Job Abstract

Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As one of the nation’s finest institutions of higher learning, Swarthmore College is global in outlook and draws students from around the nation and world. The 425-acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails in the Crum Woods.

Who We Are:

The department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Swarthmore College grants Chemistry majors, Biochemistry majors and special majors (eg, Chemical Physics, Chemical Education). We strive for excellence in the discipline coupled with inclusion, diversity, and retention of students from diverse backgrounds. We have 8.5 tenure track lines, one lecturer, four lab instructors, an instrument specialist, and administrative coordinator. We graduate 12-20 majors each year. We work as a team and share a common teaching mission.

The opportunity:

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry seeks an Academic Support Coordinator (ASC) to work collaboratively with students, faculty, and peer assistants to aid students’ success in our introductory and intermediate courses (general chemistry, two semesters of organic chemistry, and biochemistry). The main focus of the ASC will be to work with struggling students and empower them to succeed in their STEM courses and pursue STEM majors. The ASC will bring continuity in support of these students, working with them during their first two years in the Chemistry and Biochemistry curriculum, while they develop study skills, gain knowledge in the discipline, and gain confidence in their knowledge. It is our hope that the familiarity with the ASC will also increase the probability of students reaching out for help early in the semester, dramatically increasing their chances for success. The main responsibilities of the ASC will include attending lectures, assisting faculty with in-class activities, mentoring struggling students in one-on-one and small group settings, supporting students with disabilities, and hiring and managing peer assistants among other tasks. The presence of the ASC will make our introductory curriculum more accessible to students with a wide variety of preparation, allowing the department to achieve our goal of providing an inclusive chemistry and biochemistry curriculum. This is a full-time, limited term, 10-month position expected to work August through May with a 35 hour working week. This position is renewable on an annual basis, with a possibility of renewal based on departmental budget and satisfactory performance.

Essential Responsibilities

• Supports one introductory and one intermediate course each semester - General and Organic Chemistry II in the fall and Organic Chemistry I and Biochemistry in the spring.
• Attends core classes to monitor student performance and to keep informed about course content. Assists course instructors with in-class activities or material distribution as needed.
• Identifies struggling students as early as possible and maps out with faculty steps to support them.
• Reviews course materials and homework assignments for the introductory courses to keep informed about the course content.
• Mentors struggling students by directing them toward resources, helping them develop time management and study skills, and providing instruction of course content during office hours as needed. Works with students in small groups, drop-in sessions and one-on-one. Monitors their continuing progress and coordinates with class instructors to determine next steps.
• Recruits and hires student workers to serve as Alchemists (academic peer instructors), laboratory teaching assistants, and course graders every semester in consultation with instructors. Establishes work schedules for Alchemist sessions and reserves campus spaces as needed. Provides orientation and training for new student workers to discuss course syllabi, expectations, responsibilities, etc. Attends college-wide training workshops held for academic student workers. Meets weekly with and oversees student workers. Coordinates student worker substitutes when needed. Recruits individual tutors and communicates the list of tutors to the Dean’s Office.
• Meets weekly with course instructors.
• Coordinates accommodations: collects/signs off on accommodation letters, communicates with the Student Disabilities Office, and schedules/proctors extended time exams when needed.
• All activities must be performed on campus in person.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Approximately 35-50 part-time student workers per semester (Alchemists, graders, and TAs)

Who you are:

• Motivated to work with promising undergraduates
• Have a supportive and helpful demeanor
• Strong listening and observational skills
• Eager to apply fundamental STEM knowledge and skills in working with students in the introductory Chemistry courses

What you bring:

Required Qualifications

• B.A. or B.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Chemical Education
• Recent experience applying STEM-based skills professionally and/or academically

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Chemical Education
• Prior experience as a teacher, teaching assistant, or academic support staff member

Physical Demands:

• Required to regularly attend morning classes starting as early as 8:30 AM.
• Occasionally attend evening help sessions ending at 9 PM. Hours can be made flexible to accommodate this schedule in consultation with the Chemistry Department Chair.

What You Will Get:

You’ll work at one of the world's most renowned liberal arts Colleges, with incredible benefits, a stunning 420-acre campus, and a collaborative work environment. Join a team of passionate, creative people who work hard and have fun supporting the College students, faculty, and staff. We want to hear from you if you are excited about this role!

For full consideration, submit applications with pay expectations, including a resume and cover letter, by July 15, 2024, although applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

PA Criminal Required

Swarthmore College requires a PA Criminal background check for all staff positions prior to the start of employment.

Education Verification Required by Position

An education verification is required for this position because a college degree is a required qualification for this position.

Review the 2024 Benefits Flyer. We offer benefit plans starting at zero cost! Upon benefit eligibility, the College contributes 10% of an employee’s salary to their retirement account. Employees are 100% vested in their accounts on the date participation begins.

Swarthmore Benefits Guidebook

Retirement Plans

Tuition Grant Program

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Paid Time Off (Staff)

Holiday Schedule

Swarthmore College actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.