University of Pennsylvania

Temporary Course Assistant

Posted 2 Days Ago

Be an Early Applicant

Hall, NLD

In-Office

7-23 Hourly

Entry level

Other

The Role

Facilitate student learning in online MHCI courses by grading and providing timely feedback for up to 20 students, responding to student inquiries within 24 hours, participating in synchronous/asynchronous interactions, escalating student issues, and contributing to brief course development tasks. Typical engagement is ~8 weeks, 7–10 hours/week (not to exceed 15), including final grading.

Summary Generated by Built In

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title

Temporary Course Assistant

Job Profile Title

Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt

Job Description Summary

The University of Pennsylvania is seeking Course Assistants (CAs) to facilitate student learning in online courses for its Master of Health Care Innovation (MHCI). The MHCI connects health care professionals through transformative learning experiences designed to improve health care. The multidisciplinary curriculum builds students’ innovation and leadership skills to face urgent needs and long-term challenges.
By studying and interacting online as a cohort, students develop a diverse network of innovative thinkers. Faculty—drawn from across Penn—are leading, active experts in health policy, operations management, behavioral economics, innovation methodologies, health equity, and leadership. Students apply their MHCI experience immediately in their work as clinicians, executives, directors, researchers, entrepreneurs, consultants, and more.
The MHCI is housed in the Perelman School of Medicine’s Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy (MEHP). We are profoundly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and are seeking candidates who support and foster this commitment.

Job Description

Within the MHCI, full-semester graduate courses are condensed to 6 intensive weeks. MHCI lab courses are 6 or 8 weeks long. CA engagements typically last 8 weeks, including final grading. During a course, CAs work an average of 7–10 hours per week, not to exceed 15 hours. Tasks include:

Providing meaningful and timely feedback on assignments, and grading using a rubric, for up to 20 students, with a turnaround of 5 days or fewer.
Supporting students through email with a turnaround of 24 hours or sooner.
Participating in some synchronous and asynchronous faculty-student interactions.
Identifying student needs and escalating important issues.
Providing the MEHP Online team feedback on your teaching and learning experience in courses.

CAs may also be asked to participate in brief course development projects, such as drafting and reviewing quizzes and other assessments, or reviewing course materials for quality and consistency. Hours vary depending on the project, averaging 5–7 hours per week for 1 or 2 weeks.

Qualifications

Course Assistants are reliable and empathetic. They have experience working in roles related to health care. And they possess:

Content knowledge in health care, health policy, innovation, or a closely related field.
The ability and time to provide meaningful and prompt feedback on student work.
The ability to communicate promptly, professionally, and respectfully with students, Course Assistants, staff, and faculty through Slack, email, and other tools as required.
Willingness to learn and expand their pedagogical skills.
The ability to work remotely, in close coordination with a team.

Pedagogical experience, proofreading skills, and experience using the Canvas LMS, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint are preferred. Work is available throughout the year and is remote. Hours vary depending on course needs. These positions report to the Associate Director for Online Instructional Design, Adam D. Zolkover. If you are interested, apply by submitting your résumé/CV with a cover letter describing your interest and your relevant professional, educational, or teaching experience.

Position is contingent upon continued funding.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$7.25 - $22.60 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements
A background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

Health and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare.
Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

Please note that benefit eligibility is determined/based on ACA guidelines.

Skills Required

Experience working in roles related to health care.
Content knowledge in health care, health policy, innovation, or a closely related field.
Ability and time to provide meaningful and prompt feedback on student work.
Ability to communicate promptly, professionally, and respectfully via Slack, email, and other tools.
Willingness to learn and expand pedagogical skills.
Ability to work remotely in close coordination with a team.
Pedagogical experience (preferred).
Proofreading skills (preferred).
Experience using the Canvas LMS (preferred).
Experience with Microsoft Excel (preferred).
Experience with Microsoft PowerPoint (preferred).

University of Pennsylvania Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about University of Pennsylvania and has not been reviewed or approved by University of Pennsylvania.

Healthcare Strength — Medical coverage is offered through multiple plan options with bundled prescription and behavioral health, plus dental and vision, with eligibility typically beginning on day one when starting on the first of a month. High‑deductible plan enrollees can receive employer HSA contributions alongside wellness and EAP supports.
Retirement Support — Faculty and staff can participate in 403(b) plans featuring automatic university contributions and a dollar‑for‑dollar matching plan, with an additional supplemental annuity option. Investment access is provided via TIAA with standard rules for rollovers and notices.
Parental & Family Support — Tuition benefits extend to employees, spouses/partners, and dependent children, complemented by backup childcare/elder care and a paid parental leave policy. Eligibility timing and service requirements apply, with the dependent‑tuition benefit highlighted as a standout offering.