Sessional Lecturer - PSYC 3900U STPI - AI & Adolescent Mental Health - Fall 2025

Ontario Tech University; Oshawa; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Ontario is looking for a Sessional Lecturer to teach a course on AI and Adolescent Mental Health. The role requires a Ph.D. in Psychology or related fields, demonstrated teaching excellence, and innovative strategies. The successful candidate will prepare course materials, lead inclusive discussions, and engage with a diverse student body from September to December 2025.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated excellence in teaching undergraduate students in a Psychology program.
• Experience in developmental psychology, particularly adolescent mental health.
• Teaching and/or research experience in the area of Psychology.

Responsibilities

• Develop and teach a course at the 3rd-year undergraduate level.
• Prepare, deliver, and grade course material and assignments.
• Consult with students and supervise teaching assistants as needed.

Skills

Innovative teaching strategies

Collaboration

Communication

Class management

Organizational skills

Education

Ph.D. in Psychology/Forensic Psychology or ABD

Tools

Learning Management System: Canvas

Job description

Sessional Lecturer - PSYC 3900U STPI - AI & Adolescent Mental Health - Fall 2025

Tracking Code:req1666

Faculty of Social Science and Humanities

Number of Sections: 1

Appointment Type:Limited Term

Salary Grade:Administered in accordance with the Collective Agreement

Posting Date:July 31, 2025

Closing Date: August 22, 2025(7:00 pm EST)

Course Name and Number:PSYC 3900U -Special Topics in Psychology I – AI and Adolescent Mental Health

Location of classes: Downtown Oshawa Campus Location

Course Start Date: September 2, 2025

Course End Date: December 19, 2025

Reporting to the Dean the Sessional Lecturer provides instruction to undergraduate students in the Psychology Program within the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities.

Course Description

This course explores how artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are shaping adolescent development and mental health. Students will examine the psychological impacts of tools like social media algorithms, digital mental health apps, chatbots, and predictive analytics—focusing on identity, autonomy, emotion, and behavior. Topics may include ethical concerns, digital inequality, surveillance, and youth agency in an AI-driven world. Through discussion, debate, and analysis of current research and real-world applications, students will critically evaluate both the potential benefits and psychological risks of AI in the lives of adolescents.

Responsibilities/Accountabilities:

The primary responsibility of the applicant is to (develop and) teach a theoretically, methodologically sophisticated and relevant course at the 3rd-year undergraduate university level within the parameters of the course description. In keeping with a technology-enhanced learning environment utilizing laptop computers and wireless connectivity, the Sessional Lecturer will deliver the course using a technology-enhanced learning approach that includes a variety of inclusive teaching and learning strategies and assessments. The Sessional Lecturer will prepare, deliver, and grade all course material and assignments and be available for consultation with students during and following completion of the course session. Duties may include the supervision of teaching assistant(s).

This position falls within the bargaining unit represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and will be subject to the terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the University and PSAC. The collective agreement may be found on the Human Resources section of our website.Candidates will be required to certify that they are currently legally eligible to work in Canada for the duration of the contract.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have demonstrated excellent teaching contributions with a proven aptitude for teaching at the undergraduatelevel.

Required Skills:

• A proven commitment to providing innovative and inclusive teaching strategies.
  
• Evidence of an ability to work in a collaborative environment.
  
• Excellent communication skills with an ability to maintain effective relationships with a range of faculty, staff, and students.
  
• Candidates will have demonstrated excellence in teaching undergraduate students in a Psychology program.
  
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with the Learning Management System, Canvas.
  
• Proven experience managing large classes and diverse populations.
  
• Experience coordinating and supervising Teaching Assistants as applicable.
  
• Excellent organizational skills are needed to effectively manage course delivery, the marking of assignments and exams and the ability respond to student enquiries in a timely manner.

Education:

A Ph.D. in Psychology/Forensic Psychology or ABD (by August 15th, 2025)

Experience:

• Teaching and/or research experience in the area of Psychology is required.
  
• Preference will be given to applicants with teaching, research, and/or coursework experience related to developmental psychology, particularly adolescent mental health.

Priority will be given to an Internal Applicant who has taught any course for the University in three (3) different sessions in the past thirty-six (36) months, provided they meet the requirements for the position as outlined in the job posting.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit in electronic format a covering letter and their resume. Applications will be accepteduntil August 22, 2025or until a suitable candidate is found. We appreciate all applications received; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Ontario Tech University is actively committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, indigenization and decolonization (EDIID), and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from First Nations, Metis, Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and those eligible to work in Canada, will be given priority.

Ontario Tech University respects people's different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. The University is also committed to ensuring that confidentiality is maintained throughout all aspects of the recruitment cycle.

If you require accommodation, please contactJulie Day, Health and Disability Management Specialist.For more informationabout the universities policies for accommodating employees with disabilities please review the university’sAccessibility Policy.

The university acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation which is covered under the Williams Treaties. We are situated on the Traditional Territory of theMississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.

Job Location:Oshawa, ON, Canada