Position Number: VCV019 - Teaching Assistant in Physics (Emalus Campus).

The Opportunity

The School of Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics is one of the largest schools at The University of the South Pacific and is sufficiently resourced to pursue excellence in teaching and research. The school offers several Undergraduate programs, including 2 accredited engineering programs (Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Mechanical Engineering), Civil Engineering, Physics, Computer Science/Information Systems, and Mathematics. It also offers Post Graduate study programs.

The appointee will contribute to teaching undergraduate Physics courses offered through the face-to-face/online/blended modes, based at Emalus Campus. Duties will include but are not restricted to running tutorial and lab classes, supervised marking of assessments, supervised marking of the final exams, if needed, production of teaching materials, participating in outreach activities, and other administrative tasks.

a) General Standard

• i) A Teaching Assistant is expected to make contributions to the teaching effort of the institution, particularly at undergraduate level and to carry out activities to develop his/her scholarly and professional expertise relevant to the profession or discipline.
• ii) A Teaching Assistant is expected to demonstrate excellent communication skills, and the ability to network effectively and interact with a diverse range of students and staff.

b) Specific Duties

Specific duties of a Teaching Assistant may include:

• i) the conduct of tutorials, practical classes, demonstrations, workshops, student field excursions, or studio sessions,
• ii) preparation and delivery of lectures and seminars provided that skills and experience demonstrate this capacity,
• iii) conduct of research, if Teaching Assistant wishes to progress a career in academia*
• iv) involvement with professional activity,
• v) consultation with students,
• vi) supervised marking and assessment,
• vii) production of teaching materials, with appropriate guidance from the course coordinator, 
• viii) attendance at school and/or institution meetings and/or membership of a limited number of committees.

To perform the tasks required, the appointee will need to:

• (i) Assist Lecturers in preparing and delivering tutorials, or lab sessions for assigned courses.
• (ii) Provide hands-on guidance to students during lab classes, ensuring safety and effective use of equipment.
• (iii) Offer academic support to students through consultation hours, one-on-one tutoring, or small group mentoring.
• (iv) Address student enquiries related to course materials, assignments, or assessments.
• (v) Grade assignments, lab reports, quizzes, and exams under the guidance of the course coordinator.
• (vi) Ensure timely and consecutive feedback to students to aid their academic development.
• (vii) Help with course-related administrative duties such as managing learning management systems (Moodle), compiling attendance records, or updating course materials.
• (viii) Provide feedback on course content and delivery methods, suggesting improvements based on observations and student feedback.
• (ix) Assist in duties delegated by the Head of School.
• (x) The Teaching Assistant will assist in teaching undergraduate courses such as: PH102, PH103, PH106, PH204, PH206 and PH202 in Blended mode.
• (xi) The Teaching Assistant will play a pivotal role in providing personalized support to students, improving academic performance and retention.
• (xii) By assisting Lecturers, Senior Lecturers and Professors, the Teaching Assistant ensures smoother course delivery and consistency in teaching standards.
• (xiii) The Teaching Assistant serves as a bridge between academic staff and students, creating a stronger sense of belonging and support within the School.

The Person we Seek

To be considered for this position, applicants must have:

For an appointment at the Teaching Assistant Band 1 level:

• Expected to have completed four years of tertiary study, including at the postgraduate level in the Physics discipline or cognate discipline equivalent qualifications and/or professional experience;
• Professional experience may include teaching experience, experience in research, experience outside tertiary education, creative achievement, professional contribution, and/or contributions to technical achievement.

For an appointment at the Teaching Assistant Band 2 level:

• Applicants must have a Master's degree in Physics or cognate discipline.
• Must be a citizen of one of the USP member countries.

Professor Bibhya Sharma, Head of School, School of Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics. Email: bibhya.sharma@usp.ac.fj Ph.: 3232069.

The position is available for a term of five (5) years and may be renewed by mutual agreement.

Salary Range

• Band 1: VUV 1,976,217.21 - VUV2,308,821.87 per annum
• Band 2: VUV 2,435,262.65 - VUV 2,700,018.81 per annum

How to Apply

Click the Apply button to apply for this position online.

The advertisement criteria is available on our University website (www.usp.ac.fj) under Employment Opportunities.

Please include the following documents in your application: Academic Credentials/Transcripts, Cover letter clearly addressing key Selection Criteria and Resume with names of three referees, one of which must be your current or most recent direct work supervisor. Referees will only be contacted if you are selected.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The University of the South Pacific is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and equitable environment that protects the rights of children; nurture, promote and facilitate mutual respect, constructive empowerment and progress amongst its employees, students, stakeholders including visitors, without being hampered by any form of sexual harassment, sexual abuse or sexual exploitation. We reserve the right to conduct police checks and other screening procedures to ensure a safe environment.

USP is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities to work in an inclusive environment. USP encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities.