Teaching Assistantship - Aquatic and Fishery Sciences

The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS) is a unique and nationally recognized institution that provides bachelor, master, and doctoral instruction to an international student population. The school includes 30 faculty (and 16 emeritus faculty), 125 graduate and 100 undergraduate students and about 90 administrative and research staff. The breadth and scope of SAFS encompasses programs for undergraduate and graduate teaching, research and service in basic and applied aquatic sciences with an emphasis on fisheries management and aquatic resource conservation. Our faculty, staff and students have access to myriad aquatic habitats and rich biological resources, and they are involved in interdisciplinary partnerships with other academic programs, as well as public and private organizations and environmental and regulatory agencies. They are continuing SAFS’ long tradition of actively addressing major issues in the aquatic sciences.

The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences anticipates two part-time (50% FTE), temporary (December 16, 2008 – March 15, 2009) Teaching Assistantships will be available in the following course for Winter 2009:

ESRM/Fish 162 – Introduction to Biology II
Quarter Offered: Winter 2009
Instructor Names: Dr. Kerry Naish (SAFS), Dr. Sharon Doty (CFR) and Ms. Jenny Knoth (Course coordinator)
Days and times of lectures, labs, field trips:
Lectures: MWThF, 11:30-12:20
Labs (TA leads 2 out of 4): T 1:30-4:20, W 8.30-11.20, W 1.30-4.20, Th 1:30-4:20
Course Website: TBA

Teaching Assistant responsibilities include:
# TAs at 50% FTE should expect to average approximately 20 hours/week throughout the appointment period, for a total of 220 hours over the course of the quarter. Winter appointments are on payroll from December 16th – March 15th, although if course responsibilities extend after the 15th (which for this course, they will), the TAs should expect to participate (i.e., grading final projects and exams).
# TA is responsible for, in conjunction with the Course Laboratory Coordinator, the execution of two 3-hour laboratory sections, which will include quantitative and wet lab activities.
# TA is responsible for grading assignments associated with the laboratory portion of the course, which may include term papers.
# TA is responsible for grading a portion of the exam papers, along with other members of the teaching team
# TA is expected to hold a minimum of 1 office hour per week, and a minimum of two hours review before each exam (3 exams in total).
# TA is expected to attend all lectures and one weekly TA training and administrative meeting.

Requirements:
# Academic standing as a UW Graduate Student and eligibility to hold a Graduate Student Assistantship.
# Availability for full course timeframe (December 16th – March 20th)
# Ability to give students feedback on writing and course material
# Proficiency with Word and Excel
# Ability to work independently and coordinate multiple varied tasks simultaneously
# Participation in the UW laboratory safety training, if not already completed
# Current certification in First Aid, CPR (or must have by start of course, if hired)

Desired:
# Previous teaching or TA experience
# Participation in activities provided by the SAFS Lead TA over the course of the academic year.
# Proficiency in Cell Biology, Plant Physiology and Animal Physiology at the introductory level
# Currently registered UW graduate student

Condition of Employment:
# Currently registered UW graduate student

Terms:
A 50% FTE Teaching Assistantship pays a stipend (which varies depending on graduate level and student's home department). Salary schedule may be seen at: Graduate Student salary Schedule.

Teaching Assistants are required to register for a minimum of ten credits per quarter; successful applicants will be responsible for paying any student fees. Operating Fee (including most of tuition) will be paid. Graduate Appointee accident/sickness insurance will be provided.

Application Process:
Part of the application process for this position includes completing an on-line cover letter assessment as well as the Employment Eligibility Assessment to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. The assessments will appear on your screen for you to complete as soon as you select "Apply to this Position" on this job announcement. Once you begin the assessment, it must be completed at that time. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until the assessment is complete.

In the cover letter assessment, please:
# identify strengths you would bring to this position;
# your background and abilities directly related to this specific course;
# contact information for 2-3 references (name, title, phone, email) familiar with your teaching and/or research abilities.

Preference will be given to applications received by Sunday, December 1, 2008. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Decisions and notification to all applicants will be communicated by the week of December 8, 2008.