Academics

Interested in applying to work as a TA for the BYU Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry? Read below to learn about the application, application tips, and available positions.

Contact the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department secretary for questions and concerns at chem1sec@chem.byu.edu or visited in person in C100 BNSN.

Interested in being a TA?

Winter TA Applications open each year September 15 and close October 31.

Spring/Summer TA Applications open each year in February and close March 15. There are two separate applications to fill out: one for Spring Term and a second for Summer Term. If you would like to work both terms, you will need to fill out both applications.

Fall Applications open each year in May and close July 31.

Spring/Summer TA Applications will open on February 1, 2025

The Application Deadline will be March 15, 2025, 11:59pm.

Application link will be available for Spring/Summer Terms in February.

TA Application & Position Logistics

1. Visit the BYU Employment website for crucial details about payment, taxation, requirements and privileges related to BYU student employment.
2. Verify the accuracy of the email address you provided in your TA application, for all status updates on your application will be sent to that provided address.
3. Indicate the number of the course for which you are applying to in the appropriate field. Mark every course and position that you are qualified for and would like to accept.
4. Notify Dr. Eric Sevy (esevy@chem.byu.edu) or the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department secretary (chem1sec@chem.byu.edu) ASAP if you desire to withdraw your TA application. 
5. If you desire to TA for a certain class, time, or instructor, indicate your desire in the appropriate field of the application.
6. Edit your application at once if your availability changes. You may edit your application by reopening the application survey through the survey's original link.
7. Submit a new application for each semester/term in which you wish to TA. Your holding of the TA position is only secure for the semester in which you applied.
8. If you desire to TA for a certain a class, time, or instructor, arrange your personal class schedule so that your schedule does not conflict with your desired section. You will not be considered for your desired section if your class schedule conflicts with that section's time.
9. If you desire to be a class Recitation Leader (RL), indicate your flexibility on Tuesdays and Thursdays (TTh), for flexibility TTh is preferred for RL positions.
10. Understand that 20 hours is the maximum number of hours a TA may work per week. This limit is in accordance with BYU student employment regulations.

TA Position Descriptions

Chem 105 Recitation Leader 

• This position typically requires 20 hours/week.
• Responsibilities include: teaching two recitation sections twice a week, attending large class lectures, and carrying out other assignments (such as holding office hours, grading, conducting help sessions, attending training sessions, helping with class demos, etc.) at the direction of the professor.

Chem 106, 351, or 352 Recitation Leader

• This position typically requires 15 hours/week.
• Responsibilities include: teaching two recitation sections once a week, attending large class lectures, and carrying out other assignments (such as holding office hours, grading, conducting help sessions, attending training sessions, helping with class demos, etc.) at the direction of the professor.

Gen Chem/O-Chem Lab Coordinator

• This position typically requires 10-20 hours/week.
• Responsibilities include: coordinating TAs to fill lab hours and carrying out other assignments (such as holding office hours, grading, conducting help sessions, attending training sessions, helping with class demos, etc.) at the direction of the professor.

Grader

• This position typically requires 5-10 flexible hours/week.
• Responsibilities include: working with the professor and class TAs to grade assignments and input grades to BYU Learning Suite.

Laboratory Teaching Assistant

• This position's hours are established at the discretion of the professor.
• Responsibilities include: supervising students in the laboratory and carrying out other assignments (such as grading and attending training sessions, etc.) at the direction of the professor.

Lecture Class Teaching Assistant

• This position's hours are established at the discretion of the professor.
• Responsibilities include: attending class and carrying out other assignments (such as holding office hours, conducting help sessions, attending training sessions, helping with class demos, etc.) at the direction of the professor.