Jobs in the Swarthmore Biology Department

Academic Year Positions

Biology 001 or 002 Catalyst

• Hours per week: 7-10 hours per week average during Fall/Spring semesters 
• Qualifications: Selection criteria include compassion, comprehension and communication skills. Completion of BIO 01 and/or BIO 02 or AP credit required. Previous or concurrent enrollment in at least one intermediate-level biology course preferred.
• Position Description: Catalysts conduct evening study group meetings, also called Reaction Centers (RC's) that focus on collaborative problem solving using lecture-based material. They attend lectures and assist during active-learning exercises, and attend weekly content meetings led by faculty and weekly pedagogical meetings led by Professor Ben Geller. These are part-time, hourly paid positions. 
• Application: The Bio 1 or 2 catalyst and lab teaching assistant application (depending on semester) can be found here. Interested students are directed to apply the semester preceding employment at posted times. Applications may also be obtained from the Biology Department not during the posted hiring times by contacting the Administrative Coordinator.

Laboratory Teaching Assistant (Lab TA)

• Hours per week: 5-8 hours per week average during Fall/Spring semesters 
• Qualifications: Selection criteria include prior experience in the course, laboratory expertise and communication skills. 
• Position Description: Laboratory Teaching Assistant (Lab TA) positions are available for Biology 001 and 002 and certain intermediate-level courses (Genetics, Marine Biology, and Animal Physiology, for example). Each semester, approximately 5 students are selected by faculty and instructional staff members to assist in Biology 001 and Biology 002. Each Lab TA attends one preparatory meeting per week and assists in one laboratory section per week. Biology 001 and 002 Lab TA's also conduct evening laboratory help sessions, also called GRASSS,  on Sunday evenings during the semester. Responsibilities for intermediate-level courses vary and will be described by individual faculty. These are part time, hourly paid positions. 
• Application: The Bio 1 or 2 catalyst and lab teaching assistant application (depending on semester) can be found here.  Interested students are directed to apply the semester preceding employment at posted times. Applications may also be obtained from the Biology Department not during the posted hiring times by contacting the Administrative Coordinator.

Biology department support positions

Frequently, there are positions available to help support the department in our greenhouse, media room, shop, intermediate and upper level courses, and other aspects of the department operations. Contact the Administrative Coordinator to learn more.