Sessional Lecturer I: AST115H5 Cultural Astronomy

Date Posted: 08/26/2026Req ID: 49996Faculty/Division: UofT MississaugaDepartment: UTM: Chem/Phys. SciencesCampus: University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) Existing Vacancy: Yes Description:Position Type: Sessional Lecturer I Course Title: AST115H5 • Cultural Astronomy Course Description: This course will explore the historic and ongoing relationship between astronomy and human culture. In this course, students will approach astronomical concepts through the lens of archaeoastronomy – the exploration of astronomical practices in ancient cultures, and ethnoastronomy – the study of modern astronomical practices by cultures around the world. Topics will include cultural interpretations of the motions of the stars, planets, moon, and sun, methods of navigation and timekeeping, puzzles that have inspired important shifts in our understanding of the Universe, and varying cultural conceptions of what science is and how it is done. Number of Positions (est): 1 Course Enrolment (est): 80 TA Support (est): Dependent on enrollment. Delivery Method: In-person synchronous. Class schedule: For the most up-to-date course timetable and delivery methods, please visit UTM timetable planner: https://ttb.utoronto.ca/. Dates of appointment: 06 January 2027 to 30 April 2027. Salary: Sessional Lecturer I: $9,997.47, including vacation pay. 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. Qualifications: Ph.D. in relevant area of Astronomy. Currency and mastery of subject area required. Past teaching experience and demonstrated excellence in teaching similar course. Applicants should demonstrate teaching excellence by providing documentation in the form of student surveys, letters, or other appropriate pieces of evidence. Excellent candidates otherwise considered to be equivalently qualified may be asked to present a sample lecture on a topic from the course, and performance in such a lecture will be considered important in the final assessment. Description of Duties: All normal duties related to the design and teaching of a university credit course, including but not limited to preparation and delivery of course content, development, administration and marking of assignments, tests and examinations, calculations and submission of grades, provide direction and supervision of TA's, and holding regular office hours. Application instructions: Send a cover letter and CV (PDF format) addressed to the selection committee by e-mail to: [email protected]. Application Deadline: 16 September 2026.Closing Date: 09/16/2026, 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.

The Sessional Lecturer is responsible for the design and delivery of the Cultural Astronomy course, including content preparation and instruction. Additional duties include managing assignments, grading, supervising teaching assistants, and holding regular office hours.

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in a relevant area of Astronomy and demonstrate mastery of the subject matter. Proven teaching excellence, supported by documentation such as student surveys or letters, is required.

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Astronomy
• Archaeoastronomy
• Ethnoastronomy
• Course design
• Teaching
• Curriculum development
• Academic administration
• Grading
• Mentoring
• Public speaking
• Educational Assessment
• Research
• Content Development
• Curriculum Development
• Public Speaking
• Mentorship
• Academic Administration

• Education
• Science & Research
• Sessional Lecturer
• Geosciences Professor
• University and Higher Education Teachers
• Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
• Postsecondary Teachers

Minimum education

Master’s degree

Minimum experience

5+ years

Apply by

Sep 17, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week