Sessional Lecturer, INF2257H - The Science-Society Contract: Expertise, Research, and Governance

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

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Toronto is seeking a Sessional Lecturer for the Summer Term 2026 to teach the course INF2257H - The Science-Society Contract. Ideal candidates will possess a nearly completed PhD or a Master’s degree with extensive experience related to the course. Responsibilities include preparing course materials, delivering lectures, managing assessments, and holding office hours. The position requires proximity to the university campus for on-site duties and is committed to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Preferably candidates will have a completed, or nearly completed, PhD degree in an area related to the course or a Master’s degree plus extensive professional experience in an area related to the course.
• Teaching experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Preparing course materials.
• Delivering course content (e.g., seminars, lectures, and labs).
• Developing and administering course assignments, tests & exams.
• Grading.
• Holding regular office hours.

Job description

Overview

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Sessional Lecturer, INF2257H - The Science-Society Contract: Expertise, Research, and Governance

University of Toronto
Faculty of Information

Sessional Lecturer

Summer Term 2026 – Session Y (May – August)

INF2257H – (Formerly INF2405H) The Science-Society Contract: Expertise, Research, and Governance

Course description

Governments rely on science advice to formulate evidence-informed policies. A well-informed public expects its elected representatives and civil servants to promulgate and enact policies that are grounded on facts and logic. Therefore, the incorporation of scientific insights within policy-making structures and processes is crucial to gain public confidence and social license. However, the incorporation of science advice into public policy is a non-trivial endeavor, often hindered by a confluence of technical, cultural, and political challenges, including competing ideas of expertise and conflicting scientific and governance paradigms.

For this reason, producing coherent science advice grounded in the latest research, best available evidence, and reliable expertise demands critical engagement with diverse models of knowledge production, governance, and public engagement. Responding to these challenges and complexities, this course explores the fundamental and often contested relationship between science and society, focusing on the implicit agreements or “science-society contract” that govern how scientific knowledge is produced, legitimized, and applied in public life and democratic governance.

Enrollment and TA information

Estimate of the course enrolment: 35

Estimate of TA Support: None anticipated. Estimate of 75 hours with enrollment of 36 or greater. Allocation of TA hours, if any, will be based on enrolment numbers.

Class schedule and duties

Class Schedule: TBD. You are required to be located in geographical proximity to the applicable University premises in order to attend and perform your duties on University premises as of the Starting Date.

Sessional dates of appointment: May 1, 2026 – August 31, 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.

Qualifications

Qualifications: Preferably candidates will have a completed, or nearly completed, PhD degree in an area related to the course or a Master’s degree plus extensive professional experience in an area related to the course. Teaching experience is preferred.

Brief description of duties

Brief description of duties: Preparing course materials; delivering course content (e.g., seminars, lectures, and labs); developing and administering course assignments, tests & exams; grading; holding regular office hours.

Contact and posting details

Nafiseh Yazdian, Administrative Coordinator
Faculty of Information, 140 St. George Street University of Toronto
[e-mail]

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 and Sessional Lecturer III in accordance with Article 14:12.

Diversity Statement

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

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]