Mathematical Sciences TA and Grader positions
There are two kinds of course assistant positions in the Department of Mathematical Sciences:
- Teaching Assistant (TA) positions involve teaching recitations, holding office hours, grading, communicating regularly with the course instructor, and assisting with miscellaneous tasks (such as photocopying course materials and proctoring exams).
- Grader positions are essentially "TA positions without recitations". They primarily involve grading homework assignments, quizzes and exams, but depending on the course, Graders may be asked to take on additional responsibilities, such as holding office hours and helping with exam proctoring.
The expected time commitment for all TA and Grader positions during a regular (Fall or Spring) semester is 8–12 hours per week, on average, up to 15 hours in any single week.
Compensation for Fall 2025 positions is $16.00 or $17.00 per hour, depending on experience.
More information about TA and Grader positions can be found in the TA and Grader Handbook.
Application requirements and eligibility:
- Employment eligibility. All applicants must be eligible for part-time, on-campus employment for the duration of the semester of the position they are applying for. International students in F–1 status are generally eligible to apply.
- Time at CMU (undergraduate applicants only). Undergraduate applicants must have completed at least two full semesters of study before the beginning of their TA or Grader position—for example, an undergraduate student who started their degree in Fall 2025 would not be eligible for Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 position, but would be eligible for a Fall 2026 position.
- Language requirement. All applicants who are non-native English speakers must meet CMU's language certification requirements—see here for more information.
- Faculty reference. All applicants must provide the name of one faculty member (preferably one in the CMU Department of Mathematical Sciences) who can serve as a reference. The faculty reference does not need to write a letter of recommendation, but they could be contacted if more information is needed to assess the applicant's suitability for a position.
- Transcripts (graduate and transfer student applicants only). All graduate students who completed their undergraduate degree at a different institution, and all transfer students, must upload a copy of their transcript(s) from their prior institution(s).
- Academic integrity and community standards violations. All applicants who have been found responsible for an academic integrity violation or community standards violation must disclose it on their application. While it certainly does not help, such a violation does not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration for a position.
Factors taken into account when determining who will receive an offer include demonstrated academic success (particularly in mathematics courses), prior teaching or grading experience, comments from the faculty reference, preferences indicated on the application form, and (for TA positions with recitations) schedule availability. There are generally far more applicants than positions, so not all qualified applicants will receive an offer.
Please contact Clive Newstead (cnewstead@cmu.edu) if you have any further questions.
Fall 2025 TA and Grader positions
Applications for Fall 2025 TA and Grader positions have now closed, and all positions are either filled or have offers pending. Offers for any last-minute vacancies that open will be made to candidates who have already applied.
Applications for Spring 2026 positions will open in early November; a link to the application form will be posted here at that time.