Instructional Course Specialist

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Computer Science is an academic department that has a rich history of advancing and defining new fields of discovery in the physical sciences and computer science, and this tradition continues today. 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 departments and a number of interdisciplinary research institutes and centers. The job of the instructional course specialist is to provide classroom support for the faculty of the Computer Science department in undergraduate and/or masters classes. This is a renewable one-year appointment. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting various facets of the courses assigned, reporting to the Director of Undergraduate Studies and Associate Director of Operations and Academic Affairs.

Requirements

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

Bachelors 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.
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.

Responsibilities

Oversees 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.
As Lead TA, this role will be required to set up lab equipment for each session. They will need to learn how to safely handle the equipment and set up, which 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. Equipment depends on the course (3D printer, robots, etc.)
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.
Perform other related instructional, administrative, and operational duties as assigned.
Prepares and tests lecture demonstrations to ensure consistency with course content.
Works with faculty or staff to determine the suitability of demonstrations for specific lectures.
Instructs students, staff, and faculty in the operation of laboratory or classroom equipment.
Promotes safety in handling equipment and/or materials.
Performs other related work as needed.