Teaching Assistantship Opportunities
間眅埶AV is an equity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.
Sustainable Energy Engineering (SEE) welcomes qualified graduate and undergraduate students to apply for Teaching Assistant (TA) positions for SEE courses. Students must apply/reapply and be selected for TA positions each term.
Fall 2024 TA Application
Opening Date: Monday, June 24, 2024 @ 10:00am
Closing Date: Monday, July 8, 2024 @ 11:59pm
Course List
Course | Position | Instructor | Location | Appointment Duration | Est BU Per Appointment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
SEE 100 | TA | Mehran Ahmadi | Surrey | Sep 4 - Dec 27, 2024 | 2.5 - 5 |
SEE 101W | TA | Vivian Neal |
Surrey | Sep 4 - Dec 27, 2024 | 2.5 - 5 |
SEE 110 | TA | Taco Niet | Surrey | Sep 4 - Dec 27, 2024 | 2.5 - 5 |
SEE 325 | TA | Vahid Hosseini |
Surrey | Sep 4 - Dec 27, 2024 | 2.5 - 4.5 |
SEE 333 | TA | Amir Shabani |
Surrey | Sep 4 - Dec 27, 2024 | 2 - 4 |
SEE 402 | TA | Vivian Neal |
Surrey | Sep 4 - Dec 27, 2024 | 2.5 - 4.5 |
SEE 410W | TA | Manpreet Kaur Mina Xu |
Surrey | Sep 4 - Dec 27, 2024 | 2.5 - 4.5 |
SEE 464 | TA | Mehran Ahmadi |
Surrey | Sep 4 - Dec 27, 2024 | 2 - 4.5 |
SEE 476 | TA | Mahda Jahromi |
Surrey | Sep 4 - Dec 27, 2024 | 2.5 - 4.5 |
SEE 477 | TA | Vahid Hosseini |
Surrey | Sep 4 - Dec 27, 2024 | 2.5 - 4 |
*All TA applicants will be required to upload a completed copy of the "Self-Assessment Qualification Sheet" with their applications.*
All SEE courses are scheduled for in-person delivery. TAs are expected to be available for in-person activities for the duration of their appointments.
The salary for each base unit is $1,219. Masters students receive an additional scholarship amount of $181 per base unit and Ph.D. students receive an additional scholarship of $411 per base unit. Estimated base unit assignments may vary depending on final enrollment numbers. Based on the 2022-2023 TSSU Wage Schedules (sfu.ca).
Job Description
- TAs must be available for tutorials, labs, office hours, invigilation and marking of midterms and finals, where applicable
- For courses with tutorials, prepare for each tutorial, facilitate and/or lead tutorials and perform all related duties required for effective conduct of the tutorial
- For course with labs, have experience reviewing and assessing laboratory reports for written quality and technical accuracy, be willing to proactively assist students and be able to provide constructive written or oral feedback on work submitted by students in the course. Most courses include marking and require the ability to provide constructive written feedback on work submitted by students
- TAs are expected to hold office hours for some courses which require the ability to assist students with understanding course material and assignment requirements
General Requirements:
- Applicants must have sufficient written and one-to-one oral communications skills in order to support students and instructors throughout the semester whether in-person or by email
- Applicants must have sufficient time management and organizational skills this is of particular concern for courses with tutorials or labs
- Applicants must have sufficient knowledge in the discipline of the course to interpret the course material and competency in oral and written English.
- Applicants must download the Self-Assessment Qualification Sheet. Starting Summer 2023, SEE TA applicants will be required to upload a completed copy of this form with their applications. Applicants should be sure to only select those qualifications that they have met and are demonstrated within their CV/applications. This will help course instructors to better assess their qualifications and the School to make better assignments.
Education Requirements:
- Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in engineering or an equivalent post-secondary degree from a recognized institution OR demonstrated industry experience specific to the course(s) applied for. Applicants must have sufficient knowledge in the discipline of the course to interpret the course material and pre-requisites in order to provide optimum TA support for students and course instructors.
- Applicants can be senior undergraduate students who have a better than average overall CGPA who can demonstrate competence through courses taken. Applicants must have sufficient knowledge in the discipline of the course to interpret the course material and pre-requisites in order to provide optimum TA support for students and course instructors.
SEE 100 Engineering Graphics and Software for Design
Mandatory qualifications:
- Successful completion of a minimum of one Engineering Graphics undergraduate-level course
- Demonstrated experience in using CAD software to create engineering drawings (SolidWorks is the preferred CAD software, as it is taught in SEE 100)
Preferred qualifications:
- Prior TA experience in similar courses
- Ability to plan and deliver a CAD software tutorial at an intermediate level within the term
- Good communication skills and eagerness to learn and transfer knowledge
SEE 101W - Process, Form and Convention in Professional Genres
Mandatory qualifications:
- Successful completion of a university level technical writing course in English that includes at least half of these topics: critical reading and writing, creating cohesive arguments including with the use of scholarly sources, readability (e.g. clarity, conciseness, memory load, transitions, parallel structure, appropriate tense, active/passive voice), audience orientation, style conventions (e.g. IEEE, APA), figures/tables. Note that TAs will need to attend select 101W lectures and study select readings for any topics for which they are not already trained or experienced.
- Demonstrated ability to write a 2000-word paper in English that is reader-oriented, clear, concise, and critical.
- Demonstrated experience in delivering at least 2 presentations in scholarly venues (e.g. university classroom, conference)
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience giving analytical, constructive, and encouraging feedback to students on long-form written text
- Experience using Canadian English writing conventions
- Trained in group facilitation skills and experience leading discussion groups
SEE 110 - Energy, Environment and Society
Mandatory qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience applying the concepts of energy systems design and sustainability to engineering problems
- Demonstrated ability to write a 2000-word paper in English that is reader-oriented, clear, concise, and critical
- Experience giving analytical, constructive, and encouraging feedback to students on long form written text
SEE 325 - Mechanical Design and Finite Element Analysis
Mandatory qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience using numerical methods such as CFD and FEM to solve engineering problems
- Proven experience and knowledge of ANSYS mechanical
Preferred qualifications:
- Previous TA experience in a lab-based finite element method course with any software package
SEE 333- Network and Communication Systems
Mandatory qualifications:
- Successful completion of an undergraduate course in Communication Systems or Computer Networking or equivalent experience
- Demonstrated experience applying different data communication concepts
- Demonstrated experience applying different networking topologies and protocols
Preferred qualifications:
- Knowledge of lab safety practices and safe work procedures
- Working experience with a networking simulator (Packet Tracer) and PLC (Allen Bradley) is an asset
- Experience working with students and troubleshooting their circuits and their codes
- Experience preparing learning materials, conducting tutorials and labs, and assessing student work
SEE 402 - Professional Engineering Ethics and Practice
Mandatory qualifications:
- Successful completion of a course in engineering profession, law and ethics, and the engineers responsibility to society in a Canadian setting or equivalent
- Demonstrated experience providing constructive feedback and evaluation of written projects and video assignments
Preferred qualifications:
- Good technical and non-technical communication skills
- Experience leading small group discussions
SEE 410W - Sustainable Energy Design Project I
Mandatory qualifications:
- Successfully completed engineering design course at the senior undergraduate or graduate level
- Demonstrated experience of completing engineering design projects
- Experience giving constructive feedback on technical reports and presentations
Preferred qualifications:
- Effective written communication skills
- Good interpersonal skills and experience in supporting teamwork
- Prior TA experience in capstone courses
SEE 464 - Energy Systems Modeling for Buildings
Mandatory qualifications:
- Successful completion of a minimum of one undergraduate-level course in built environment energy assessment (HVAC, Building Science, Building Energy Modelling)
- Demonstrated experience in using Energy Modelling software to create detailed building geometry, enclosure and mechanical system and assess energy usage (IESVE is the preferred software, as it is taught in SEE 464 other packages such as DesignBuilder, eQUEST, Energy+, etc., are accepted)
Preferred qualifications:
- Prior TA experience in similar courses
- Ability to plan and deliver an energy modelling software tutorial at an intermediate level within the term
- Good communication skills and eagerness to learn and transfer knowledge
SEE 476 - Renewable Energy Systems
Mandatory qualifications:
- Proven track record of utilizing the core principles of electrical or mechanical engineering within the context of renewable energy systems, in a business environment, a research facility, or equivalent settings.
- Successful completion of an undergraduate or graduate course in the field of renewable energy systems (e.g. wind-, tidal-, solar, hydro- and/or geothermal energy conversion) or equivalent demonstrated experience.
- Working experience with energy system design or assessment platforms, like HOMER, RETScreen, PVSyst or EnergyPLAN
Preferred qualifications:
- Students with a background in electrical or mechanical engineering are preferred
- Prior working experience with LabVolt and Energy lab equipment is an asset
- Flexibility with student assignments, lab manual design/editing and tutoring
SEE 477 - Special Topics in Sustainable Energy Engineering
Mandatory qualifications:
- Successful completion of an undergraduate or graduate course in combustion, emission, internal combustion engine, atmospheric pollution, air pollution or related field
Preferred qualifications:
- Hands-on experiences in combustion testing, engine testing, vehicle emission testing and similar experimentations
- Demonstrated experience programming in Python and data visualization skills
Appointment Priorities
Priority for appointment/reappointment as a TA is in accordance with Article XIII of the (TSSU).
Per section XIII F3. 1(a), priority must be given to applicants in the following order:
- Graduate students registered in SEE
- Graduate students registered in other departments
- Undergraduate or external students
In allocating TA positions, SEE will also take into account the following:
- Instructor requests
- Applicants preferences
- Amount of financial support offered on admission to the graduate program
- Suitability for particular courses (e.g. discipline of prior degree(s), publications, experience)
- Employment evaluations
- Number of base units already received to ensure sufficient teaching-related experience in applicants field
If an assignment within a priority group requires a selection between applicants, the graduate student without financial support from merit based scholarships or merit based fellowships during the semester of appointment with a value equal to at least a 5.17 appointment, will have priority for the appointment. For specific information please refer to the .
Application Requirements
- Applicants must review and understand TA requirements for all courses
- Non-SEE graduate student applicants must submit a current CV and unofficial transcript (not co-op transcript) at the time of application
- Applicants will be asked to indicate their course preferences at time of application
- Applicants must declare in their TA Application Form if they will be away for more than one week in the TA appointment term. This will NOT be used to deny their application or alter their priority.
- SEE graduate students must use their 間眅埶AV computing ID and password to login to the application system
Please ensure that you review the course calendar entry and course outline and course schedule for details about each course. All TAs must be available in-person for the duration of the semester and/or appointment dates. This includes in-person attendance at specified labs, tutorials, mid-term(s), final exam, marking sessions, etc. for the semester.
Application Process
ALL steps must be completed to be considered.
Step 1. Confirm Availability
- View the course schedule and select your course(s) of interest
- Compare your personal academic (classes and exam)/work schedule with the undergraduate course(s) you are interested in:
- Ensure there are no time conflicts for tutorials, labs and exam invigilation
- Remember the location of courses is in Surrey Campus and keep commute time in mind
- Please note that you must be both qualified and available for the course(s) you apply for
- It is your responsibility to maintain your availability until the deadline
Step 2. Complete the Application
The TA application is delivered through a web form. Non-SEE graduate student applicants should have their resumes and unofficial transcripts (not co-op transcript) ready in PDF format to upload.
If you have any questions, please contact SEE TA Assignment Manager, by email to see_ta_support@sfu.ca.
TA Appointment
SEE selects and appoints TAs based on criteria and principles in compliance with .
Successful candidates will be notified by email with an offer indicating Base Unit assignments and a specific deadline for acceptance or rejection. Please read in its entirety before accepting the TA offer.
The termof a TA appointment shall normally be seventeen (17) weeks from the beginning of a semester and in accordance with the University's payroll schedule. Payroll schedules can be found on the . Your salary information can be accessed through 間眅埶AV MyInfo.
If you are NOT in the 間眅埶AV payroll system, there are important documents that you have to submit. SEE is UNABLE to process your appointment until these required documents are received within the time period specified.
Canadian candidates must submit:
- Personal Data Form
- A void cheque OR a direct deposit form (you can request from your bank)
International candidates must submit:
- Personal Data Form
- A void cheque OR a direct deposit form (you can request from your bank)
- Study/Work Permit (valid for entire term you are applying for)
- SIN Document (must be valid for entire term youre applying for)
Please note that if your appointment is conditional, changes may occur from your acceptance of the TA offer until the 4th week of classes. If you receive a revised offer, please respond within the time period specified.
TA Appointment Reviews and Evaluations
Important milestones to note about your TA appointment:
- First week of Class - Time Use Guidelines (TUG): Completed by the Course Supervisor in consultation with TAs to establish the required duties and responsibilities for the appointment. Course supervisors should also review evaluation criteria with TAs.
- Before the end of Week 5 of the semester - TA Workload Review: To be conducted by the course supervisor in consultation with TAs to ensure workload hours remaining is sufficient for the completion of the course. TA Workload Reviews are mandatory for all TAs.
- Throughout the semester The Course Supervisor should be in constant communication and reviewing TAs work progress.
- End of the semester - TA evaluations: There will be two types of evaluations of TA performance. Both will be added to a TAs employment file once the TA has had an opportunity to review and discuss the evaluation with their supervisor and provide comments no later than the end of the first week of classes of the following semester.
a) Evaluation by students of the course. Sample student evaluation.
b) Evaluation by the course supervisor. Sample Evaluation form. Course supervisors must review evaluation criteria with their TAs at the beginning of the semester, i.e. upon commencement of TA duties (ref. TSSU Collective Agreement - Art. XVIII A.).
Resources for TAs
The following links will help you get your medical coverage and other benefits, as well as help you learn how to become a better TA.
- Human Resources:
- Graduate Student Society:
- Medical Insurance information for Graduate Student TAs (explains how the benefit plans can work with each other)
- TLC: TA/TM Day / see
- Graduate Studies: Professional Development Opportunities
- Protection of 間眅埶AV Data on Mobile Devices: What you must do if you plan to store your student's information on a mobile device
Policies
Equity
The University is committed to the principle of equity in employment. (See Policy GP 19.)
Privacy
The information submitted with your application is collected under the authority of the University Act (R.S.B.C. 1996, c.468, s. 27(4)(a)), applicable federal and provincial employment regulations and requirements, the University's non-academic employment policies and applicable collective agreements.
The information is related directly to and needed by the University to initiate the employment application process. The information will be used to contact references supplied by you, evaluate your qualifications and complete the employment process by making a hiring decision. Applicant information may also be disclosed to the Teaching Support Staff Union in accordance with Article XIII F.3.1.b of the Collective Agreement.
If you have any questions about the collection, use and disclosure of this information, please contact the Associate VP, Human Resources, 間眅埶AV, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6. Telephone 778-782-3237.