Temporary Virtual Summer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Job Type:

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Summary:

The Teaching Assistant for Marine Biology, a 1-credit summer course in the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) pre-college program, will support high school students in exploring the diversity, ecology, and conservation of marine life and ocean ecosystems. The course introduces foundational concepts in marine science through lectures, discussions, and collaborative projects designed for academically motivated pre-college learners. The Teaching Assistant will help facilitate classroom activities, guide learning, support any laboratory or field-based exercises, and foster an inclusive and energetic learning environment. Topics may include ocean habitats, marine biodiversity, climate change impacts, marine conservation, animal behavior, coral reef ecosystems, and human interactions with the ocean.

Course objectives include helping students: (1) understand key principles of marine biology and ocean ecology; (2) analyze environmental challenges affecting marine systems; (3) develop scientific observation, communication, and teamwork skills; and (4) connect marine science concepts to real-world conservation and sustainability issues. The Teaching Assistant will also mentor students, encouraging curiosity, participation, and confidence in STEM learning and college-level academic experiences. The teaching assistant will work closely with Chelsea Koch, her research mentor and previous instructor in this course.

Essential Functions:

1.) Deliver 12.5 hours of instructional time that could include recorded lectures, discussion boards and online office hours. Design a syllabus that meets the learning objectives and description of the course.

• Course content may cover Chapters 1 - 10, 14 and 18 and associated materials in Marine Biology by Peter Castro and Michael E. Huber (approximately 2 chapters per week).

• Make innovative use of lecture and online activities to introduce students to the diversity of marine life and the impact humans have on the ocean.

2.) Populate and manage the Canvas page associated with the course, including posting announcements, content, resources and providing feedback on assignments. Post final grades on time according to programmatic standards.

• Connect applied content using McGraw Hill Connect including virtual labs and quizzes.

3.) Being available to students throughout the 6-week course for questions, advice and mentoring related to the course and AU.

• Hold office hours for student's to actively engage with the instructor and ask questions about the course content.

• Respond to student emails within a reasonable timeframe (e.g. 48 hours).

4.) Create 3 reading response quizzes that align to the programmatic standards. Grade these in a timely manner with appropriate feedback given.

• Assign readings from the textbook or news articles relevant to current topics in Marine Biology or connections between marine life and global change.

Competencies:

• Developing Plans.

• Acting Strategically.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Part-Time.

• 20 hours per week.

• Temporary position.

• Position start and end dates are 6/29/2026 - 8/7/2026.

Salary Range:

• $19.50 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

• Less than 1 year of relevant experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master's degree or equivalent.

• 1 - 3 years of relevant experience.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Must have content knowledge of introductory marine biology concepts.

• Must have teaching experience.

Other Duties:

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

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Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

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Contact Us

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American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.