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Graduate Assistant Instructor Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Assistant Instructor information

What is a graduate assistant instructor?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate assistant instructor?

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 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 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.

Is being a graduate assistant instructor worth it?

Being a graduate assistant instructor provides valuable teaching experience, professional development, and often includes a stipend or tuition waiver. However, it typically involves a significant time commitment and workload, which can impact academic progress and personal time. Its worth depends on individual career goals and the ability to balance responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Assistant Instructor jobs in Minnesota?

For Graduate Assistant Instructor jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Graduate Assistant Instructor jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Graduate Assistant Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant Instructor job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Instructor/Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering and Technology - IFO (AA27048)

Minnstate

Mankato, MN โ€ข On-site

$50K - $86K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).

Working Title:

Instructor/Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering and Technology - IFO (AA27048)

Institution:

Minnesota State University, Mankato

Classification Title:

State University Faculty

Bargaining Unit / Union:

209: Inter Faculty Organization

City:

Mankato

FLSA:

Job Exempt

Full Time / Part Time:

Full time

Employment Condition:

Unclassified - Limited Academic (Fixed Term)

Salary Range:

$50,065.00 - $86,316.00

Salary Type: Depends on qualifications

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin on May 6, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Position: Nine Month Fixed Term Appointment*

Job Description

The department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Technology at Minnesota State University, Mankato invites applications for a 1-year fixed term, Instructor beginning August 17, 2026. This position requires teaching and advising to support the undergraduate and graduate programs in Electrical, Computer and Robotics engineering. This position requires active engagement in scholarship, advising of master's thesis, continuing preparation, services to the University, community and discipline.

  • A typical faculty workload responsibility may include up to twenty four (24) credits of instruction per academic year.

  • The successful candidate may need to teach in other areas as assigned and qualified.

  • May be expected to develop and deliver face-to-face, hybrid, and on-line instruction at the Mankato campus, online, and/or at the university's additional locations, as assigned.

  • The successful candidate will collaborate with colleagues in curriculum design, instruction and evaluation, conduct research productively and mentor students in research, help create innovative strategies for student recruitment, retention, and completion, and may be expected to develop external grant funding opportunities.

  • All faculty members are expected to engage in scholarly or creative activity or research, in continuing preparation and study, in contributing to student growth and development, and in providing service to the university and community (See Article 22 and Appendix G of the IFOMaster Agreement).

  • This position will advise undergraduate majors in Electrical, Computer and Robotics Engineering.

  • This position will supervise/advise graduate students.

  • The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching undergraduate courses in Electrical, Computer and Robotics Engineering.

  • The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching graduate courses in Electrical, Computer and Robotics Engineering.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from a wide range of diverse backgrounds and to foster a professional environment that is inclusive, respectful, and equitable for all.

  • Doctorate or terminal degree in Electrical, Computer or Robotics Engineering, completed by 6/31/2026.

  • Capable of teaching courses in the area of machine learning, digital system design with Hardware Description Language, microcontroller interfacing and programming, operating systems, robot vision, robot manipulation, etc.

  • Demonstrated research trajectory (evidenced by journal and conference paper publications).

Preferred Qualification

  • Demonstrated experience fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful environment while working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

  • Some college-level teaching experience. Documented teaching success at the college level is preferred.

  • Demonstrated ability to teach using technology in the classroom and/or online course delivery

  • Experience in laboratory teaching and development.

  • Demonstrated ability to initiate and sustain an active research agenda.

  • Records of successful contributions to student growth and development.

Other Requirements

Work safely at all times, which includes but is not limited to, participating and completing all required safety trainings, as well as performing all job tasks in accordance with Minnesota State University, Mankato policies and procedures utilizing appropriate tools, equipment and personal protective equipment.

The Minnesota State University, Mankato Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available for your review. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University. The policy statements address the school's policies, procedures and programs concerning safety and security. Three years' worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on-campus, or in other University affiliated locations. This report is available online at: http://mankato.mnsu.edu/safety/.You may also request a paper copy from University Security at 507-389-2111, or by emailing security@mnsu.edu.

Additional Information

Additional information on Minnesota State University, Mankato can be found at: www.mnsu.edu

*The salary range denoted above is the contractual range; however, salary upon hire is dependent upon qualifications and experience.

University Demographics

Minnesota State University, Mankato is a member of the Minnesota State system. Minnesota State has established a strategic vision, Equity 2030, which aims to close the educational equity gaps across race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, ability, and geographic location by the end of the decade at every Minnesota State college and university and to provide an opportunity for all Minnesotans to create a better future for themselves, for their families, and for their communities. The focus of the work includes:
Enhancing access and student success.
Providing Minnesota with the talent it needs.
Anchoring the communities and regions we serve.
Equity 2030 seeks to bridge efforts occurring within divisions and institutions, creating an intentional statewide culture of equity-minded collaboration and resulting in equitable practice embedded throughout our institutions. The full Equity 2030 plan is linked here: https://www.minnstate.edu/Equity2030/index.html.


Destination 2030, the University's strategic plan announced by President Edward Inch in August 2023, commits the University to making transformative strides in four main areas: being a lifelong provider of access to an equitable and affordable education; being a leader in transformational learning generating inspired action; being a nimble and innovative steward of resources; and being a community of care built upon diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We seek to attract teacher-scholars who will be culturally and academically diverse faculty members, and staff with a demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment. Minnesota State University, Mankato, is student-centered and focuses on applied research that expands knowledge; improves learning; and serves the region, state, and nation.

Founded as a Normal School in 1868, Minnesota State University, Mankato is now the second largest university in Minnesota with a tradition of combining big-ideas with real-world thinking to find solutions for pressing problems in the state, region, and global society. Mankato, Minnesota, is a community of nearly 44,500 people, about 85 miles southwest of the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The University acknowledges the land and the tribal nations upon this land whose work is being accomplished. We acknowledge that we are on Dakota land. We also take the opportunity to recognize that we live, work, and learn in the homeland of the Dakota people, whose language frames our name-Minnesota State University, Mankato.


Serving approximately 17,900 students annually, the University is an applied research institution, with more than 200 academic programs, from bachelor's through doctoral degrees. The University is a diverse and global campus with 18% students of color and1,175 + international students from 95 countries, cutting-edge information technology solutions and extensive partnerships, with 1,600 faculty and staff, including 700 teaching faculty. The University has additional locations and a growing number of on-line programs to accelerate educational access and opportunity. These locations include partnerships in northern Minnesota's the iron range region. Fast facts about the university can be found here: https://mankato.mnsu.edu/about-the-university/fast-facts/.

Application Procedures:

A complete online application will include the following attachments. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the search committee.

  • Cover Letter

  • Non-Photo Resume/Curriculum Vitae

  • Contact Information for three (3) references

  • Unofficial Transcript(s) of your highest completed degree

  • A brief (no more than one-page) response to the following: Provide a specific example from your professional or academic experience that demonstrates your ability to work effectively with individuals from a wide range of diverse backgrounds. In your response, describe the actions you took to foster an environment that was inclusive, respectful, and equitable for all. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from the experience?

  • A one (1) page statement of your teaching philosophy.

  • A brief statement of your research/scholarly interests.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Han-way Huang

Minnesota State University, Mankato

Mankato, MN 56001

Phone: 507-389-1121

TTY: 800-627-3529 or 711

Email: han-way.huang@mnsu.edu

*Employment for this position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement for the Inter Faculty Organization which can be found at:https://admin.mnsu.edu/human-resources/our-benefits/bargaining-units-and-personnel-plans/.

NOTICE: In accordance with the Minnesota State Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to MN State's vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check.

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we have a GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! Our generous benefits include 11 paid Holidays, Vacation Time, Sick Time, six weeks of Paid Parental Leave, low cost medical and dental insurance with low deductibles ($250 - $1500), a Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement plans and other retirement investment options, pre-tax medical and dental expense (with roll-over option) and dependent care accounts, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, as well as professional development and a tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents, etc. We promote the health and well-being of our employees and take work/life balance seriously.

Desired Start Date:

08-17-2026

Position End Date:

09-01-2026

Open Date:

04-15-2026

Close Date:

08-31-2026

Posting Contact Name:

Lacie R Mitchell-Garza

Posting Contact Email:

lacie.mitchell-garza@mnsu.edu