Sessional Lecturer - ESS465H1S - Topics in Critical Zone Processes

Date Posted: 10/20/2026 • Req ID: 50595 • Faculty of Arts & Science • Department of Earth Sciences • Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto) • Existing Vacancy: Yes

About the role

An in-depth look at a significant aspect of the Earth system. The "critical zone" — defined as the outer layer reaching from the treetops into the weathered bedrock where rock, water, air and life interact — is crucial to life and habitats, food production, water quality, and regulating climate. Topics will vary depending on instructor expertise, who may focus on biosphere-atmosphere interactions, or microbiologically driven cycling of energy and matter in the subsurface. Emphasis will be placed on approaches to quantitatively model interactions and reading of primary scientific literature.

Estimated course enrollment: 25 • Estimated TA support: 30 hours

Dates of appointment: January 6 to April 30, 2027. This position includes the completion of any course work and grading not completed by April 30, 2027.

This course will be taught in-person.

Schedule

Lectures: Tuesdays 1–3 pm

Pay

Stipend for 0.5 FCE including vacation pay as of September 1, 2026:

• Sessional Lecturer I: $9,997.48
• Sessional Lecturer I Long Term: $10,699.22
• Sessional Lecturer II: $10,699.22
• Sessional Lecturer II Long Term: $10,953.96
• Sessional Lecturer III: $10,953.96
• Sessional Lecturer III Long Term: $11,228.90

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

• A Ph.D. degree in Earth Sciences or closely related discipline
• Knowledge of topic areas

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous teaching experience at the university level

Responsibilities

• Lecture and tutorial preparation and delivery
• Supervising of teaching assistants
• Setting of assignments, projects and labs
• Setting, supervision and marking of exams
• Final course marks
• Course evaluations
• Holding regular office hours

Closing Date: 11/10/2026, 11:59 PM EDT. This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Collective Agreement. Preference in hiring is given to qualified individuals advanced to the rank of Sessional Lecturer II or Sessional Lecturer III in accordance with Article 14:12 of the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 collective agreement. Undergraduate or graduate students and postdoctoral fellows of the University of Toronto are covered by the CUPE 3902 Unit 1 collective agreement rather than the Unit 3 collective agreement, and should not apply for positions posted under the Unit 3 collective agreement.