Teaching Assistant in Physics / Natural Sciences: AY 26-27, Includes Summer 2026

The School of Natural Sciences anticipates hiring teaching assistants for Academic Year 2026-2027, including Summer Session 2026.

The Teaching Assistant (TA) will be responsible for conducting assigned laboratory and/or discussion sections. Additional responsibilities include attending lecture, lab and TA meetings; proctoring all exams related to the course, grading homework, scheduling at least two fixed office hours per week and other instructional related duties in support of the supervising instructor.

The University of California Teaching Assistants are represented by the UAW-AFL-CIO

Bachelor of Science degree is required. Must be a registered UC Merced graduate student in full-time residence. Maintenance of a qualifying grade-point average is also required. Must meet all requirements outlined in the Graduate Policies and Procedures Handbook

Interested applicants are required to submit a copy of undergraduate transcripts (unofficial).

Recruitment will remain open until filled.

Bachelor of Science degree in the subject area or a related field; Must be a registered UC Merced graduate student in full-time residence.

For incoming graduate students:
* Enrollment in at least 12 units throughout the first semester.
* A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in the most recently earned degree.

For continuing graduate students:
* Satisfactory academic progress toward the degree objective.
* Enrollment in at least 12 units throughout the current semester.
* Completion of 8 units or more of upper division or graduate level credit courses during each of the two most recent semesters of enrollment.
* No more than two incomplete (I) grades still on record.
* A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in those courses where a letter grade (A through F) was received.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application: Required Authorization of Information Release Form.

Candidates must possess valid authorization to work in the United States. UC Merced is not currently able to sponsor individuals residing outside the United States who would require a new H-1B visa for employment. Applicants who do not hold valid U.S. work authorization are presently ineligible for this position.

Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (Center of Institutional Effectiveness), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.