Instructional Course Specialist

About the Department

The Department of Computer Science is an academic department with a rich history of advancing and defining new fields of discovery in the physical sciences and computer science. Our inquiry and impact spans from the edge of theory to human-computer interaction to Data Science. We are part of the Physical Sciences Division, which includes multiple departments and interdisciplinary research institutes and centers.

About the Role

This position provides classroom support for faculty in the Computer Science department for undergraduate and/or master’s classes. It is a renewable one-year appointment. The successful candidate will support various facets of assigned courses, reporting to the Director of Undergraduate Studies and Associate Director of Operations and Academic Affairs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee teaching assistants and graders, ensuring grading is accurate, consistent, fair, and completed on schedule.
• Provide training and clear guidance on grading standards, course policies, and instructional procedures.
• Conduct regular in-person meetings (at least once per week per course) with assigned TAs and graders—typically 2–4 TAs and 3–4 graders per course—to resolve grading questions, ensure consistency, and address issues in real time.
• Coordinate the instructional team and assume responsibilities as needed to maintain uninterrupted course operations.
• Set up lab equipment for each session as Lead TA, including safely handling and preparing equipment that cannot be easily assigned to another person.
• Manage course technology platforms, including GitHub, Gradescope, Canvas, Ed Discussion, and other instructional systems.
• Securely handle course materials, examinations, instructional resources, and laboratory equipment.
• Coordinate communication among faculty, staff, TAs, graders, and students regarding course activities and policies.
• Prepare instructional materials, including manuals, syllabi, and other course documentation.
• Lead discussion sections and laboratory sessions as needed, including providing last-minute instructional coverage for assigned courses.
• Attend lectures when necessary to support course instruction and coordination.
• Answer student questions through Ed Discussion and other course communication platforms.
• Grade homework, laboratory assignments, quizzes, and examinations.
• Assist faculty with the design and development of assignments, examinations, lecture demonstrations, and other instructional materials.
• Support students in developing experimental techniques and interpreting laboratory data.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Student Disability Services (SDS) accommodations and other special student circumstances.
• Coordinate classroom logistics for accommodated testing, including proctoring exams for students requiring extended time or reduced-distraction testing environments.
• Respond promptly to student needs and coordinate with faculty and university offices to ensure appropriate accommodations are implemented.
• Set up, test, operate, maintain, and safely handle laboratory and instructional equipment for laboratory sessions (e.g., 3D printers, robots).
• Apply technical expertise to support instructional laboratories and demonstrations.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is properly prepared and available for each instructional session.
• Maintain effective communication with faculty, staff, students, TAs, and graders to support successful course delivery.
• Prepare and test lecture demonstrations to ensure consistency with course content, working with faculty or staff to determine suitability.
• Instruct students, staff, and faculty in the operation of laboratory or classroom equipment, promoting safety in handling equipment and materials.
• Perform other related instructional, administrative, and operational duties as assigned.

Requirements

• College or university degree in a related field.
• 2–5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field at the time of appointment.
• Experience as a Teaching Assistant or Grader in undergraduate or graduate classes in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of one or more of the following areas of Computer Science: Introductory programming in Python, Systems programming in C, Computer Systems (Networks, Operating Systems, Databases, etc.), Machine Learning, Theoretical Computer Science (Discrete Mathematics, Algorithms, etc.).
• Experience with EdTech tools, such as Ed Discussion, Gradescope, GitHub Classroom, Canvas, etc.
• Ability to respond on short notice and work in stressful situations.
• Ability to work independently in a self-directed manner as well as in a group environment.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Technical competence in using Linux.

Pay

Hourly pay range: $33.33 - $38.46.

Benefits

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.