Student Assistant - Spring 2027 Chemistry LAB Teaching

Job Title: Student Assistant - Spring 2027 Chemistry LAB Teaching
Location: UWG Recruiting Location
Regular/Temporary: Temporary
Full/Part Time: Part-Time
Job ID: 304902
About Us

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation.Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.

The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia's Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!

Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.

At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.

The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.

Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Job Summary

Teaching Assistants (TAs) for CHEM 1151L, CHEM 1152L, CHEM 1211L, CHEM 1212L, CHEM 2411L, and CHEM 3422L are assigned to one or more laboratory sections, typically serving 18¿48 students per section. TAs play a critical role in supporting student learning, maintaining a safe laboratory environment, and assisting instructors with the successful operation of laboratory courses.

Essential Responsibilities

• Read and prepare for each laboratory experiment before the scheduled lab session and seek clarification from the instructor when necessary.
• Attend all pre-laboratory meetings and carefully follow instructor guidance and announcements.
• Supervise one or more laboratory sections each week by monitoring student progress.
• Answering questions and providing academic support.
• Guiding students through scientific problem-solving and laboratory procedures.
• Treat all students fairly, respectfully, and professionally, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
• Communicate with students, faculty, and staff in a courteous and professional manner.
• Promptly report any experimental, procedural, or student-related concerns to the supervising laboratory instructor.
• Enforce all laboratory safety policies and regulations at all times.
• Ensure laboratory workspaces are clean, organized, and properly reset at the end of each session.
• Verify that all equipment, chemicals, and laboratory materials are properly returned and secured.
• Report equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or facility maintenance concerns to the Laboratory
• Coordinator.Maintain sufficient knowledge of course content and laboratory procedures to effectively assist students.
• Complete additional duties and assignments as directed by the course instructor or Laboratory Coordinator.

Required Qualifications

• Successful completion of the chemistry course(s) associated with the assigned laboratory section with a grade of B or higher.
• Candidates who have previously served as departmental assistants must have received satisfactory performance evaluations and must demonstrate continued satisfactory progress toward their degree.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, reliability, confidentiality, and a commitment to supporting the mission and standards of the Chemistry Teaching Assistant Program.
• Must be a currently enrolled University of West Georgia student registered for at least six (6) credit hours and maintaining a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA,
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally, respectfully, and effectively with students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while maintaining confidentiality and exercising sound judgment.
• Effective organizational, time-management, and multitasking skills, including the ability to prioritize responsibilities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Basic computer proficiency, including experience with common productivity software, email communication, and online learning platforms.
• Strong attention to detail, dependability, and the ability to follow laboratory procedures, safety requirements, and departmental policies accurately and consistently.

Physical Requirements/ Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in a chemistry laboratory environment and may involve prolonged periods of standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, and moving throughout the laboratory while assisting students.
• May be required to handle chemicals, laboratory glassware, scientific instruments, and other laboratory equipment while following established safety procedures.
• Must be able to observe laboratory activities, identify potential safety concerns, and respond appropriately to emergency situations.
• May be exposed to chemical odors, laboratory reagents, compressed gases, and other materials commonly found in instructional chemistry laboratories while adhering to all safety regulations and protocols.
• Work schedule may include daytime, evening, or multiple laboratory sections depending on course assignments and departmental needs.
• Must be able to safely lift, carry, push, and/or pull laboratory equipment, supply bins, chemical containers, and other materials weighing up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment, evaluate situations effectively, and make sound decisions while maintaining compliance with laboratory, departmental, and university policies.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively with faculty, staff, and fellow student employees in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain scientific concepts clearly.
• Provide constructive guidance to students and communicate professionally with instructors and colleagues.
• Consistently maintains a positive, professional, and approachable attitude while interacting with students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
• Previous experience serving as a teaching assistant, supplemental instruction leader, workshop leader, peer tutor, mentor, laboratory assistant, or other student leadership role.
• Demonstrated commitment to student success, academic excellence, and fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances in a fast-paced laboratory setting.

Required Documents to Attach

• No required documents to attach.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Must have successfully completed the laboratory course associated with the assigned teaching assistant position prior to applying and earned a grade of B or higher.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the laboratory techniques, safety procedures, instrumentation, calculations, and scientific concepts relevant to the assigned chemistry laboratory course.
• Basic computer proficiency, including use of email, learning management systems (e.g., CourseDen), and standard laboratory software.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, and adhere to departmental policies and procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain an organized, safe, and productive laboratory environment.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

Special Applicant Instructions

Preference will be given to Chemistry majors, Chemistry minors, and students with previous experience as chemistry laboratory assistants. Applicants must have successfully completed the laboratory course associated with the position and earned a grade of B or higher prior to applying. Students selected as new Chemistry Teaching Assistants are required to enroll in: CHEM 2086 ¿ Chemistry Leadership Practicum (1 credit hour).

As a condition of employment, new TAs must: Attend and actively participate in the mandatory full-day TA training held on the first day of classes. Attend designated CHEM 2086 class meetings throughout the semester, including selected Friday sessions.

Note: Academic records are routinely reviewed as part of the selection process, and instructor recommendations may be requested when evaluating candidates for leadership positions. Applicants will be asked to provide authorization before academic records are examined.