Graduate Teaching Assistant

Hood College's Department of Biology has three (3) Graduate Teaching Assistant positions available to begin August 1, 2026. 

Under the close supervision of the Biology Department Chair and the Biology Lab Supervisor, the Graduate Teaching Assistant will have a strong undergraduate record and an interest in pursuing research in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or environmental biology. Duties will include preparing and teaching laboratories and conducting research within the department. 

Before applying, candidates must be accepted into the Hood College Graduate School and will enroll in the Biomedical Science or Environmental Biology M.S. program. Students will receive a stipend and waiver of graduate course tuition.

Essential Duties include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Instruction

• Teach up to six contact hours in the department each academic year.
• Plan units and resource materials as assigned, instruct, monitor and evaluate student progress using a variety of teaching strategies.

Laboratory Support

• Prepare solutions and other materials for use in laboratories.
• Set-up, adjust and operate laboratory equipment and instrumentation as required.
• Assist with routine equipment maintenance and repair.
• Drive college vehicles for department field trips.

Administrative Support

• Assist with annual inventory of supplies, including chemicals, glassware, and plasticware.
• Maintain department records.

Qualifications

We seek candidates who values diversity, equity and inclusion in all that they do. Candidates must have strong organizational skills and a proven ability to work collaboratively with partners across campus in support of Hood College’s mission as a student-centered, liberal arts institution.

To perform this job successfully, the individuals must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and/or Experience

Before applying, candidates must be accepted into the Hood College Graduate School and will enroll in the Biomedical Science or Environmental Biology M.S. program.  Successful candidates will have a strong undergraduate record and an interest in pursuing research in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics or environmental biology. Duties will include preparing and teaching laboratories and conducting research within the department. Ability to calculate and prepare solutions for laboratory use and familiar with standard laboratory equipment required.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in biology or related discipline
• Must be accepted into either the M.S. in Biomedical Science or M.S. in Environmental Biology program

Preferred Skills and Characteristics

Strong undergraduate record and an interest in pursuing research in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics or environmental biology. Ability to calculate and prepare solutions for laboratory use and familiar with standard laboratory equipment required.

Technology Skills

Proficient in MS Office tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), e-mail and Internet. Ability to learn new applications quickly including organization-wide information systems and department-specific software applications.

Language Skills

Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to effectively provide information and positively respond to questions from both external and internal customers both in person and by phone. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

Mathematical Skills

Proficient with statistical and financial concepts. Must have the ability to apply those concepts to tracking, projections, goal setting and interpreting reports. Must be able to draw conclusions from reports and make cost effective decisions regarding programs.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a number of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to work independently and as a member of a group in developing and executing project plans. Ability to work in theoretical arena and apply logic as appropriate.

Physical Demands

Employee is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to sit. The employee may occasionally be required to stand and lift and move up to twenty-five pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment

The noise level is usually moderate, and could include interaction with other employees, students, the public, telephones, and other office equipment in a shared space. The employee will be working in lab spaces and should be comfortable handling chemicals and lab equipment.

Compensation

The compensation for Graduate Teaching Assistants positions consists of a $13,791 annual stipend and a tuition waiver. This part-time position is not benefits-eligible except for paid Maryland sick leave. Learn more about Hood College.

To Apply
We invite qualified candidates to apply online via Hood College’s HR portal. Applicants must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, undergraduate transcripts, and names of three persons to contact for letters of recommendation. For questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Drew Ferrier or Dr. Craig Laufer, co-chairs of the Department of Biology, at ferrier@hood.edu or laufer@hood.edu . Review of applications will begin April 13, 2026.

If you need assistance with the on-line application process, please email humanresources@hood.edu or call (301) 696-3592.

Hood College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, religion, or age in recruitment, admission and access to, or treatment, or employment in its programs, services, benefits, or activities as required by applicable laws including Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and complies with the law regarding reasonable accommodation for disabled applicants and students. Inquiries about discrimination or reasonable accommodation should be referred to the Coordinator for Title IX, Alumnae Hall, 401 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, MD 21701 (AD 308), (301) 696-3123. For complete information on Hood College's nondiscrimination policy, please visit http://www.hood.edu/non-discrimination/.