Physics Undergraduate Teaching Assistant- Pool

Department

Physics and Astronomy

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

Job Description

60%- Assist Instructor During In-Person Lectures

• Support the instructor by managing classroom materials and technology.
• Facilitate student engagement through answering questions and clarifying concepts.
• Take attendance and help maintain an organized learning environment.

25%- Hold Office Hours and Group Tutoring Sessions

• Provide one-on-one and group academic support to students.
• Clarify lecture material and assist with homework or exam preparation.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive learning atmosphere.

5%- Attend Weekly Organizational Meetings

• Participate in scheduled meetings with the instructional team.
• Share updates, discuss challenges, and coordinate upcoming tasks.

5%- Run Afternoon/Evening Recitation Sections

• Lead smaller discussion-based sessions to reinforce lecture content.
• Prepare and deliver supplemental exercises or review activities.

5%- Coordinate with Other UGTAs and Graders

• Communicate regularly to ensure consistency in grading and student support.
• Collaborate on shared responsibilities and troubleshoot issues as needed.

Req ID (Ex: 10567BR)

31694BR

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.

Work Schedule

Up to 10 hours per week, including class attendance and evening recitation sessions.

Contact Information to Applicants

Kayla Wegley

k.wegley@ku.edu

Required Qualifications

• Must have completed the course you are applying to, or its equivalent, and be in good academic standing as demonstrated in application materials. Courses include PHSX 114 and EPHX 210/PHSX 211.
• Must be able to attend the lecture sessions in person, as indicated on application materials. Please check http://classes.ku.edu.

Advertised Salary Range

$12.50

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience tutoring, as indicated on application materials.
• Current major in ASTR, PHSX, or EPHX, as indicated on application materials.

Position Overview

Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (UGTAs) play an essential role in enhancing the learning experience for students enrolled in Physics courses. This position emphasizes mentoring and academic support rather than formal teaching responsibilities. UGTAs work closely with the course instructor to assist during lectures, lead recitation sessions, and provide guidance through office hours and group tutoring. Their primary goal is to help students understand course material, encourage engagement, and contribute to a collaborative and supportive classroom environment.

Reg/Temp

Temporary

Application Review Begins

01-Dec-2025

Anticipated Start Date

20-Jan-2026

Additional Candidate Instruction

In addition to the online application, please provide the following.

• Resume
• Degree Progress Report
• Cover Letter - Addressed to the Physics & Astronomy Department, detailing:
• Your qualifications for the UGTA position.
• The specific course(s) you are applying to assist.
• Your availability for lectures, recitations, and office hours.

Please apply before the application review date of December 1st, 2025. A review of applications will continue until a qualified pool of applicants has been identified.

Position Requirements

During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).

Employment Conditions

(1) Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.

(2) This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.