Teaching and Employment Opportunities

Teaching Opportunities

You can become actively involved in department teaching programs by working as a recitation or laboratory teaching assistant (TA) or as a workshop leader. These positions offer you opportunities to put your knowledge to work to help others learn, develop new communication and leadership skills, test out your interest in teaching and earn some extra money. You will also be able to develop new relationships with faculty, the department, and the College.

Workshop Leader

The Department of Chemistry is the leader in College's workshop program. There are opportunities to lead workshops in general chemistry, organic chemistry, and in some advanced courses.

Most workshop leaders also earn credit in CAS 352: Issues in Group Leadership, and CAS 355: Group Leadership Seminar. Workshop leader positions are available in both semesters and in the summer. Applications are available in the department office.

Workshop leader positions are by invitation, but you should not hesitate to make your interests known to faculty teaching workshop courses.

Teaching Assistantships

Applications for TA jobs can be submitted the semester before the course you want to TA is scheduled. Fill out and submit the online application (pdf). If something changes, you can update and resubmit your application. If you are selected, you will be contacted via email. Chemistry courses are also taught in the summer, so a few TAs are needed during this time.

Employment Opportunities

There are a number of employment opportunities for undergraduates within the department. These positions are not only modestly financially rewarding but are also educational and provide good work experience.

Positions are available year-round for those with an inclination to work and the initiative to ask. Both clerical and technical positions are available.

The most common type of employment offered by the department is the job of teaching assistant. Undergraduates serve as TA’s both in recitations and laboratories.

Students seeking employment within the University of Rochester are also encouraged to utilize the Student Employment program and FAJobLink which is accessible through Blackboard. Through FAJobLink, students can create a profile, search for jobs, save searches, and apply for positions. For more information go to the University's student employment opportunities site.