SUMaC Instructional Assistant

Position Overview

SUMaC Instructional  Assistants (Online IA’s) support the Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) and ensure an academically enriching experience for participants. Given the academic rigor of SUMaC and the Online IA’s responsibility in fostering an intellectual community, Online IA’s must be either mathematics undergraduate or graduate students and have subject-area knowledge in either Program I or Program II topics to be eligible for the role.

Below is a list of topics candidates should be familiar with:

Program I: Abstract Algebra and Number Theory Program II: Algebraic Topology
  • A standard course in abstract algebra or modern algebra is considered a minimum requirement; however, a candidate who has taken an undergraduate course in number theory with topics in algebra covered in other courses may qualify.
  • Groups: product groups, subgroups, quotient groups, homomorphisms, isomorphisms
  • Rings
  • Fields including finite fields and field extensions
  • Vector spaces
  • Galois Theory (not fully required)
  • Modular arithmetic
  • Introductory Number Theory
  • Cryptography
  • Groups: product groups, subgroups, quotient groups, homomorphisms, isomorphisms, free groups, free products
  • Point-set topology
  • Topology of surfaces, including quotient topology/ ID spaces
  • Euler characteristic of a surface, and classification of compact surfaces
  • Fundamental group and some familiarity of higher homotopy groups
  • Seifert - Van Kampen theorem
  • Homology groups, in particular, simplicial homology
  • Mayer-Vietoris sequence

Position Responsibilities

  • Independently lead group problem-solving sessions, host office hours and small group conferences with students to give them oral and written feedback on their problem-set solutions.
    • The schedule of these activities will be approved by the Instructor for the assigned course
    • Provide written and oral feedback to the course instructor about participant academic progress
  • Regular Check-ins via Slack and email with the primary supervisor.
  • Administrative support
    • Upload materials and announcements to Canvas as needed
    • Monitor SUMaC staff Slack channel
    • Participate in SUMaC participant Chat channel, respond to student inquiries regarding problem-sets; ensure Code of Conduct is upheld
  • Collaborate with Student Life team to coordinate and host  student social engagement events on technology platforms:
    • Provide behavior management support by ensuring the expectations of the student Code of Conduct is upheld.
    • Moderate student chat: This includes, but is not limited to, disabling Zoom features if used inappropriately (e.g. chat tool, annotation tool).
    • Virtually attend and participate in participant orientation and commencement for the assigned session

To be successful in this position, you will bring:

  • College-level coursework, preferably as a math major.
  • Creative and positive attitude, including an enthusiasm for working with high school students.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish priorities and handle time-sensitive tasks. Flexibility in schedule to offer problem set times that work with the majority of student timezones.
  • Passion for teaching others and willingness to break down complex math topics in a variety of ways to support different learning styles.
  • Ability to act responsibly, build teams, solve problems, and make good decisions.
  • Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills.
  • A computer and a reliable internet connection to effectively perform job responsibilities in this remote role.

Additionally, you will preferably bring:

  • Experience working with students ages 12-17, preferably with Stanford Online High School, Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies, or a similar online or in-person program.
  • Experience teaching minors and/or academically talented youth.

Compensation & Other Important Details:

The compensation for the SUMaC Online Instructional Assistant position is $36.00 - $37.00 per hour depending on region, qualifications, and experience. Hourly pay is taxable income. This is a temporary, non-exempt, part-time, seasonal online position up to 30 hours per week from early June to late July. Overtime is subject pursuant to state and federal wage and hour laws. You must be located within the United States for the duration of the assignment, including the following dates:

Orientation and training will occur during the week of June 9, 2025.

Monday, June 16, 2025 through Friday, July 4, 2025 (SUMaC Online Session 1)

Monday, July 7, 2025 through Friday, July 25, 2025 (SUMaC Online Session 2).

Notes:

  • The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
  • This position will be performed completely online and requires you to have the ability, technology, and appropriate tools to complete tasks online. Examples of appropriate tools are: internet connection with sufficient strength and stability, up-to-date computer, and installed video-conferencing applications.
  • You must be located within the United States for the duration of this assignment in order to accept this position.
  • Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
  • Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.  All candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S.
  • If applicable, adherence to all Stanford student policies and the Fundamental Standard.
Time of Year
Summer
Program
Stanford University Mathematics Camp
Location
Online