The Astrophoria Foundation Year Programme seeks to appoint Teaching Associates (TAs) for the Chemistry, Engineering and Materials Science (CEMS) course.
The roles will be on a fixed term variable hours contracts until either 31st July 2027 or 31st July 2028 depending on the units taught. Please note that the number of hours will be dependent on the units you teach, and it is possible to apply to teach particular topics or for particular terms.
The primary role of the post holder will be to prepare and deliver teaching within the relevant modules as described in the job descriptions in a way that will help students work towards the intended learning outcomes. The post holder will set* and mark classwork and tutorial work and be a first point of contact for student matters. The role is a part-time one which fits well with other substantial employment within Oxfordshire, and teaching associates will teach specific units in specific weeks of the year on pre-decided days but at times to suit their personal schedules.
The Astrophoria Foundation Year is a one-year fully-funded foundation programme for UK state school students with significant academic potential, who have experienced severe personal disadvantage and/or disrupted education which has resulted in them being unable to apply directly for an Oxford undergraduate degree programme. The CEMS programme is an ambitious course and teaching on it needs an experienced, empathetic and supportive but academically rigorous approach. Knowledge of the academic level required in the relevant University of Oxford degrees is an advantage.
Please see the job description and foundation year website for more information on the course structure and module detail.
- The bulk of the work is pre-provided calibrated to FY teaching, but there are opportunities for tutors to be involved in improving the material and setting in-class exercises to help them understand how much the students know and understand before each topic begins.
About us
Oxford Lifelong Learning provides opportunities for people from a wide variety of backgrounds to benefit from the University’s rich and unique resources. We are ambitious and forward-thinking, with a strong sense of identity and community. Our mission is to inspire people locally, nationally and globally by extending access to Oxford’s world-class teaching and resources through flexible and inclusive opportunities for study and research.
Colleagues uphold the Mission, Vision and Values of the Department and actively promote a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion.
What we offer
Your happiness and wellbeing at work matters to us, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:
An excellent contributory pension scheme
38 days’ annual leave
A comprehensive range of childcare services
Family leave schemes
Cycle loan scheme
Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
Application process
You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, CV, the completed application grid and the details of two referees as part of your online application.
To make informal enquiries about the post, please contact the Astrophoria Foundation Year Programme Director, Dr Jo Begbie; or the current CEMS Course Team Dr Rachel Quarrell (Chemistry); Dr Chiheb Ben Mahmoud (Materials Science) or Dr Sam Li Shen (Engineering).
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 3rd August 2026
Interviews will take place during week commencing 10th August 2026
Bring your expertise to the University of Oxford and be a part of a community that values creativity, diversity, and excellence.
The University of Oxford is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals regardless of their background.
