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Graduate Assistant Instructor Jobs in California

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Graduate Assistant Instructor information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Assistant Instructor, and why are they important?

To excel as a Graduate Assistant Instructor, you generally need a solid academic background in your field, enrollment in a graduate program, and strong subject matter expertise. Familiarity with learning management systems (such as Canvas or Blackboard), grading software, and presentation tools is typically required. Excellent communication, organization, and time management skills help you effectively teach, support students, and balance academic responsibilities. These competencies are vital to foster a productive learning environment and ensure both student and personal academic success.

What are Graduate Assistant Instructors?

Graduate Assistant Instructors (GAIs) are graduate students employed by a university to assist with teaching responsibilities. Their duties may include leading discussion sections, grading assignments, holding office hours, and sometimes teaching undergraduate courses independently. GAIs gain valuable teaching experience while pursuing their own graduate studies. The position often provides a stipend and may include tuition benefits, making it a popular option for graduate students seeking academic careers.

What is the difference between Graduate Assistant Instructor vs Teaching Assistant?

AspectGraduate Assistant InstructorTeaching Assistant
Required CredentialsGraduate degree or enrollment in a graduate programUndergraduate or graduate student status
Work EnvironmentAcademic settings, often with teaching responsibilitiesAssist in classroom activities, labs, or grading
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, academic institutionsUniversities, colleges, academic institutions

Both roles involve supporting teaching activities within higher education. A Graduate Assistant Instructor typically holds or is pursuing a graduate degree and may have more responsibilities, including leading classes. A Teaching Assistant is usually a student assisting with instructional tasks. While both roles are common in academic settings, the Graduate Assistant Instructor often has a higher level of responsibility and requires graduate-level credentials.

What are some common challenges Graduate Assistant Instructors face when balancing teaching duties with their own coursework or research?

Graduate Assistant Instructors often juggle multiple responsibilities such as leading classes, grading assignments, and preparing instructional materials, all while keeping up with their own graduate coursework or research. Time management and prioritization are key challenges, as it's essential to meet both teaching and academic deadlines. Clear communication with supervising faculty and effective planning can help maintain a healthy balance and reduce stress. Many universities also offer resources, such as teaching workshops and academic support services, to help graduate assistants manage these demands successfully.
What job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant Instructor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant Instructor jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Assistant Instructor jobs? Cities in California with the most Graduate Assistant Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant Instructor job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, and 57% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
2026-27 Graduate Assistant 12 month - Biological Sciences

2026-27 Graduate Assistant 12 month - Biological Sciences

California State University

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$6.0K/mo

Other

Posted 8 days ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

226th of 553 rated colleges and universities


Job description

2026-27 Graduate Assistant 12 month - Biological Sciences

Apply now Job no: 559393
Work type: Graduate Assistant
Location: Los Angeles
Categories: Unit 11 - UAW - California Alliance of Academic Student Workers, Temporary, Part Time

College: College of Natural and Social Sciences

Position Title: 2026-27 Graduate Assistant - Biological Sciences

Department of Biological Sciences

Graduate Assistant -12 month

Position Detail:

The Department of Biological Sciences seeks graduate students as applicants for Graduate Assistant. This position provides an opportunity to gain valuable experience in instructional support, and academic program operations while pursuing graduate studies at Cal State LA. Graduate Assistants work closely with faculty and staff to support instructional and departmental activities.

Anticipated Appointment Dates: This position is opened until filled. If you have applied and no other positions are available, you will be notified.

  • Fall 2026: August 21, 2026 - December 23, 2026
  • Spring 2027: January 21, 2027- May 29, 2027

Hours/Units per week: Students can work up to 20-hours per week during the semester

Job Duties: May include the following but will be dependent upon the specific area to which the Graduate Assistant will be assigned, as well as upon the specific needs of the faculty supervisor.

Under the general supervision of the faculty member, the Graduate Assistant will

  • Provide professional non-teaching assistance to faculty member
  • Assisting faculty with preparation of course materials
  • Providing grading support, including timely turnaround of assignments and exams, as requested by the instructor
  • Proctoring exams and assisting with in-class activities
  • Providing timely and professional feedback to students on assignments
  • Attendance check
  • Auditing lectures when requested by the instructor for an effective instructional support
  • Tutoring students

Minimum Qualifications:

Degree-seeking graduate student in the Department of Biological Sciences. Graduate Assistant must be currently enrolled in or admitted to a Cal State LA graduate degree program. The successful applicant will work effectively, respectfully, and collaboratively in a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings.

  • Admissions to the Master Program in the Department of Biological Sciences, in good academic standing
  • Enrollment in course(s) for the semester towards the degree
  • Ability to relate well with others within the academic environment and have the ability or potential to learn how to instruct and evaluate students
  • Demonstrate commitment to working effectively with faculty, staff and students from diverse ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds

Salary:

Initial Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The salary schedule information for a Graduate Assistant- monthly: 12-month Classification is available based on the following ranges: (per salary schedule 7/1/2024)

Salary Range: $ 3,408 - $6,072

The anticipated monthly hiring range is generally at or near the minimum of the appropriate range, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Most new Graduate Assistant are hired at the minimum rate. Time base and hours will depend upon need.

The University:

California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) is one of 22 campuses within the California State University system. The University is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is ranked number one in the U.S. for the upward mobility of its students, and is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good. We offer nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, ethnic studies, and the humanities. Ourfaculty have a strong commitment to scholarship, research, creative pursuits, community engagement, and service.

Our 240,000 alumni reflect the City and County's dynamic mix of populations. The University has one of the most diverse student populations of any college or university in the nation. As a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, and Asian-American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, Cal State LA recognizes the transformative power of education and embraces its duty to identify and serve the needs of all of its students. The University is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can live, work and learn in an atmosphere of civility and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual.

Application Procedure: The review of application will begin in Spring 2026 for a Fall 2026 start date.

Availability of positions are contingent upon departmental need. Early submissions are encouraged.

Required Documentation:

Please submit the following with the employment application at the Apply link listed below:

  • Cover Letter
  • Updated curriculum vitae (should include work history).
  • Current unofficial transcripts from your undergraduate and graduate education. If you have attended more than one institution, please copy and combine these transcripts into one document.
  • Proof of enrollment in program of graduate study in this department [note: if interdisciplinary, use "in a program of graduate study related to this assignment].
  • Proof of GET enrollment summary (Class Schedule - PDF).
  • Provide two references, including name, company, and contact number. One reference must include a current supervisor. These references will be contacted prior to hiring.

Employment is contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States. 

Finalist: may be asked for an interview

Application:

Deadline: For full consideration, the application and all requirements materials must be submitted by  July 31, 2026, consideration will continued on rolling basis until all positions are filled.

To apply: please click the Apply Now icon or visit or https://careers.calstatela.edu.   

Please address all questions to the department chair Dr. Hyunsook Park at: hpark8@exchange.calstatela.edu

Note: The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Beginning January 1, 2022, campuses may not hire or reappoint an Employee to perform CSU-related work outside of California. Requests for exceptions are very limited based on CSU Policy and must have prior written approval from the University President.

Background Check: A background check (including a criminal records check) must be satisfactorily completed. Offers of employment are conditional and may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last seven years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment:

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, California State University, Los Angeles provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. California State University, Los Angeles complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. California State University, Los Angeles is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At California State University, Los Angeles, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/TITLE IX EMPLOYER

Upon request, reasonable accommodation will be provided to individuals with protected disabilities to (a) complete the employment process and (b) perform essential job functions when this does not cause undue hardship.

 

Advertised: Jul 06 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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About California State University

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

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