Teaching Fellows and Peer Study Leaders play essential roles in teaching and mentoring the next generation of chemistry students at Harvard. Across all courses, instructors consistently hear from students that TFs and PSLs play a key part in helping them learn and feel supported on their chemistry journeys.
The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology is currently accepting applications for undergraduate Section TFs, Lab TFs, and Peer Study Leaders in the following Fall 2024 courses:
- Life and Physical Sciences A (Foundational Chemistry and Biology)
- Chemistry 10 (Quantum, Statistical, and Computational Foundations of Chemistry)
- Chemistry 17 (Principles of Organic Chemistry)
- Chemistry 30 (Organic Chemistry)
- Chemistry 160 (The Quantum World)
All Fall 2024 positions have been filled, and the application is now closed. The application for Spring 2025 positions will open in October 2024. Please reach out to Wyatt Hurt, Curriculum and Pedagogy Manager, with any questions: wyatt_hurt@g.harvard.edu
Position Descriptions:
All Undergraduate Teaching Fellows (TFs) and Peer Study Leaders (PSLs) are responsible for:
- Hosting office hours/help rooms.
- Attending lectures and helping facilitate student discussions.
- Attending weekly teaching staff meetings.
Peer Study Leaders
PSLs work an average of 10 hours per week and are paid $21/hour (rate subject to increase).
While previous tutoring or teaching experience is helpful, it is not a requirement to become a PSL.
In addition to the responsibilities described above, PSLs in LPSA and Chem 17 provide individualized academic coaching and tutoring to students, helping them strengthen their academic skills and content knowledge.
Section TFs
Section TFs work an average of 10-12 hours per week and are paid $23/hour (rate subject to increase).
In general, the selection committee prefers Section TFs to have previous teaching experience, including having previously served as a PSL or ARC Tutor.
In addition to the responsibilities described above, Section TFs teach a weekly discussion section, proctor exams (in some courses), and grade problem sets and exams (in some courses).
Lab TFs
Lab TFs work an average of 10-12 hours per week and are paid $23/hour (rate subject to increase).
In general, the selection committee prefers Lab TFs to have previous teaching experience, including having previously served as a PSL or ARC Tutor. It is also helpful to have strong lab skills and a thorough understanding of proper laboratory safety.
In addition to the responsibilities described above, Section TFs teach a lab section during select weeks, grade lab reports, and proctor and/or grade exams (in some courses).
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be current Harvard College students who are in good standing. In general, the selection committee prefers applicants to have earned a grade of at least A- in the course(s) they are applying for. However, that is not a firm requirement, so long as the applicant demonstrates a strong understanding of the course material.
Do I need to interview as part of the application process?
No. Completing the Chemistry TF/PSL Common Application is the only requirement to apply.
When will I hear back about my application?
We expect to begin making conditional offers in late March. All applicants will hear back about the status of their application by mid-April. At that time, some candidates will be offered a position on the waitlist.
Please note that all offers are conditional, pending Resident Dean approval, final course enrollment, and schedule availability.
Will I receive offers for multiple positions?
No. Applicants will only be selected for one position with one chemistry course, based on the applicant’s ranked preferences and staffing needs. All offers are conditional; depending on course enrollment, you might be asked to change positions (for example, a PSL might be asked to serve as a TF instead).
Can I hold other jobs on campus while working as a TF or PSL?
The Student Employment Office mandates that undergraduates may not work more than 20 hours per week on campus. If you are selected for a PSL or TF position, we will ask you to make a plan to balance your other on-campus employment (e.g. working as a research assistant, library checker, cafe worker, ARC tutor) with your teaching responsibilities.
Please note that CCB policy says students can only hold one teaching position per semester; if you will be employed by a course in a different department, you are not eligible to be a TF or PSL in a CCB course. This policy is in place to maximize the number of students who can access teaching opportunities, and to avoid students being over-committed by teaching responsibilities across multiple courses.
Will I need to do any work before the Fall 2024 semester begins?
If you are offered a position, you will be asked to complete onboarding paperwork in April.
During August, you will also be asked to complete a short, asynchronous online training module. You will be paid for the time you spend completing this module.
Are TFs and PSLs eligible to join the Harvard Graduate Student Union?
Yes. Click here to learn more about the HGSU-UAW.
All Fall 2024 positions have been filled, and the application is now closed. The application for Spring 2025 positions will open in October 2024. Please reach out to Wyatt Hurt, Curriculum and Pedagogy Manager, with any questions: wyatt_hurt@g.harvard.edu
Harvard is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.