Graduate Teaching Assistant

Hood College's Department of Biology has three (3) Graduate Teaching Assistant positions available to begin August 1, 2026. 

Under the close supervision of the Biology Department Chair and the Biology Lab Supervisor, the Graduate Teaching Assistant will have a strong undergraduate record and an interest in pursuing research in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or environmental biology. Duties will include preparing and teaching laboratories and conducting research within the department. 

Before applying, candidates must be accepted into the Hood College Graduate School and will enroll in the Biomedical Science or Environmental Biology M.S. program. Students will receive a stipend and waiver of graduate course tuition.

Essential Duties include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Instruction

• Teach up to six contact hours in the department each academic year.
• Plan units and resource materials as assigned, instruct, monitor and evaluate student progress using a variety of teaching strategies.

Laboratory Support

• Prepare solutions and other materials for use in laboratories.
• Set-up, adjust and operate laboratory equipment and instrumentation as required.
• Assist with routine equipment maintenance and repair.
• Drive college vehicles for department field trips.

Administrative Support

• Assist with annual inventory of supplies, including chemicals, glassware, and plasticware.
• Maintain department records.

Qualifications

We seek candidates who values diversity, equity and inclusion in all that they do. Candidates must have strong organizational skills and a proven ability to work collaboratively with partners across campus in support of Hood College’s mission as a student-centered, liberal arts institution.

To perform this job successfully, the individuals must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and/or Experience

Before applying, candidates must be accepted into the Hood College Graduate School and will enroll in the Biomedical Science or Environmental Biology M.S. program.  Successful candidates will have a strong undergraduate record and an interest in pursuing research in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics or environmental biology. Duties will include preparing and teaching laboratories and conducting research within the department. Ability to calculate and prepare solutions for laboratory use and familiar with standard laboratory equipment required.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in biology or related discipline
• Must be accepted into either the M.S. in Biomedical Science or M.S. in Environmental Biology program

Preferred Skills and Characteristics

Strong undergraduate record and an interest in pursuing research in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics or environmental biology. Ability to calculate and prepare solutions for laboratory use and familiar with standard laboratory equipment required.

Technology Skills

Proficient in MS Office tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), e-mail and Internet. Ability to learn new applications quickly including organization-wide information systems and department-specific software applications.

Language Skills

Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to effectively provide information and positively respond to questions from both external and internal customers both in person and by phone. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

Mathematical Skills

Proficient with statistical and financial concepts. Must have the ability to apply those concepts to tracking, projections, goal setting and interpreting reports. Must be able to draw conclusions from reports and make cost effective decisions regarding programs.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a number of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to work independently and as a member of a group in developing and executing project plans. Ability to work in theoretical arena and apply logic as appropriate.

Physical Demands

Employee is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to sit. The employee