Sessional Instructional Assistant - EEB380H1F - Diversity of Insects
Date Posted: 08/04/2026
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
About the role
Course: EEB380H1F – Diversity of Insects
Evolutionary history, morphology, physiology, development, behaviour, and ecological significance of insects. Labs focus on identification of major groups of insects found in Ontario and each student makes an insect collection. Insects are collected during field trips during class time and also on Saturday field trips early in the term.
Estimated course enrolment: 30
Number of positions: 1
Estimated hours of work: 70 hours
Sessional dates of appointment: September 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026
Schedule
- Labs – Mondays 1:00pm - 4:00pm
- Participate in two weekend field trips
Pay
$55.25 per hour plus 4% vacation pay. Should rates stipulated in the collective agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- BSc in biology
- Academic background in entomology
- Experience with creating insect collections
- Experience in preparing insect specimens for scientific study, including pinning, pointing, spreading and labelling specimens
Preferred Qualifications
- MSc in biology with specialization in insect systematics
- Expertise in digitally imaging insect specimens with cell phone applications (iPhone or Android)
- Knowledge of the orders and common families of insects found in Ontario
Responsibilities
- Collect samples of insects before the beginning of term in August
- Prepare a laboratory assignment on making a digital insect collection and present to students
- In coordination with instructor, ensure that relevant reference materials (specimens, demonstrations) are available for each of the taxonomy labs
- Assist with the specimen preparation and taxonomy labs
- Grade tests and insect collections