Job Description

How to Apply

Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) applications are sought for Aerospace Engineering 488 (AEROSP 488) Winter 2025. Interested applicants must include as their application the following materials as one (1) combined pdf:

Applications for Winter 2025 must be submitted through this application portal by Friday, November 1 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Who We Are

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

Our vision, mission and values are supported by a people-first engineering framework that guides our work. As Michigan Engineers, we strive to apply excellent engineering fundamentals, integrated expertise and equity-centered values to reimagine what engineering can be, close critical gaps, and elevate all people. Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: http://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/.

The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Michigan Engineering models that commitment in our research, culture and collaborations. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of that commitment. Learn more about DEI at Michigan Engineering: https://www.engin.umich.edu/culture/diversity-equity-inclusion/

Course Description

AEROSP 488 Product Development Leadership. Leading and managing a comprehensive product design and development project, using systems engineering principles as a framework. Senior team leader training, including both non-technical and technical coaching and facilitation. Will include coaching and mentorship of undergraduate students in AEROSP 288 and AEROSP 388. 

AEROSP 488 meets Thursdays 3:00-4:30 p.m. (lecture) and Fridays 10:30-12:00 (recitation)

Responsibilities*

GSIs are expected to conduct the following activities as applicable per course: coordinate, lead or assist in the instructional process in direct interaction with students. This can include class sessions, office hours, recitation, laboratory, quiz, or problem sessions. GSIs are also expected to grade or support grading of homework and exams. The responsibility of the course remains with the instructor of record. GSIs are usually expected to work 10 (25% effort)  or 20 hours (50% effort) per week, depending on course level and enrollment.

Required Qualifications*

To be considered for this position, you must be a College of Engineering student enrolled in an Engineering graduate program in good standing, taking at least 6 credit hours in the term for which you are applying.

Must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher as an undergraduate, have taken AEROSP 288 and 388 at U-M with at least an A in both classes, or demonstrated equivalent, have experience in engineering project team leadership.

Desired Qualifications*

Have taken AEROSP 488 with an A or better, served as an Instructional Aide for AEROSP 288/388 or another project-based course (e.g. 205, 305), working proficiency with digital engineering design and development tools (e.g. requirements, CAD, simulations, systems modeling), have taken systems design course(s).

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Contact Information

Aerospace Student Services Office 

[email protected]

Decision Making Process

Considerations include academic qualifications and prior teaching experience.  

The Department of Aerospace Engineering will make reasonable efforts to extend offers within six (6)   weeks after the application deadline. Offers will typically be extended at least 21 calendar days prior to the start of employment.

Unsuccessful applications will be retained for consideration in the event that there are last minute openings for available positions. Applicants may contact the Aerospace Engineering department to request the status of their application.

In the event that an Employee does not receive their preferred assignment, they can request a written explanation or an in-person interview with the Graduate Chair of the Aerospace Engineering program to be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time.

Unsuccessful applicants will be notified within 10 business days after the position is filled. 

Selection Process

Candidates are reviewed and selected by the instructor of record for each course, after an interview is conducted. The instructor of record will contact candidates by email if they are selected for an interview. Once the instructor of record selects a candidate, the candidate will be recommended for appointment to the Graduate Chair of the Aerospace Engineering program, who will determine the final placement.

GEO Contract Information

The University will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, familial status, parental status or pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression (whether actual or perceived), sexual orientation, age, height, weight, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, HIV antibody status, political belief, membership in any social or political organization, participation in a grievance or complaint whether formal or informal, medical conditions including those related to pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, arrest record, or any other factor where the item in question will not interfere with job performance and where the employee is otherwise qualified. The University of Michigan agrees to abide by the protections afforded employees with disabilities as outlined in the rules and regulations which implement Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Information for the Office for Institutional Equity may be found at https://oie.umich.edu/ and for the University Ombuds at https://ombuds.umich.edu/

Unsuccessful applications will be retained for consideration in the event that there are last minute openings for available positions. In the event that an employee does not receive their preferred assignment, they can request a written explanation or an in-person interview with the hiring agents(s) to be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time.

This position, as posted, is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between the Regents of the University of Michigan and the Graduate Employees' Organization, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO 3550.

Standard Practice Guide 601.38, Required Disclosure of Felony Charges and/or Felony Convictions applies to all Graduate Student Assistants (GSAs). SPG 601.38 may be accessed online at https://spg.umich.edu/policy/601.38 , and its relation to your employment can be found in MOU 10 of your employment contract.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

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