason University in the College of Science
About George Mason University - College of Science
Making Discoveries that Make a Difference
The College of Science at George Mason University blends traditional science education with sought-after programs in molecular medicine, climate dynamics, planetary science, forensic science, environmental studies, and geoinformation science to prepare students for exciting careers at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary scientific domains.
Location
Fairfax, Virginia, United States of America
Priority Deadline
Please apply by April 14th, 2024 for priority review. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis after this date.
GTA Application Webform
Please fill out the current 2024-2025 GTA Application at the link below:
Returning GTAs
This application is for GTAs who taught last academic year.
New GTAs
This application is for GTAs who are new to Mason or did not teach last academic year
GTA Application Process
Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) will be selected based on qualifications in the subject matter and teaching experience. GTA appointments will be made after review by a faculty member coordinating the course in question and by the Chair/Director of the appropriate undergraduate or graduate program. GTAs generally teach laboratory sections in undergraduate courses.
Be aware that you must have a substantial background in the appropriate subject matter to be qualified to teach in that field. Be very specific.
Application Process
New Applicants
• When you apply online, please select the RA/TA option for consideration to any open position.
• Once you are accepted into the program, if you are interested in a GTA from the Department of Biology, submit the form and other documents as stated below.
Returning Students
• If you have never held a GTA, please submit your application early to one of the contacts listed on the last page of this application.
Renewing your current assistantship
• ALL TAs need to reapply! Renewal is NOT automatic. This is the only way we will know that you wish to be renewed. Please contact your course coordinator through email and copy your contact persons in the Department of Biology (see page 3 of this application). No exceptions!
International Students: Please demonstrate your competency to teach in English. Please submit your TOEFL or IELTS exam scores and a demonstrated knowledge of conversational English.
Required Application Items
Required to send for all NEW GTAs, not required for returning GTA applications:
- Transcripts: At the time you submit your application, make sure copies of your undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) transcripts are attached to the application.
- Digital Application (at the link)
- Resume/CV
Compensation
• Graduate Teaching Assistants receive a fixed stipend (For AY 2021-22: $22,000 for Ph.D. students and $16,000 for MS students) and typically teach three lab sections per semester, but assignments may vary.
• GTAs qualify for tuition remission up to 6 hours of tuition per semester (subject to availability of funds) from a tuition remission budget.
• Ph.D. students are eligible for Subsidized Graduate Student Health Insurance. Insurance is normally only offered in the fall semester unless special admission and appointment occurs in the spring semester.
Terms and Conditions
Conditions and Terms
Renewals are not automatic! Graduate students must be making adequate progress toward their degree to renew their appointment!!!
Ph.D. students: May be renewed for a maximum of three years under the same conditions. Extensions of one additional year may be made at the discretion of the Course Coordinators and the Department Chair, upon request of the student’s major advisor.
M.S. students: Are normally renewed for a maximum of two addition years. Out-of-state master’s students receiving a TA will normally be compensated only for in-state tuition. The remaining amount will be the responsibility of the student. However, a GTA in the Department of Biology will have all 6 credits of tuition per semester covered by the department.
Please note the GTA appointment does not cover student fees. All fees are the responsibility of the student. (http://studentaccounts.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/FY20COSCourseFees.pdf)
Contacts
Please email biolgtas@gmu.edu with any questions or concerns.