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Teaching Assistantship Opportunities

ANNOUNCEMENT OF TEACHING ASSISTANT POSITIONS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGY

The following jobs are posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Collective agreement. The departmental hiring policy is available in the department of Physiology Office and at the CUPE 3902 office.  It is understood that some announcements of vacancies are tentative, pending final course determinations and enrolment.

* Scroll down to bottom for full application submission details and application form *

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, members of sexual minority groups, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

 

General information

To the extent possible, the department shall announce positions to be filled in accordance with the following timelines:

  • On or before June 30th for the course(s) commencing in September;
  • On or before October 31st for the course(s) commencing in January; and
  • On or before March 15th for all course(s) in the Summer term.

Unexpected vacancies may arise at any time.

 

Salaries

The current rate of pay for a UG/SGSI/SGSII/PDF is $51.93 all levels respectively, per hour, in accordance with the CUPE collective agreement.

  • The estimated number of positions, approximate hours of work, and dates of employment, required qualifications, and a brief description of the duties are listed below for the following courses where positions are expected to be available.
  • Actual number of positions will depend on student enrolment. Second, and where applicable, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth appointments will be offered to eligible graduate students who held previous appointments.

 

Available Teaching Assistant Positions

**NOTE: All postings close on November 21, 2024**

PSL301H1S: Human Physiology II
This course covers respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and renal physiology. This course is the second half of a 2-course survey of human physiology; should be coupled with PSL300H1F for a complete introduction to physiology. The course includes tutorials after each major topic to reinforce the lecture material.
Qualifications: TA candidates will possess a strong physiological background, excellent oral and interpersonal skills, strong presentation skills or experience leading tutorial sessions and ability to provide constructive feedback. Teaching Assistants must be aware of course objectives and physiology to the satisfaction of the course director.
Duties: TA duties will include running on-campus in-person tutorials and/or help sessions, monitoring and responding to questions on the discussion board, marking, on-campus in-person test and exam invigilation. The course will be delivered in a hybrid format with online lectures and on-campus, in-person tutorials and tests and exams.
Relevant Criterion: Previous experience is the more relevant criterion than the need to acquire experience in respect of this posted position.
Positions: 3
Hours of Work: approx. 70 hours
Tutorial/Lab Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons between 1:00-5:00pm
Estimated Course Enrolment: 1000
Rate of Pay: UG/SGS/I/II - $52.97 (+ vacation pay)

PSL305H1S: Topics in Cellular, Molecular and Organismic Physiology II
This course covers the molecular and cellular physiology of the central nervous system, gut, pancreas and glucose-sensing tissues. CNS diseases, obesity and diabetes are used as model systems.
Qualifications: The TA candidate must possess a strong background in neurophysiology.
Duties: Assist with the delivery of computer-based neurophysiology tutorials.
Relevant Criterion: Previous experience is the more relevant criterion than the need to acquire experience in respect of this posted position.
Positions: 1
Hours of Work: approx. 10.5 hours
Estimated Course Enrolment: 25
Rate of Pay: UG/SGS/I/II - $52.97 (+ vacation pay)

PSL350H1S: Mammalian Molecular Biology
This course focuses on the application of molecular biology to disease and complex behaviors.  The teaching assistant will assist the course director and oversee student help sessions throughout the term, including invigilation.
Qualifications: The TA candidates will have course experience and a sound knowledge of BIO130H/230H.
Duties: TA duties include managing student email correspondence, grading lay summaries and exams, and exam invigilation.
Relevant Criterion: Previous experience is the more relevant criterion than the need to acquire experience in respect of this posted position.
Positions: 4
Hours of Work: approx. 33.5 hours
Estimated Course Enrolment: 140
Rate of Pay: UG/SGS/I/II - $52.97 (+ vacation pay)

PSL374H1S: Advanced Physiology Laboratory
This is an advanced laboratory course in physiology focused on the integration of organ systems to understand control mechanisms of body function. This course is designed to teach laboratory techniques, data analysis and problem-solving skills. Labs will include a variety of topics which build on the experience of PSL372H course that students will be taking concurrently. 
Qualifications: TA candidates must have extensive experience in laboratory teaching, including at least some experience handling rodents. Up-to-date WHMIS & Biosafety Training is required of all TAs. Previous experience on one of the specific topics covered in the course (bioinformatics, cardiophysiology, neurophysiology (electrical recordings) and metabolism/endocrinology) is required.
Duties: Teaching assistant duties will include supervising lab demonstrations, leading tutorials and demonstrations, supervising students during lab periods, evaluating reports and assignments, keeping office hours virtually or in person, managing student email questions, and invigilating exams.
Relevant Criterion: Previous experience is the more relevant criterion than the need to acquire experience in respect of this posted position.
Positions: 3
Hours of Work: approx. 1 position @ 40 hours, 1 position @ 35 hours, 1 position @ 25 hours
Estimated Course Enrolment: 30
Rate of Pay: UG/SGS/I/II - $52.97 (+ vacation pay)

PSL421H1S/1421HS: Pregnancy and Birth - From Implantation to Newborn Life
This course will provide a general overview of the integrated physiologic events associated with pregnancy and birth. Where appropriate, the clinical consequences of aberrant development will be reviewed.
Qualifications: The TA candidate must possess a sound knowledge of reproductive and developmental physiology. The role of the TA is to liaise with students and faculty.
Duties: Duties include managing student email correspondence, overseeing assignments, tabulating term marks, and grading. Assist in marking examination reports, assist in posting to the course website, and the downloading of teaching notes.
Relevant Criterion: Previous experience is the more relevant criterion than the need to acquire experience in respect of this posted position.
Positions: 1
Hours of Work: approx. 50 hours
Estimated Course Enrolment: 70
Rate of Pay: UG/SGS/I/II - $52.97 (+ vacation pay)

PSL446H1S/1446HS: Neural Disorders
Explore topics in neurological disorders and treatments to reinforce and expand your knowledge of cellular and molecular neurophysiology. Course material is updated yearly to reflect the rapid evolution of ideas in this area.
Qualifications: The TA candidate must possess a strong background in neurophysiology.
Duties: The TA will assist course directors and lecturers, overseeing discussion board/student email, updating course website, providing office hours, grading and invigilation.
Relevant Criterion: Previous experience is the more relevant criterion than the need to acquire experience in respect of this posted position.
Positions: 1
Hours of Work: approx. 49.5 hours
Estimated Course Enrolment: 40
Rate of Pay: UG/SGS/I/II - $52.97 (+ vacation pay)

PSL462H1S/PSL1462HS: Molecular Aspects of Cardiovascular Function
This course is designed for students interested in the anatomy and development of the heart and in the ion channels and contractile proteins involved in cardiac and smooth muscle contraction. Emphasis will be placed on regulation of electrical and contractile function by kinases, metabolism, sarcomere length (volume) and ions along with alterations in function associated with cardiovascular diseases.
Qualifications: The TA candidate must possess a strong background in cardiovascular physiology.
Duties: TA duties include collecting and marking assignments (including essays) and assisting with final exams. Some invigilation required.
Relevant Criterion: The need to acquire experience is the more relevant criterion than previous experience in respect of this posted position
Positions: 1
Hours of Work: approx. 31 hours
Estimated Course Enrolment: 30
Rate of Pay: UG/SGS/I/II - $52.97 (+ vacation pay)

PSL470H1S: Cardiovascular Physiology
This course covers the development of the cardiovascular system from conception to adulthood with particular emphasis on the progressive maturational changes from fetus to adult, and age-related differences and developmental problems.
Qualifications: The TA candidate must have taken the graduate course PSL1060 and have experience in the developmental cardiovascular area.
Duties: Teaching Assistants will assist the course director and oversee student help sessions throughout the term. TA duties will include meeting with lecturers, keeping office hours, overseeing student email correspondence and the course website, creating test questions and proofreading, some grading, field trip proctor duties, and some invigilation.
Relevant Criterion: Previous experience is the more relevant criterion than the need to acquire experience in respect of this posted position.
Positions: 1
Hours of Work: approx. 65 hours
Estimated Course Enrolment: 120
Rate of Pay: UG/SGS/I/II - $52.97 (+ vacation pay)

**Non PSL On-Line Courses**

PSRD120/MRS160: Physiology for Medical Radiation Science Students
This is a required introductory physiology course for students in the functioning of the human body and is intended for Medical Radiation Science students (Michener Institute) as part of their required curriculum. The course consists of weekly online lectures.
Qualifications: The TA candidate will possess a strong physiological background, with an awareness of course objectives and basic physiology to the satisfaction of the course director.
Duties: TA duties include keeping virtual/in-person office hours and monitoring postings on the course discussion board.
Relevant Criterion: Previous experience is the more relevant criterion than the need to acquire experience in respect of this posted position.
Positions: 1
Hours of Work: approx. 57 hours
Estimated Course Enrolment: 100
Rate of Pay: UG/SGS/I/II - $52.97 (+ vacation pay)

SCS2159: Basic Human Physiology
This is an introductory physiology course for students in the functioning of the human body. It is intended for students who have an interest in or a need for a basic course in Human Physiology. The course consists of weekly on-line lectures and an active learning component consisting of laboratory simulations (which the students have purchased along with the textbook).
Qualifications: The TA candidate will possess a strong physiological background, with an awareness of course objectives and basic physiology to the satisfaction of the course director.
Duties: TA duties include keeping virtual office hours and monitoring postings on the course discussion board.
Relevant Criterion: Previous experience is the more relevant criterion than the need to acquire experience in respect of this posted position.
Positions: 1
Hours of Work: approx. 60 hours
Estimated Course Enrolment: 60
Rate of Pay: UG/SGS/I/II - $52.97 (+ vacation pay)

**NOTE: All postings close on November 21, 2024**

The position(s) posted above is (are) tentative, pending final course determinations and enrolments.

 

Application Process

Applicants must submit a cover letter, C.V. and completed TA Application Form found at https://physiology.utoronto.ca/teaching-assistantships-opportunities (bottom of page) and must be submitted as a single PDF (max 4 pages) to:
physiology.teachingsupport@utoronto.ca

Duties of this position shall be performed at the campus on which the position is located. Where the duties are intended to be performed at another location, such other location will be specified in the posting.

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity seeking groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the position.

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission. The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities. If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact uoft.careers@utoronto.ca. During employment, to request accommodation from the University, contact the supervisor or department chair and/or Health & Well-being Programs & Services at hwb@utoronto.ca. For more information about accommodations at U of T, please visit our Accommodation webpage.

The hiring Criteria for Teaching Assistant positions are academic qualifications, the need to acquire experience, previous experience and previous satisfactory employment under the provisions of this Collective Agreement.

This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 1 Collective Agreement.

The position(s) posted above is (are) tentative, pending final course determinations and enrolments.

Positions posted here are open to Graduate Students in the School of Graduate Studies, Postdoctoral Fellows and Undergraduate Students in the University of Toronto.

Preference in hiring shall be given to Graduate Students enrolled in the School of Graduate Studies of the University of Toronto or those who have made application to be enrolled in the School of Graduate Studies of the University of Toronto.

 

Teaching Assistant Application Form (pdf)

published: 2024-08-08