Info about all positions
The student hourly classroom support positions provide instruction in general chemistry courses. All applicants are included in a pool from which laboratory and discussion positions are selected. Interested undergraduate students who will be Juniors or above (with a limited number of sophomores, see Sophomore Eligibility for Lab positions below) and who will have successfully completed Chemistry 232 and 233 (or equivalent) by the end of Spring 2026 are encouraged to apply.
This process is for UNDERGRADUATES and students who have graduated but not enrolled in a graduate program. (For example: taking a gap year.)
Graduate students (students enrolled in any UIUC graduate program) must follow the Graduate Assistantships process.
Classroom Discussion Positions
Non-merit program Classroom Assistants may be assigned to discussion sections for CHEM 101-204. There is a breakdown of duties at the bottom of this page.
Merit Positions
Merit program assistants may be assigned to general and organic chemistry discussion courses for CHEM 101-436. There is a breakdown of duties at the bottom of this page.
Laboratory Positions
Laboratory Assistants may be assigned to chemistry lab courses in CHEM 103-205, and organic chemistry, CHEM 233 lab. There is a breakdown of duties at the bottom of this page.
Sophomore Eligibility for Laboratory Positions
There are a small number of positions for students with sophomore standing who have completed CHEM 102/103/104/105 or CHEM 202/203/204/205 by the end of the Spring 2026 semester. These individuals are only eligible for positions with CHEM 103.
Application Instructions
Information you will need:
- A list of chemistry courses completed including semester and final grade, GPA
- Information regarding your prior work history
- A saved .pdf of your academic history retrieved from University of Illinois Self Service.
- A saved and completed Chemistry Teaching Schedule Card. To facilitate faculty decisions, all schedules must be submitted using the above schedule form. Do not use any other schedule format. No other format is accepted.
- The names and email addresses of two references who will be asked to submit short reference forms on your behalf. One reference should preferably be from a faculty member who can comment on your academic ability and teaching potential. The second reference could be from an employer (current or past), volunteer supervisor, high school teacher, or another campus-based instructor. References should not be from family members or friends who did not supervise you in a professional or academic setting. All letters of reference forms for fall are due July 20, spring are due November 30.
- Your answers to the questions below (250 word maximum per question):
a. Why you are interested in this position and why would you make a good choice as a teaching assistant?
b. (Answer only if applying to teach a discussion section.) What do you feel is the role of a discussion section?
c. (Answer only if applying to teach a lab class.) What do you feel is the role of a lab?
To Apply
Application for Chemistry Student Hourly Positions
Info About Letters of Reference
The application form should automatically send a letter of reference (LoR) request to those referrers you list. However, you are responsible for making sure your referrers submit their letters of reference. We only need two. More LoR will not be included in your file. If, for some reason, a LoR request is not received, please direct a referrer to: Chem Student Hourly LoR Form. LoR may also be sent directly to the genchem-office@illinois.edu address. The form is not required, but it is helpful to have consistent LoR.
Schedule Form
We assume the schedule provided will be correct and up to date.
- If you change your course schedule, you must submit a new schedule card form to genchem-office@illinois.edu.
- Incorrect or missing information may preclude hiring.
Deadline for Applications
July 17: For Fall Semester Positions
November 10: For Spring Semester Positions (Spring opportunities are limited)
Applications will be accepted late but will reduce the likelihood of being selected. It is still better to apply late than not at all.
The General Chemistry teaching staff evaluate all applications. Offers will be sent to the email address that you provide on the application form. All chemistry graduate students must be placed in teaching positions before we can make other offers. Please be patient and check the target dates below for offers.
Hiring Timeline & Expected Notification Dates
The dates below provide a general overview of the Fall hiring cycle. Actual timelines may vary depending on enrollment, instructional staffing needs, and graduate teaching assistant assignments.
March: Applications Open
Applications for Fall Teaching Student Hourly positions typically open in March. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials as early as possible.
March - July 17: Application Period
Applications are accepted throughout the spring and summer. For best consideration, submit all required materials, including your schedule card and references, by the stated application deadlines.
Mid June - July: Interview Period
Selected applicants may be invited to interview for discussion or laboratory positions. Interview invitations are typically sent beginning in mid-June and may continue through July as staffing needs are evaluated.
Late June: Merit Program Decisions
Students selected for Merit Program discussion positions are typically notified in late June.
Late July: Discussion and Classroom Assistant Offers
Students selected for non-Merit discussion positions generally begin receiving offers in late July. Because graduate teaching assistant assignments must be finalized first, offer timing may vary.
End of First Week of August: Laboratory Assistant Notifications
Applicants selected for laboratory positions can generally expect assignment notifications by the end of the first week of August.
Mid August: Course Assignments and Final Scheduling
Students who accept employment offers will receive course assignments, scheduling information, and details about any required meetings or training.
August 20-22: Required Training
Students selected for classroom discussion positions should expect to attend required on-campus training sessions before the semester begins.
What Happens After I Apply?
- Submit your application and supporting materials.
- Monitor your email for requests for additional information or interview invitations.
- Complete an interview if requested.
- Receive a hiring decision and employment offer.
- Complete required employment paperwork.
- Receive your course assignment and training information before the semester begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I hear about an interview?
Most interview invitations are sent between mid-June and July.
When will I know if I was hired?
Hiring decisions are typically communicated between late June and early August, depending on the position.
When will I receive my assignment?
Most successful applicants receive assignment and scheduling information during August, before the start of the semester.
Can I still apply after the application deadline?
Late applications may still be considered, but priority is given to candidates who apply by the posted deadlines. The earlier you apply, the better.
Why might hiring decisions take longer than expected?
Staffing decisions depend on course enrollment, instructional needs, and the placement of graduate teaching assistants. As a result, some hiring decisions cannot be finalized until mid to late July or early August.
All dates are approximate and may vary from year to year based on departmental staffing needs.
After You Submit Your Application
Classroom Positions, Fall
- Students selected to teach discussion sections for the Merit program will be notified in late June.
- Hiring for non-Merit teaching positions includes a half hour interview, either in-person or via Zoom.
- Students selected to teach all other discussion and lab sections will be notified in late July.
- All students selected should expect to attend on-campus training on August 20-22 from 1 pm - 4 pm.
Classroom Positions, Spring
- It is unlikely that we will hire new TAs in the spring. We have far fewer sections to fill, and most current TAs would like to continue.
- Veteran TAs are not required to re-submit an application. Information will be sent via e-mail about re-hiring options.
- Lab positions – Preference for positions is given to veteran assistants. However, there are often a small number of new hires for the Spring semester.
Lab Positions
- Interviews begin in July.
- Priority consideration is given to completed applications submitted by 6/15; however, applications will be accepted until 7/10.
- Notification of assignment is provided by the end of the first week of August.
- Mandatory pre-semester meeting before the semester begins. Information provided during interview process and at time of notification of assignment.
Breakdown of Duties
Regular and Merit Program
Student hourly average of 10 hrs per week
- Teaching hours (2-3 sections): 3 or 4 hours
- Chemistry Learning Center shift/office hours: 2 hours
- TA meeting: 1 hour
- Prep, attending lecture, grading, proctoring: 3-4 hours
Laboratory Program
CHEM 103 and 105
Lab Student Hourly: averages 12-14.5 hours per week (there are slight fluctuations in the hours week-to-week depending on time required for training assignments and preparation to teach)
- Teaching hours (3 sections): 6 hours
- Office hours: 2 hours (evening hours are possible)
- TA meeting: 1 hour (evening meetings are possible)
- Lab training: 1.5-2 hours (usually occur after 4pm on Friday)
- Training assignments: 1-2 hours
- Emails to students: 1 hour
- Preparation to teach
CHEM 203 and 205
Lab Student Hourly: averages 12.5-14.5 hours per week (there are slight fluctuations in the hours week-to-week depending on grading and preparation to teach; fewer training hours for experienced student hourlies)
- Teaching Hours (1 section): 4 hours
- Office Hours: 2 hours
- Grading: 3-4 hours
- Weekly Meeting: 30 min – 1 hour
- Training: 3-4 hours
Chem 233
Lab Student Hourly: averages 11.5-14.5 hours per week (fewer training hours for experienced student hourlies)
- Teaching Hours (1 section): 4 hours
- Office Hours: 1-2 hours
- Grading: 3-4 hours
- Weekly Meeting: 30 min
- Training: 3-4 hours
These estimates are for undergraduate Classroom Assistants. Graduate Teaching Assistants have a different number of hours.
Questions/Contact Info
Classroom Assistants
If you have questions about general procedures or TA pool hiring, contact Bhagya Gunasekera at mmg@illinois.edu, 3030 Chemistry Annex.
Laboratory Assistants
If you have questions about lab teaching positions specifically, contact Serenity Desmond at sdesmond@illinois.edu, 3015 Chemistry Annex.
Merit Program Assistants
If you have questions about Merit program hiring, contact Elise McCarren at emccarr2@illinois.edu, (217) 300-5899, 2026 Chemistry Annex.