Teaching & Research Assistants

Graduate teaching assistants (GAs) and graduate research assistants (GRAs) are an important part of the chemistry program. Graduate students in these roles offer extra one-on-one support to undergraduate students while building valuable experience for their future careers. Several of our graduate assistants have earned GW’s university-wide Philip J. Amsterdam Graduate Teaching Award in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the educational process.

 

 

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GW Chemistry Graduate Teaching Assistant

Prospective Graduate Assistants

The Chemistry Department offers these positions on an invite-only basis depending upon availability.

Note that under GW policy, students cannot combine simultaneous positions as a graduate research assistant, graduate research fellow or graduate fellow.


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Duties

Expectations may vary by professor, but most teaching assistants are responsible for these basic duties:

  • Work about 20 hours per week, including office hours, grading and class preparation
  • Follow and enforce safety rules
  • Receive evaluations from students and supervising faculty
  • Supervise students closely and move around laboratory classes to answer questions; maintain a calm, orderly learning atmosphere
  • Attend a weekly GA meeting
  • Grade students' laboratory assignments

 


Required Reading

All graduate students are responsible for the content of our recommended safety manuals:

 


Pay

Typical research and teaching assistantship packages are a minimum of $26,680 for nine months. Students normally receive departmental support for the summer through an assistantship or fellowship at a level comparable to the academic year rate, which brings the support for the full calendar year to a minimum of $35,573. Note that all tuition expenses are included in our assistantship packages for doctoral students. 

 


Reappointments

Current fellows or GAs must be reappointed each year. Reappointment is not automatic and depends upon a satisfactory teaching and academic record. PhD students may repeat courses for up to four years (or three years if the student came into the program with at least 18 transfer credits). GAs may elect to pursue a salary-only GA position (without tuition benefit) after their GA term ends.