Sessional Instructional Assistant, BIO417 Marking TA

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university located in Toronto is seeking a Sessional Instructional Assistant for the BIO417 course in Molecular and Structural Genomics. The role involves providing academic writing support, tailored feedback on assignments, and preparing course materials. Ideal candidates should possess a 4-year degree in Biology, along with extensive experience in academic writing and a solid understanding of genomics. The position offers $54.27 per hour, with a total expected of 30 hours over the term from January 1 to April 30, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to embrace diversity and inclusion in their application.

Benefits

Competitive pay according to CUPE collective agreement

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Qualifications

• 4-year degree in Biology with an appropriate background.
• Extensive experience with academic writing.
• Previous TA experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored feedback to students on writing assignments.
• Prepare tests, labs, and exams.
• Mark quizzes, tests, and oral presentations.

Skills

Academic writing assessment

Understanding of biology/genomics

Critically assess writing process

Education

4-year degree in Biology

Upper-year PhD

Job description

Sessional Instructional Assistant, BIO417

Course: BIO417H5S – Molecular and Structural Genomics

Course Description: Genetic information shapes almost all aspects of life. How is this information organized and inherited? How does it influence individuals and help to understand disease? The course explores the structure and function of chromatin – the management of biological information. We will explore how the genome is packaged, expressed, replicated and repaired. We will look into chromosome sets and inheritance, accessibility of the genome to the molecular machinery, DNA repair, and modern techniques in research and diagnostics.

Estimated number of positions: 1

Position type: marking support – advanced scientific/academic writing assessment and instruction

Estimated hours: 30 hours (total number of assigned hours is dependent on course enrolment and other factors).

Date of appointments: January 1, 2026 – April 30, 2026

Qualifications: A 4‑year degree in Biology with appropriate background for the course to be demonstrated. Upper‑year PhD, extensive experience with academic writing, understanding of biology/genomics. Other preferred qualifications include academic qualifications, enrolment as a graduate student, previous TA experience, suitability for the position and appropriate background in the subject/specialty within the Department of Biology.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Late applications will not be accepted. Only complete applications emailed by the application deadline will be accepted and considered. Note: do not use the Apply button (on UofT Careers site posting) to apply for this position.

Duties: Tasks will involve providing tailored, individualized feedback to students on a series of scaffolded writing assignments in this advanced upper‑year course. Critically assess each step of the writing process from information gathering, drafts, preliminary submission and final writing assignments. Timely assessment of assignments, iterative feedback, and grading.

• Preparing tests/labs/exams
• Attending meetings with supervisor
• Consulting with students
• Marking quizzes/tests/oral presentations
• Marking exams
• Invigilating

Rate of Pay: In accordance with the current CUPE Collective Agreement CUPE3902, Unit 3, effective September 1, 2025, the rate of pay for a sessional instructional assistant is $54.27 per hour. Should rates stipulated in the collective agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.

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.

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission. As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

Accessibility Statement

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). 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 [e-mail].

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