Sessional Instructional Assistant - PHLB18H3: Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (Emergency Posting)

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

Job summary

A leading Canadian university in Toronto seeks a Sessional Instructional Assistant for the course 'Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.' Candidates must hold a BA in Philosophy, possess strong teaching skills, and have prior teaching assistant experience. The role includes running tutorials, grading assignments, and collaborating with the course instructor. Compensation is $54.27/hour, starting January 1, 2026, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the hiring process.

Qualifications

• Specialization or competency in the subject matter of the course.
• One year prior experience as a teaching assistant in philosophy courses at UofT.

Responsibilities

• Run one-hour tutorials each week.
• Prepare for tutorials and grade assignments.
• Attend training sessions/meetings with the course instructor.
• Organize and submit grades.
• Hold office hours.
• Lecture attendance as directed.
• General teaching-related duties.

Skills

Strong academic record

Teaching assistance experience

Knowledge of Ethics of AI

Education

BA in Philosophy

Job description

Sessional Instructional Assistant - PHLB18H3: Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (Emergency Posting)

Date Posted: 12/12/2025
Req ID: 46394
Faculty/Division: UofT Scarborough
Department: UTSC:Dept-Philosophy
Campus: University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)

PHLB18H3 - Ethics of Artificial Intelligence - Winter 2026

This course will provide an accessible understanding of AI systems, such as ChatGPT, focusing on the ethical issues raised by ongoing advances in AI. These issues include the collection and use of big data, the use of AI to manipulate human beliefs and behaviour, its application in the workplace and its impact on the future of employment, as well as the ethical standing of autonomous AI systems.

Positions:

• Position 1: Tuesdays 12‑1 pm, 1‑2 pm (2 tutorials)
• Position 2: Tuesdays 12‑1 pm, 1‑2 pm, and 2‑3 pm (3 tutorials)

Job Details

The following position for a Sessional Instructional Assistant is available in the Department of Philosophy for the Winter 2026 academic session. This is an emergency posting in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Collective Agreement. The position is tentative pending final course determinations and enrolments. In accordance with the agreement, this posting is being sent as an email notification to all applicants in the Department’s Applicant Pool.

Application Process

All pool members who wish to be considered must submit an application and updated curriculum vitae to Professor Julia Nefsky, Chair of the Department of Philosophy, via the online application system at https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/webapps/cupehiring/.

Compensation & Dates

Salary: $54.27/hour exclusive of vacation pay (current CUPE 3902 Unit 3 rates apply).
Appointment Dates: January 1, 2026 – April 30, 2026
Sessional Dates: January 5, 2026 – April 24, 2026

Position Breakdown

• PHLB18H3: Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
• Position 1: up to 60 students, up to 100 hours
• Position 2: up to 90 students, up to 150 hours

Minimum Qualifications

• BA in Philosophy with specialization or competency in the subject matter of the course
• Strong academic record
• One year prior experience as a teaching assistant in philosophy courses at UofT

Duties

• Run one‑hour tutorials each week
• Prepare for tutorials and grade assignments
• Attend training sessions/meetings with the course instructor
• Organize and submit grades
• Hold office hours
• Lecture attendance as directed
• General teaching‑related duties

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 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.

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its members. We are committed to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and will provide accommodations as required. If you require any accommodations during the application or hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

Closing Date: 12/19/2025, 11:59 PM EDT

Equal Opportunity Employer – Application and selection processes are fully inclusive and conducted in a manner that promotes fairness and transparency. The University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.