GRAD STU INSTR, ENV 310

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How to Apply

This is a posting for one Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) at 30% FTE . Please make sure you complete the application on UofM Careers (this website) by clicking the orange "Apply Now" button. You will need to have the following pieces of information combined into one document before you begin:

  • a cover letter addressing interest and qualifications for the position
  • a resume or curriculum vita
  • copy of the undergraduate and graduate transcript (unofficial is fine)
  • teaching history (list course and department)
  •  any available teaching evaluations

Name the .PDF file as follows: LastName.FirstName.CourseNumber. For example: Doe.John.Environ310

Verify your own course schedule against the schedule for the course to which you are applying as a GSI. All GSIs are required to attend the lecture and discussion times as posted. In Winter 2024, the ENVIRON 310 GSI posting had 26 applicants. 

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the study of toxicology, exploring relationships between environmental chemicals and adverse human health outcomes. More specifically, the course examines chemical and biological factors that determine and influence toxicity, and the role of chemical exposure in the development of specific diseases such as cancer, birth defects and reproductive disorders. 

Responsibilities*

  • Assist with setting up and maintaining Canvas site (current course information, schedule, lecture materials, case study materials, gradebook, etc.)  
  • Lead class discussions lectures on case studies as assigned (4)
  • Provide lectures for occasional classes (2)
  • Identify two new case studies for discussion with reading material (with guidance from instructor)
  • Lead review sessions (4)
  • Make arrangements for guest lecturers
  • Assist in the preparation of exams and quizzes, including drafting questions
  • Prepare, administer during class, and manage quizzes using Canvas.  
  • Grade exams, quizzes and papers
  • Set up and maintain database for grades
  • Hold weekly office hours

Required Qualifications*

  • Academic preparation in physiology and college-level chemistry
  • Able to conduct searches of the scientific literature using PubMed
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Punctuality and efficiency completing course-related work
  • Reliability
  • Good interpersonal relations skills
  • Familiarity with computers and basic software
  • Applicant must be in good standing as a graduate student at the University of Michigan. If the language of instruction at a student's undergraduate institution was not English, they must be evaluated by the English Language Institute (ELI) for English proficiency and either pass the GSI-OET or have this test waived by the ELI before they can be eligible for a GSI appointment in LS&A.

Desired Qualifications*

  • Academic preparation in toxicology and cell biology
  • Graduate training in toxicology
  • Prior GSI or other teaching experience
  • Familiarity with Canvas and Canvas quizzes
  • Successful completion of ENVIRON 310 course as student


Comment: The GSI is expected to gain skills for setting up and maintaining the Canvas course site and gradebook; attend all classes; arrive to the class sufficiently early to set up computer projection for PowerPoint; hold weekly office hours; conduct review sessions every 3-4 weeks or as needed; assist in the preparation of class materials, including PowerPoint slides and handouts; assist in the preparation of exam material; grade exams, term papers and class presentations; conduct class discussion sessions on topics and readings.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

If you have questions about how to apply for the position, please email SEAS Financial Aid at [email protected].

Contact Information

Instructor: Justin Colacino, [email protected]

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

Decision Making Process

Faculty will review applications and rank up to four candidates for each GSI position. In addition to selecting their top applicants, faculty can list those applicants whose qualifications are not sufficient to serve as a GSI in the course. The Faculty Director or his/her designate will review GSI assignments based on faculty and student preferences. Faculty preferences should be heavily weighted in the GSI selection process in order to satisfy course needs. Where there are similarly qualified candidates, the faculty member and the Faculty Director should be race and gender inclusive in the selection of the final candidates. Additionally, Ph.D. students should be prioritized for selection over master's level students. In the event, that the top-ranked candidate declines the position after accepting the position, an offer will be extended to the next ranked applicant.

Applications are NOT rolling. Faculty will not be provided with any applications until after the application deadline.

In the event that a student is ranked as the number one preference for multiple courses, they will likely receive multiple offer letters and have the opportunity to decide which offer they want to accept. However, the Faculty Director also can choose to work directly with the faculty to resolve any conflicting rankings.

We anticipate all offer letters to be sent by Friday, November 22nd, 2024. However, in the event that a position opens back up due to unforeseen circumstances after being filled, applicants information will be kept on file to be contacted with a potential offer letter.
 

Selection Process

Faculty will review applications and rank up to four candidates for each GSI position. In addition to selecting their top applicants, faculty can list those applicants whose qualifications are not sufficient to serve as a GSI in the course. The Faculty Director or his/her designate will review GSI assignments based on faculty and student preferences. Faculty preferences should be heavily weighted in the GSI selection process in order to satisfy course needs. Where there are similarly qualified candidates, the faculty member and the Faculty Director should be race and gender inclusive in the selection of the final candidates. Additionally, Ph.D. students should be prioritized for selection over master's level students. In the event, that the top-ranked candidate declines the position after accepting the position, an offer will be extended to the next ranked applicant.

Applications are NOT rolling. Faculty will not be provided with any applications until after the application deadline.

In the event that a student is ranked as the number one preference for multiple courses, they will likely receive multiple offer letters and have the opportunity to decide which offer they want to accept. However, the Faculty Director also can choose to work directly with the faculty to resolve any conflicting rankings.

We anticipate all offer letters to be sent by Friday, November 22nd, 2024. However, in the event that a position opens back up due to unforeseen circumstances after being filled, applicants information will be kept on file to be contacted with a potential offer letter.

GEO Contract Information

The University will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, familial status, parental status or pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression (whether actual or perceived), sexual orientation, age, height, weight, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, HIV antibody status, political belief, membership in any social or political organization, participation in a grievance or complaint whether formal or informal, medical conditions including those related to pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, arrest record, or any other factor where the item in question will not interfere with job performance and where the employee is otherwise qualified. The University of Michigan agrees to abide by the protections afforded employees with disabilities as outlined in the rules and regulations which implement Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.


Information for the Office for Institutional Equity may be found at https://oie.umich.edu/ and for the University Ombuds at https://ombuds.umich.edu/


Unsuccessful applications will be retained for consideration in the event that there are last minute openings for available positions. In the event that an employee does not receive their preferred assignment, they can request a written explanation or an in-person interview with the hiring agents(s) to be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time.


This position, as posted, is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between the Regents of the University of Michigan and the Graduate Employees' Organization, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO 3550.


Standard Practice Guide 601.38, Required Disclosure of Felony Charges and/or Felony Convictions applies to all Graduate Student Assistants (GSAs). SPG 601.38 may be accessed online at https://spg.umich.edu/policy/601.38 , and its relation to your employment can be found in MOU 10 of your employment contract.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.