Sessional Lecturer -GLA2090HS- Real-Time Data and AI for Global Intelligence 1

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university in Toronto is seeking a Sessional Lecturer for a graduate seminar on Real-Time Data and AI for Global Intelligence. The role involves developing the course syllabus, delivering lectures, and providing academic support. Candidates should hold a graduate degree in International Relations, with experience in education preferred. This position runs from January 1, 2026, to April 30, 2026, and applications are encouraged from diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Understanding of global challenges related to data and AI.
• Ability to develop a syllabus and deliver lectures.
• Experience with non-traditional data and AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop the course syllabus and related teaching materials.
• Conduct a two-hour lecture weekly at the graduate level.
• Provide academic counseling during office hours.

Education

Graduate degree in International Relations

Job description

Overview

Sessional Lecturer - GLA2090HS Real-Time Data and AI for Global Intelligence 1

Date Posted: 09/05/2025
Req ID: 44840
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Munk Sch Global Affairs & Public Policy
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description

Course number and title: GLA2090HS Real-Time Data and AI for Global Intelligence

This graduate seminar explores the potential of new digital datasets and advances in artificial intelligence for understanding critical global challenges.

Traditional data are our information anchors but have downsides: they lag reality, can be scarce, withheld, undermined, or manipulated, or don’t capture complex modern economies and societies. By contrast, each day, scanners, smartphones, and online platforms capture text, images, location, payments, searches, and other real-time, detailed data. This data explosion, combined with increased computing power, is fueling major advances in AI.

This course explores how leaders can use the abundant, real-time, and multi-dimensional digital data now available, in combination with new advances in AI, to spot and respond to problems as they emerge. For example, more readily available satellite images can enable leaders to monitor changes in poverty or climate change more accurately and in near real-time. New AI tools trained on massive text and image datasets can locate previously unknown critical minerals, track sanctions evasion, or better identify disease risks at scale globally. General-purpose AI tools can now collect and categorize billions of data points across multiple indicators and languages to produce detailed inflation or trade metrics.

The course is not technical; the goal is to expose students to these developments and their implications for global affairs intelligence. Through guest speakers, discussions, and assignments, students will learn about and experiment with non-traditional data and evolving AI tools to better understand world events or challenges. These activities will also require students to confront the challenges and risks these developments present. Since this topic is dynamic, there may also be opportunities to explore emerging AI developments and what they mean for global affairs intelligence and for global affairs more generally.

The delivery method for this course is currently in-person. Please note that, in keeping with current circumstances, the course delivery method may change as determined by the Faculty or the Department.

Sessional dates of appointment

January 1, 2026 - April 30, 2026

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

• Gradudate degree in International Relations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience teaching in the area is preferred.

Description of duties

• Developing the syllabus, teaching one 2-hour lecture per week at the graduate level, providing weekly office hours for academic counseling of students, preparing and delivering course material; preparing and delivering assignments and tests; marking student work and submitting grades.

Application Procedure

All individuals interested in this position must submit an updated Curriculum Vitae and the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form to [e-mail].

Closing Date

09/30/2025, 11:59PM EDT

Note: This job is posted in accordance with 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. Undergraduate or graduate students and postdoctoral fellows of the University of Toronto are covered by CUPE 3902 Unit 1 and should not apply for Unit 3 postings.

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 the information at the following URL: 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). 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 [e-mail].