Sessional Lecturer: Scientific Evidence in Public Policy (VIC122H1F)

Sessional Lecturer: Scientific Evidence in Public Policy (VIC122H1F)

VIC122H1F Scientific Evidence in Public Policy – This course investigates issues arising from the translation of scientific evidence for public consumption, including in the development of public policy and in confronting problems of social and global significance. Areas of focus will include climate change, global health, and clinical medicine. Students will explore concepts including the perception and communication of risk, the generalizability of research findings, probabilistic and mechanistic thinking, and the use and abuse of scientific authority and “expertise” in public discourse.

Expected course time: Tuesdays, 7 pm – 9 pm
Enrolment cap: 25
Dates of appointment: September 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025
Course Modality: In-person, Victoria College campus
Teaching Assistant: There is no TA support.

Salary: The salary will be as per the CUPE agreement (e.g., September 2023 Sessional Lecturer rate is $9,457.90 including vacation pay).

Requirements:

• PhD in Public Policy, Public Health, the History of Science, or a closely related field.
• Relevant university-level teaching experience and a record of excellence in undergraduate teaching, as demonstrated by previous experience and evaluations.
• Scholarly expertise on scientific research as it relates to public policy as demonstrated by a combination of research, publications, and professional experience.
• A relevant and adaptable theoretical and experiential base with which to put the course materials into context.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in education.

Application: You must submit as one PDF file, in the following order: Cover Letter, CV, and any other supporting material, e.g., teaching evaluations, proposed course outline.

Your file must follow this naming convention: Your full name – course code application – date of submission (e.g., FirstName Surname – VIC122H1F application – May 15, 2025).

Closing date for applications: May 20, 2025.

This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 2 Collective Agreement.

Victoria University is committed to equity in access to employment and a diverse and inclusive workplace. The University encourages applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. Applicants’ lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the position. If you require accessibility accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at vic.hr@utoronto.ca.