A group of college students sit in an auditorium, all facing toward the front with attentive expressions. Most students have their chins resting on their hands or fingers to their faces, suggesting deep focus. The lighting is soft and academic, and the seating consists of padded gray chairs. The students represent a diverse group, and several are wearing sweatshirts or casual clothing. The atmosphere suggests they are watching a presentation or lecture.

Teaching Assistant (TA) / Reader Appointments

Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Readers are Academic Student Employee positions reserved for currently enrolled students. All TAships are awarded as a percentage of full-time, with 50% TAships being the most common. This percentage reflects the portion of a standard 40-hour work week worked.

How to Apply

To apply for a Teaching Assistantship or Reader position in BIS, MCB, EVE, MMG, PLB, or NPB, submit your application through the MCB TA/Reader Application Portal. 

MCB TA/Reader Application Portal

Required Application Materials

Make sure your application includes:

  • The quarter and course(s) you are interested in
  • Complete responses to all application prompts (incomplete applications are likely to be overlooked)
  • Your CV and undergraduate and graduate transcripts as a single combined PDF
  • Up to three previous teaching assistant course evaluation summaries (if available)

Recommended Application Timing

  • Fall Quarter positions: submit by the beginning of the prior Spring quarter
  • Winter Quarter positions: submit by the beginning of the prior Fall quarter
  • Spring Quarter positions: submit by the beginning of the prior Winter quarter

It is strongly recommended to submit your application at least one full quarter in advance.

Department-Specific Information and Contacts

MCB Lecture Courses and BIS 101–105

  • Complete the MCB TA/Reader Application.
  • You are also encouraged to contact the faculty instructor for the course you’re interested in.

MCB Lab Courses (MCB 140L, MCB 160L, MCB 120L)

BIO1 & 1L, BIO2 & 2L, and BIO3

  • Filling out the TA application is sufficient.
  • Some BIO 123 TA positions may also be posted on Handshake—it’s recommended to check and apply there as well.
  • Please do not contact instructors or academic coordinators directly; they do not oversee TA hiring.
  • Applications are reviewed and selected applicants are contacted directly.

BIO1 and 1L

  • TAs are typically hired annually, with a priority deadline in May.
  • More information: EVE TA Application

BIO2, 2L and BIO3

  • TAs are typically hired 2–3 months in advance.
  • Submit your application at least one full quarter ahead of time.
  • BIO3 TA opportunities usually post on Handshake mid-quarter.

Other Departments

More details about TA opportunities and departmental contacts are available on the College of Biological Sciences TA and Reader Opportunities page.

Salary, TA Orientation and Other Resources

Salary and Related Information

TA Orientation Requirement

All graduate students are required to attend UC Davis campus TA Orientation before being offered or assigned a TA appointment.

“All first-time Teaching Assistants at UC Davis are required to attend a campuswide TA orientation. This orientation introduces new TAs to teaching at UC Davis, what is expected of TAs, and what TAs can expect in terms of instructional support and TA training.”
— APM and TA appointment notification letter

For more details, visit the TA Orientation website.

Additional Opportunities

There are additional Teaching Assistant and Reader opportunities across campus.