Teaching Assistantship in Astronomy

Description, Responsibilities, and Qualifications

The Department of Astronomy is seeking graduate students to serve as Teaching Assistants for ASTR 121: Solar System & Worlds Beyond or ASTR 122: Stars & Galaxies during the Fall 2026 semester. ASTR 121 is an introductory survey of the Solar System. It also includes the discovery of extrasolar planetary systems and comparison to our solar system. ASTR 122 is an introduction to celestial objects and phenomena beyond the Solar System, and their governing basic physical principles. Emphasis will be placed on problem-solving and scientific methods.

Responsibilities include:

• Assisting faculty with classroom instruction, records, and assignments
• Leading three (3) discussion sections per week
• Meeting with students during office hours
• Managing course communications in Canvas
• Grading assignments or papers
• Recording and calculating grades
• Proctoring examinations
• Being available to meet with the course instructor as needed
• Assisting at class observing sessions at the Campus Observatory
• Attending a TA orientation hosted by the Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning (CITL) at least once

Eligibility & Qualifications:

• Applicants must be UIUC graduate students registered and in good standing during the Fall 2026 semester
• Students must be in a graduate program that is not designated as cost-recovery or self-supporting
• Strong academic background in astronomy/astrophysics and/or related fields
• Previous teaching experience is preferred
• Teaching Assistants must be on campus and available to work on the first day of their appointment
• Illinois law requires that all instructors be orally proficient in English. Non-native English speakers must meet the minimum speaking score on an approved English proficiency exam or pass the Oral English Assessment Interview (OEAI). There are no exceptions to this requirement.