School of Mathematics and Physics

Casual Academic Staff Opportunities

Casual academic staff make an important contribution to teaching and learning at The University of Queensland. The School of Mathematics and Physics is looking for people who are enthusiastic about sharing their discipline knowledge, who can convey concepts to students with clarity, and who are interested in developing and applying teaching strategies to support student learning in a range of different settings. Casual academics are expected to foster caring, collaborative, and inclusive classrooms and laboratory environments.

The School of Mathematics and Physics values diversity and inclusion and seeks to ensure that all members of mathematics and physics communities at UQ feel empowered to participate in all opportunities. We particularly encourage people who bring diversity to UQ – whether that be gender identity, LGBTQIA+, cultural and/or linguistic, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, or people with a disability - to apply.

What our Casual Academics say

Tutoring gives me the opportunity to directly help students with challenges in their learning. Seeing the "aha!" moment in a student's face is incredibly satisfying. You also meet so many amazing tutors and students, and talking to them can improve your work and your life! Teaching something will give you deeper insight into it. – Liam, Mathematics/SCIE casual academic

[Tutoring is] good experience and fun. - Abbe, Physics casual academic

I love teaching things that I am interested in. Seeing a student go from not understanding to understanding is deeply satisfying... You will be surprised how much you learn yourself when teaching others. It is one of the best ways to entrench your own knowledge. – Mitch, Mathematics casual academic

Apply! You’re more qualified for the position than you realise. – Physics casual academic

How to apply

If you are interested in applying as a casual academic in MATH or STAT courses please apply via Workday. 

New Casual Academics – Apply via Workday Job Posting Details - UQ Careers Website

Returning SMP Casual Academics (current MATH/STAT casual academics ONLY) – Apply here

If you have issues accessing these pages, please contact the relevant Casual Academic Coordinator. 

You will need to:

  • Provide a copy of your current CV
  • Complete the questionnaire via the job link 
  • Request hours for the upcoming semester, before the deadline for applications. Be sure to indicate your preferences. 

Deadlines for applications

New applications will be considered prior to the start of semester 1. Applications for Mathematics and Statistics close at 11.59 pm on Friday 6th December 2024.

In semester 2, a call for new applications will only be made if positions are available. Typically, there are very few new positions available in semester 2.

Demand for summer casual academics is very high. Preference will be given to experienced maths and statistics casual academics who are on campus during the summer semester for research or other purposes. New applications will not normally be accepted for summer semester.

    What happens after you have applied

    • Once your application has been reviewed, the status of your application will be updated.
    • If you are being considered for a position, you will need to attend an interview. These are usually short (5 mins). Details of interview times will be shared when available.
    • Successful candidates will be notified through status updates, so it's important to regularly check on your application in Workday.
    • New casual academics will be required to attend training sessions run by the Faculty of Science and the School of Mathematics and Physics in O-Week. Details are usually available a few weeks in advance. Previously, these sessions have been run on Wednesday or Thursday from 10am until 4:30pm.  

    Indicating your preferences

    When applying for a position as a casual academic, you will be asked to indicate which courses you are interested in. Please be as specific as possible. The following courses are offered in both semesters:

    • MATH1040
    • MATH1050
    • MATH1051
    • MATH1052
    • MATH1061
    • MATH2001
    • MATH2010
    • STAT1201
    • FYLC (first year learning centre)

    Tips

    • If you want, and are qualified, for specialist second or third year subjects you should mention this in your preferences. If the coordinator has indicated that you should apply include this information as well.
    • Statistics casual academics can enter "statistics" as a preference, or specify individual courses STAT1201, STAT2201, PHRM1020, HRSS3100, BIOM3200, etc.
    • Except in rare circumstances, you will not be appointed as a Maths casual academic unless you have taken MATH2001 (or equivalent). Applicants who do not meet this criteria should email the Casual Academic Coordinator outlining their qualifications before creating a profile.
    • Additionally, you will not be appointed to statistics courses unless you have taken STAT2004 or another intermediate data analysis course. Applicants who do not meet this criteria should email the Casual Academic Coordinator outlining their qualifications before applying.
    • Request hours for the upcoming semester, before the deadline for applications. New casual academics should request 3 hours of paid work a week. This is equivalent to 1 standard tutorial or 2 practicals and includes the contact and preparation/marking/meeting time.
    • International students should ensure they have a visa that permits this type of casual employment before applying.
    • Experienced casual academics can also apply for a super tutoring position. Enter "supertutor" (include the course code as well).
    • If you are able and willing to support advanced courses, please indicate these in your preferences as well.

     

    If you are interested in applying as a casual academic in Physics courses, please apply via Workday. Links to view the job advertisement are as follows:

    Note that EOI's should be submitted as soon as possible, but are due no later than 11:59pm on Friday 6th December 2024. Shortlisted applicants will be expected to interview in mid-December 2024.

    Physics classroom practicals are typically 3 hours per week. The 3 hours are broken down into 1 hour of direct student contact in the classroom, with two additional hours. These additional hours are a combination of preparation and/or marking. Physics laboratory practicals are generally 5 hours per week and these are broken down into 3 hours of contact and 2 hours of preparation and/or marking. Classroom practicals typically run from weeks 2-13 and laboratory practicals often run from week 2-11. There is some variation depending on the exact course.

    If you are interested in applying as a casual academic in SCIE1000/1100, please apply via Workday. Links to view the job advertisement are as follows:

    Note that EOI's should be submitted as soon as possible, but are due no later than 11:59pm on Friday 6th December 2024. Shortlisted applicants will be expected to interview on Zoom in early January 2025 (currently scheduled for 13-14 January 2025). 


    SCIE1000/1100 practicals are each 2 hours in duration with a total of two hours associated preparation (or meeting) time per week. SCIE1000/1100 practicals are collaborative in nature and SCIE tutors are expected to foster a welcoming learning environment where all students are supported to develop their skills by actively engaging in the practical tasks and by working cooperatively with their peers. Practicals will start in Week 1 of semester and run for most weeks of semester (one week will be run by philosophy tutors, and there may be a break week in addition to the standard in-semester break); individual semester scheduling may vary.

    If you have any queries about Sem 1, 2025 please contact Sara Davies.

    Mathematics and Statistics Coordinator                               Physics Coordinator

    Dr Samuel Kault                                                                                                                         Dr Sarah Sweet
    Email: s.kault@uq.edu.au                                                                                                         Email: s.sweet@uq.edu.au

                                                                       

    SCIE1000/1100 Coordinator                                                   SCIE1000/1100 Coordinator

    Semester 1                                                                                                 Semester 2 

    Dr Sara Davies                                                                                                                           Dr Mel Robertson-Dean
    Email: sara.davies@uq.edu.au                                                                                               Email: m.robertsondean@uq.edu.au

                                                                            

    Training for New Casual Academics

    Training sessions are run by the Faculty of Science at the start of Semester 1 and 2, during O-Week, which all new casual academics are required to attend. These sessions introduce some relevant (basic) educational theory and provide general guidelines for conducting teaching. A shorter induction and training session, held on the same day, is run by the School of Mathematics and Physics, with information specific to these disciplines. New casual academics will be paid for attendance.

    Training will be provided as part of your onboarding and include face-to-face training in O-Week. In addition, all staff are required to complete several online mandatory training courses. Casual Academics will be paid for these training sessions.

    There are three types of face-to-face training

    • Science Tutors@UQ training (3 sessions)
    • SMP Casual Academic training (1 session)
    • SMP Inclusive Classrooms workshop (1 session)

    Science Tutors@UQ Training 2025 

    The Tutors@UQ training program consists of 3 sessions (total 5 hours: 2 x 2 hours + 1 x 1 hour) that cover different information about casual teaching at UQ. All new casual academics are expected to complete all 3 sessions of the Science Tutors@UQ training. 
     
    Returning casual academics, who have not yet completed this training, must also attend the relevant session(s). Staff who have previously received payment to attend training cannot be paid again. 
    If casual academics who need to complete Tutors@UQ training are unable to attend any of the sessions offered in semester 1, they should plan to attend the relevant session(s) in semester 2.


    Science Tutors@UQ training, Sessions 1 and 2
    Date: Tuesday 18 February, 2025
    Times and venues: 10 am – 3 pm (including lunch at 12–1 pm); Goddard Building (08), room 139
    Register: Register via this link by midday on Sunday 16 February

    Important information: Please bring an electronic device to the training (e.g., laptop, tablet, phone) for electronic sign-in and accessing of training materials during each session. All new casual academics and continuing casual academics who have not completed, and have not been paid, for this training previously will be paid for the relevant two or four hours of training. Lunch will be provided but the time is unpaid. If you are working for two Faculties, you only need to attend training with one of those Faculties – you may attend both, but you will not be paid for two rounds of training. 
     
    Science Tutors@UQ training, Session 3
    Date: TBA
    Time: TBA
    Venue: TBA
    Register: TBA
    Important information: The Zoom link will be provided by email after registration, so ensure that you enter your email address correctly in the registration form. All new casual academics and continuing staff who have not completed, and have not been paid, for this training previously will be paid for the one hour of training. If you are working for two Faculties, you only need to attend training with one of those Faculties – you may attend both, but you will not be paid for two rounds of training. 

    SMP Casual Academic Training 

    Date: Tuesday 18 February, 2025
    Times and venues: follows on from the Science Tutors@UQ training 3pm – 4pm; 42-216 - Prentice Building, Learning Theatre
    Important Information: all new casual academics in the School of Mathematics and Physics should attend this one hour training session and you will be paid for attending.  

     

    SMP Inclusive Classroom Workshop for Casual Academic Staff 

    The School of Mathematics and Physics wants our classrooms to be a caring, inclusive and empowering environment for all students.  You, as a casual academic, play a very important role in making all students feel welcome in the classroom, and encourage them to engage with their learning.  In order to help you facilitate a positive learning environment, we are encouraging new staff and those who have not already completed last year's training to attend a two-hour workshop for SMP casual academics on inclusive classrooms.

    It will be facilitated by Amy Thompson and Ellie Woods from UQ Respect.  You will be paid for 2 hours for participating in this workshop. You do not need to make a claim in CAHP, a payment will be scheduled for those who attend on the day. 

    Date: Friday 14 February 
    Time and venue: 10-12pm, Sir Llew Edwards Building 14-219
    Register:     In order to be paid, you must register via this link.

    Important information: A workshop with similar content was held in semesters 1 and 2 in 2023 and again in 2024. Even if you attended one of these workshops, you are most welcome to attend again this year and contribute.  Before the workshop, it would be helpful if you reviewed the content on the SMP Inclusivity webpage.

     

    What can I expect during my first semester of tutoring and who can I ask for help?

    We want you to feel supported in performing your casual academic duties, including when it comes to maintaining a positive classroom environment or managing challenging behaviours. If you have any inclusivity concerns about your classroom or working environment, you can contact an SMP Inclusivity Champion (UQ login required).

    Throughout the semester, you're encouraged to keep in contact with the course coordinator or super tutor (in the case of large courses). They will be able to offer suggestions and feedback. They will help you understand the role and what is expected of you.

    Assistance with marking your first pieces of assessment is available from the course coordinator/super tutor, or Casual Academic Coordinator.

    Your colleagues may also be a useful resource. Talk to other casual academics about their experiences throughout the semester.

    Are there any opportunities for professional development?

    Professional development opportunities are available to casual academics. If you'd like someone to sit in on one of your sessions to provide feedback and mentoring, contact the Casual Academic Coordinator. Evidence gathered through classroom observations can also be useful in applying for casual academics awards or a HEA Fellowship.

    Workday (UQ's HR system) provides all staff with free access to a large number of LinkedIn Learning online courses. 

    Are there more details for casual academic staff?

    Details and further infomation once you start as a tutor are available on the UQ Casual Academics website. This site includes links to further information such as:

    • Hours of work, timsheets, Casual Academic Pay Timetable  
    • Duties
    • Human Resources
    • Casual Hire and Payment Process

    Are there supplies that can be accessed by casual academic staff?

    Casual Academic staff can access stationery supplies such as pens, whiteboard markers, notebooks etc. from the following locations within the School:

    • Physics Annexe (06), Level 3, Room 320 - stationery is stored in the back of the room in the metal cupboards. 
    • Building 69, Level 6, Room 621 in the Student Admin Office

    If you require assistance with access to printers you can contact Physics Admin at smp.physics@uq.edu.au or Maths Admin at smp.maths@uq.edu.au. Printers can be accessed in the following locations:

    • Physics Annexe (06), Level 3, Room 320
    • Building 69, Level 7 - printers are next to the Level 7 Tea Room

    Casual Academics can also borrow short-term IT loaner equipment for the semester from the School Office in Physics Annexe (06), Level 2.  If you want to borrow any of the following equipment please email smp@uq.edu.au:

    • iPad’s (Gen 7/8/9)
    • Apple Pencils (Gen 1 & 2)
    • Tips for Apple Pencils
    • Microsoft Surface Pens
    • Stylus (for all touch screens)
    • Dell Docks
    • Various chargers/adapters
    • Laser Pointers
    • Webcams
    • Laptops