***INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY***
The Department of Economics is looking to appoint a number of Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) for the academic year 2020-21 to assist with the teaching of a variety of modules for our students which may include:-
• EC100 Economics for Business• EC111 Introduction to Economics • EC114 Introduction to Quantitative Economics• EC115 Methods of Economic Analysis • EC116 Applied Economics• EC201 Macroeconomics (intermediate)• EC202 Microeconomics (intermediate)• EC251 Mathematical Methods in Economics• EC252 Introduction to Econometric Methods• EC352 Econometric Methods• EC501 Econometric Methods • EC511 Mathematical Economics• EC831 Economics Project (Undergraduate)
Information regarding the content of each of these modules is available from the online Module Directory: www.essex.ac.uk/modules.
The posts will be offered as fixed-term employment contracts until the post holder completes or withdraws from postgraduate studies or enters further completion or an extension to completion period.
Purpose of the roleThe Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTAs) post will contribute to the Department's teaching programme by providing teaching and tuition to help students meet their learning outcomes.
GTAs support academic staff at the University by performing teaching or teaching related duties in line with business need and affordability. This post also provides a development opportunity for postgraduate students to develop their teaching skills in preparation for more senior teaching posts in future and to achieve professional recognition.
Graduate Teaching Assistants will receive close supervision and direction from the Module Supervisor, including regular feedback, pastoral support and guidance. The Module Supervisor will give full background on the module and clear direction on the content to be taught and the preparation necessary, and will undertake assessment of teaching. If marking is to be undertaken, it should be in line with the University’s Marking Policy and under the guidance of the Module Supervisor.
Main Duties
• Preparing and teaching classes/labs to principally undergraduate students, providing them with a thorough knowledge of the subject and enabling them to meet the learning outcomes• Holding office hours related to the module(s) taught and undertaking student liaison (e.g. responding to emails)• Marking coursework assignments and providing feedback to students to support their learning• Maintaining contact with the module supervisor • Attending training courses and workshops • Attending briefing meetings as part of the induction process• Any other duties as may from time to time be assigned by the Head of Department or their nominee.
Essential RequirementsApplicants must be registered for a postgraduate research degree at the University of Essex during the academic year 2020-2021. GTAs who have previously taught within the Department should hold CADENZA accreditation in order to be considered.
Background knowledge and skills required:
• An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area• Studying for a PhD in a relevant area but not in further completion• Good knowledge of the subject area being taught• Willingness to undertake training to the requirements of the post• The ability to communicate teaching material clearly to a wide range of students• Effective organisation skills to manage time and prioritise different duties• The ability to present work in a well-structured and coherent manner.• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
Contractual ArrangementsThe total number of hours per week is determined by the number of classes undertaken by each Graduate Teaching Assistant.
Support, Mentoring and MonitoringAll Graduate Teaching Assistants are required to follow the training programme offered by the University and Department. This includes:
• A University two day induction event at the end of September 2020• Economics Network GTA Training day at the beginning of October 2020• Essential H&S training with Departmental H&S Officer at the end of September
Throughout the year, all GTAs will have a mentor (normally the Module Supervisor) with whom they should discuss difficulties as and when they arise. During the first term of your contract your teaching will be observed by the Module Supervisor or the GTA Co-ordinator, and you will have an opportunity to discuss the observation afterwards. A copy of this will be kept on the GTAs file, along with any comments from the observer.
New GTAs are also required to seek CADENZA accreditation. Please visit https://www.essex.ac.uk/staff/professional-development-and-training/cadenza for further information.
General Information about the DepartmentYou can find more information about the department at the following link: http://www.essex.ac.uk/economics
How to ApplyApplications should be made in writing, enclosing:
• A covering letter explaining how you meet the requirements of the post, and a brief statement of your academic interests - you may state any modules that you would prefer to teach. However please note that it is not always possible to place students with their preferred choice.• An up-to date curriculum vitae.• A short statement from your Supervisor confirming that, if successful, this employment would not interfere with the requirement that postgraduate research students are expected to submit within four years, and an indication of the maximum recommended hours per week. All offers of GTA work are subject to the approval of the PhD Supervisor.
The application and associated documentation should be submitted electronically to the Deputy Departmental Manager, Christina Turner (c.turner@essex.ac.uk) by Sunday 16th February 2020.
Interviews will be held as soon as possible after the closing date.