Job Opportunities

The UR2PhD team is accepting applications for 2025.

About the role:

The undergraduate research training course will teach students about the foundations of research (e.g., reading a research paper, doing a literature review, identifying and communicating a research problem, etc.). TAs will play a pivotal role in supporting program participants as they embark on their first research experiences and develop foundational research skills. Teaching Assistants will not be responsible for curriculum development or leading instruction.

We are hiring at three different commitment levels: two options at 10 hours per week and one at 20 hours per week.

• Option 1: Full TA (20 hours / week)
  • These TAs are expected to provide 20 hours per week support for the full term. Support will involve attending all class sessions, grading student assignments, supporting students in the course and assisting with other administrative tasks up to 20 hours per week.

• Option 2: Partial TAs (10 hours/week).
  • These TAs are expected to provide 10 hours per week support for the full term.
    • In Class Partial TAs will attend all class sessions, grade student assignments, support students in the course and assist with other administrative tasks up to 10 hours per week.
    • Out of Class Partial TAs will NOT attend class sessions, but will provide support by grading student assignments, supporting students in the course asynchronously and assisting with other administrative tasks up to 10 hours per week/

Candidates for all both options must have a strong background in computer science, experience doing computer science research, and a commitment to supporting students, particularly those from groups that are underrepresented in computer science. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential for this role.

Responsibilities:

Teaching Assistants will provide administrative and technical support to instructors and participants. Specifically, they will be responsible for:

• Attending weekly virtual course sections and hosting office hours, providing technical support and assistance to both instructors and participants.
• Supervising breakout groups during course sections, fostering discussions and ensuring productive collaboration among students.
• Offering real-time support to students as needed, addressing questions, concerns, and technical issues promptly and professionally.
• Tracking and recording student participation during virtual sessions, ensuring accurate documentation for assessment purposes.
• Grading weekly assignments promptly according to established criteria and providing constructive feedback to students to enhance their learning and development.
  • Note: in class TAs will do less grading and out-of-class tasks than out of class TAs.
• Maintaining accurate and confidential student grade records in accordance with program guidelines.
• Proactively reaching out to students who are not meeting course expectations, offering guidance and support to facilitate their success.
• Tracking and reporting hours spent on duties related to this role, maintaining accurate records for administrative purposes.
• Assisting instructors in fostering a supportive and cohesive cohort community.

Qualifications:

Required: 

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions
• Experience leading research with undergraduate students
• Experience teaching student-facing programs
• History of using identity inclusive instructional practices
• Demonstrated organizational and communication skills
• Strong technical skills and proficiency in virtual teaching platforms and collaboration tools (i.e. Zoom, Canvas, etc)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with instructors and students from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a virtual environment, demonstrating initiative and problem-solving skills
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States

Preferred: 

• Previous experience in teaching, tutoring, or providing academic support
• Experience teaching a similar course
• Experience working with programs designed to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in computing

Timeline:

Course schedules will be shared as they become available.

Applications for the course will be accepted on a rolling basis. Our team plans to review applications during the following timelines: 

• Spring: mid-December – early January 
• Summer: mid-March – early-April 
• Fall: early June – mid-August

Students selected to continue in the process will be invited to participate in a short interview (< 1 hour).

Compensation:

Folks who are offered the role will need to complete an independent contractor agreement (ICA), a W-8 or W-9 form, and a direct deposit form. We anticipate that students who commit to participating in a full term will be paid between $2,800 – $4,000 depending on the term. In the fall and spring, it will likely be $4,000. ICAs will outline exact compensation. 

To Apply:

Please complete this form. Positions will remain open until filled.

Questions?

Please contact ur2phd@cra.org with any questions.