Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UTA) Program
The Department of Chemistry’s Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UTA) Program allows undergraduate students to develop teaching, leadership, and communication skills while helping fellow students succeed in chemistry courses.
Apply
Applications are accepted online each semester.
Apply to the Undergraduate Teaching Assistant Program
A new application must be submitted for each semester you wish to be considered.
Applications typically close approximately eight weeks before the start of the semester. Applicants under consideration for available positions are generally contacted four to six weeks before the semester begins.
The application also includes an option to be considered for a Departmental Tutor position.
About the Program
Undergraduate Teaching Assistants, or UTAs, are paid student employees who work alongside Chemistry faculty members and graduate Associate Instructors to support instruction in undergraduate chemistry courses.
Depending on the course assignment, UTAs may assist with laboratories, discussion sections, office hours, active-learning activities, and other instructional responsibilities.
Serving as a UTA is an excellent way to strengthen your understanding of chemistry while gaining valuable teaching, leadership, and communication experience. This experience can also enhance applications for graduate school, professional programs, and future employment.
Pay rate: $15 per hour
Eligibility
To be considered for a UTA position, applicants must:
- Have previously served as a Chemistry Undergraduate Teaching Intern (UTIN) through CHEM-X 371.
- Have earned a grade of B or higher in each course they wish to teach.
- Meet the academic qualifications for the requested course assignment.
- Be able to meet the course's scheduling needs.
- Complete all required university and departmental training before beginning employment.
Students assigned to laboratory courses must also complete the required laboratory safety training.
Students who have not yet completed the UTIN program should review the Department of Chemistry’s Undergraduate Teaching Intern opportunities before applying for a UTA position.
UTA Responsibilities
Responsibilities vary by course and may include:
- Assisting with or leading laboratory sections.
- Assisting with or leading discussion sections.
- Holding office hours.
- Supporting active-learning activities during lectures.
- Attending meetings with the course instructor and instructional team.
- Completing assigned preparation or pre-lecture work.
- Helping students develop effective study habits and problem-solving strategies.
- Providing a professional, respectful, and inclusive learning environment.
UTAs do not assign grades or grade subjective components of student work.
Application Process
The online application collects information about:
- Academic background.
- Previous UTA and UTIN experience.
- Course qualifications and preferences.
- Weekly availability.
- Faculty references.
- Interest in Departmental Tutor opportunities.
Applications are reviewed after the application deadline. Hiring decisions are based on departmental instructional needs, applicant qualifications, faculty feedback, course experience, and availability.
Applicants under consideration for a position are typically contacted by email between four and six weeks before the start of the semester. An application does not guarantee an interview or offer of employment.
Selected applicants will receive additional information about their course assignment, work schedule, pay rate, hiring requirements, and required training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to complete the UTIN program before applying?
Yes. Students must previously have served as a Chemistry Undergraduate Teaching Intern through CHEM-X 371 before they are eligible for a paid UTA position.
Can I be both a UTA and a UTIN during the same semester?
No. Students cannot simultaneously serve as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UTA) and an Undergraduate Teaching Intern (UTIN). The UTIN program serves as the training program for future UTAs. After successfully completing the UTIN program, students may apply for a paid UTA position in a subsequent semester.
Do I need to submit a new application every semester?
Yes. A new application is required for each semester you wish to be considered.
When do applications close?
Applications typically close approximately eight weeks before the start of the semester.
When will applicants be contacted?
Applicants under consideration for available positions are generally contacted four to six weeks before the semester begins.
Can I apply for more than one course?
Yes. Applicants should select every course they would be willing and qualified to teach. A grade of B or higher is required in each selected course.
Can I also apply to become a Departmental Tutor?
Yes. The UTA application includes an option to have your application considered for the Departmental Tutor Program.
Does submitting an application guarantee a position?
No. The number and type of available positions vary each semester based on course offerings, enrollment, staffing needs, and available funding.
Submit an Application
A new application must be submitted for each semester you wish to be considered.
Apply to the Undergraduate Teaching Assistant Program
Questions?
Contact the Chemistry Academic Office:
Email: chemound@iu.edu
Phone: (812) 855-2700
Office: Chemistry Building, Room C021