Graduate Student Instructor - Astronomy Courses (25% or 50% appointment) (Fall 2026)

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached and uploaded as the first page of your CV/resume.

The cover letter should:

• Address your specific interest in the position.
• Provide a brief statement of interest.
• Discuss relevant teaching experience and knowledge of introductory astronomy.
• Clearly list all Astronomy courses for which you wish to be considered for this semester, including any specific course preferences. Only one application is required - by submitting a single  GSI application and listing multiple positions in your cover letter, you will be considered for all those positions.

If you have held a GSI position at U-M, please also provide the course title, number, term, and faculty instructor for each course taught as part of your cover letter, and attach a copy of your U-M transcript.

Responsibilities*

Appointments will be either 25% or 50%, depending on the course assignment and departmental needs.
Depending on the specific course assignment, GSI responsibilities typically include:

• Attending course lectures (schedules vary by course).
• Leading discussion, laboratory, or observational sections.
• Grading exams, homework sets, and lab reports.
• Holding regular weekly office hours (typically 3 hours per week), including designated in-person hours in the Astronomy Help Room.

Required Qualifications*

1. Currently enrolled as a graduate student at the University of Michigan for the Fall 2026 term.
2. Completed courses or have demonstrable experience in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related physics discipline.
3. To be appointed as a GSI or GSSA, a graduate student must be in good standing in their degree program and, for Terms I and II, must be registered for not less than six (6) credit hours. With written approval of the student's faculty advisor, five (5) credit hours may be acceptable.

Desired Qualifications*

• LSA student enrolled in a graduate program.
• Previous experience teaching courses in astronomy, astrophysics, or physics.
• Previous experience as a GSI with favorable student evaluations.

Course Description

This single posting covers GSI appointments for the following courses for the Fall 2026 term. 
Applicants will be considered for all courses listed in their preference statement:

• ASTRO 101: Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System and the Search for a new Earth
• ASTRO 102: Introductory Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe
• ASTRO 104: Alien Skies: A Tour Through the Universe
• ASTRO 105: The Cosmos Through the Ages
• ASTRO 106: Aliens
• ASTRO 107: The Dark Side of the Universe
• ASTRO 115: Introductory Astrobiology: The Search for Life in the Universe
• ASTRO 127: Naked Eye Astronomy
• ASTRO 201: Introduction to Astrophysics
• ASTRO 361: Astronomical Techniques

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.

Contact Information

Please contact Prof. Emily Rauscher ([email protected]) for questions about the position.

Decision Making Process

The decision-making procedures shall include the role of applicant preferences for course placement, procedures, and criteria for late appointments. The Graduate Program Chair will make the final hiring decisions.

• Application reviews will begin July 24, 2026.
• Appointing units will make reasonable efforts to extend offers to successful applicants within six (6) weeks after the application due date.
• Offers will typically be extended at least twenty-one (21) calendar days prior to the start of employment.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed, and decisions are made based on each applicant's knowledge, experience, and past teaching record. Preferential consideration will be given to applicants with previous experience teaching courses in astronomy, astrophysics, or physics, and those with a proven record of favorable student evaluations.

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 Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.