Sessional Lecturer - ESSH- Topics in Critical Zone Processes

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

Description:

Course description:

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

Schedule: Lectures Tuesdays 1-3 pm
Dates of appointment:
January 6 to April 30, 2027

Please note:

This position includes the completion of any course work and grading not completed by April 30, 2027.

Rate of 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

Please note that should rates stipulated in the collective agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.

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.

Description of duties:
The lecturer will be responsible for effectively delivering the course, including but not limited to: 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; and holding regular office hours. This course will be taught in-person.

Application Procedure: Please submit a completed application form with your CV and teaching dossier (statement of teaching philosophy and other documentation demonstrating teaching experience) to  by 11:59pm on November 10, 2026. Please label the PDF documents using the following format:
Last Name, First Name - Course Code – Application/ CV/ Dossier. Messages in the body of the email will not be considered. If during the application and/or selection process you require accommodation due to a disability, please contact

Closing Date: 11/10/2026, 11:59PM EDT
**

This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Collective Agreement.

It is understood that some announcements of vacancies are tentative, pending final course determinations and enrolment. Should rates stipulated in the collective agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.

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.

Please note:

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.