Teaching Fellows and Course Assistants (formerly known as Peer Study Leaders) play essential roles in teaching and mentoring the next generation of chemistry students at Harvard. Across all courses, instructors consistently hear from students that TFs and CAs play a key part in helping them learn and feel supported on their chemistry journeys.
The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology is currently accepting applications for undergraduate Teaching Fellows and Course Assistants in the following Spring 2025 courses:
- Physical Sciences 11: Foundations and Frontiers of Modern Chemistry
- Chemistry 20: Organic Chemistry
- Chemistry 27: Organic Chemistry of Life
- Chemistry 40: Inorganic Chemistry
Thank you for your interest in being a Chemistry TF or CA. All Spring 2025 positions have been filled, and the application is now closed. The application for Fall 2025 positions will open in March 2025. Please contact wyatt_hurt@g.harvard.edu with any questions.
Position Descriptions:
All Undergraduate Teaching Fellows (TFs) and Course Assistants (CAs) are responsible for:
- Hosting office hours/help rooms.
- Attending lectures and helping facilitate student discussions.
- Attending weekly teaching staff meetings.
Course Assistants
CAs work an average of 10-12 hours per week and are paid $21/hour.
While previous tutoring or teaching experience is helpful, it is not a requirement to become a CA.
In addition to the responsibilities described above, CAs in PS11 and Chem 27 coach students individually and in small groups, helping them strengthen their academic skills and content knowledge.
Section TFs
Section TFs work an average of 10-13 hours per week and are paid $23/hour.
In general, the selection committee prefers Section TFs to have previous college-level teaching experience, including having previously served as a CA, PSL, or ARC Tutor.
In addition to the responsibilities described above, Section TFs teach a weekly discussion section, proctor exams (in some courses), and grade problem sets and exams (in some courses).
Lab TFs
CAs work an average of 10-13 hours per week and are paid $23/hour.
In general, the selection committee prefers Section TFs to have previous college-level teaching experience, including having previously served as a CA, PSL, or ARC Tutor. It is also helpful to have strong lab skills and a thorough understanding of proper laboratory safety.
In addition to the responsibilities described above, Lab TFs teach a lab section during select weeks, grade lab reports, and proctor and/or grade exams (in some courses).
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be current Harvard College students who are in good standing. In general, the selection committee prefers applicants to have earned a grade of at least A- in the course(s) they are applying for. However, that is not a firm requirement, so long as the applicant demonstrates a strong understanding of the course material.
Do I need to interview as part of the application process?
No. Completing the Chemistry TF/CA Common Application is the only requirement to apply. As part of the application, you will be asked to submit a short teaching demonstration video.
When will I hear back about my application?
We expect to begin making conditional offers in late October. All applicants will hear back about the status of their application by mid-November. At that time, some candidates will be offered a position on the waitlist.
Please note that all offers are conditional, pending Resident Dean approval, final course enrollment, and schedule availability.
Will I receive offers for multiple positions?
No. Applicants will only be selected for one position with one chemistry course, based on the applicant’s ranked preferences and staffing needs. All offers are conditional; depending on course enrollment, you might be asked to change positions (for example, a TF might be asked to be a CA instead).
Can I hold other jobs on campus while working as a TF or CA?
The Student Employment Office mandates that undergraduates may not work more than 20 hours per week on campus. If you are selected for a CA or TF position, we will ask you to make a plan to balance your other on-campus employment (e.g. working as a research assistant, library checker, cafe worker, ARC tutor) with your teaching responsibilities.
Per Harvard College guidance, you may not work as a TF or Course Assistant for another course at Harvard during the Fall 2024 semester. Note that you may concurrently serve as an ARC Tutor.
Will I need to do any work before the Spring 2025 semester begins?
If you are offered a position, you will be asked to complete onboarding paperwork in November.
During January, you will also be asked to complete onboarding work and trainings, which can be completed remotely. You will be paid for the time you spend completing this work.
Are TFs and CAs eligible to join the Harvard Graduate Student Union?
Yes. Click here to learn more about the HGSU-UAW.
Thank you for your interest in being a Chemistry TF or CA. All Spring 2025 positions have been filled, and the application is now closed. The application for Fall 2025 positions will open in March 2025. Please contact wyatt_hurt@g.harvard.edu with any questions.
Harvard is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.