Teaching Assistant - FSCI 198: Climate Crisis and Climate Actions

McGill University; Montreal; On-site; CAD 44,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

McGill University in Montreal, Quebec invites qualified graduate students to join the Office of Science Education as teaching assistants for FSCI 198: Climate Crisis and Climate Actions. The role focuses on leading weekly seminars, supporting undergraduate students, and fostering climate literacy through active learning and Indigenous knowledge.

You will assist with grading, provide written feedback on assignments (~10 per TA), attend in-person lectures every Thursday 1:05–3:25 pm, and help run

Qualifications

• Strong candidates will have an interest in climate education and experience with grading and giving feedback on writing.
• Interest in Indigenous pedagogy is important.
• Knowledge and practice of science communication is valuable.
• A willingness to learn with undergraduate students and to engage in reflective and inclusive teaching practices is key.
• Completed undergraduate degree in science, arts, engineering, education, or other related field.
• Must have strong organizational skills and excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Participate in weekly 1-hour course meetings with teaching team of co-instructors and TAs
• Meet for office hours by request of students
• Work closely with TAs and co-instructors to lead weekly workshops including facilitating discussions
• Complete course readings and follow workshop instructions
• Answer students’ questions (including emails) pertaining to course material and assessment.
• Grade and provide feedback on student assessments in a timely fashion in collaboration with instructors.
• Be accountable for professional, timely, and confidential use and accurate entry of student marks in the FSCI 198 Grade Book in myCourses.

Skills

Climate education

Grading feedback

Science communication

Inclusive teaching

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in science/arts/engineering/education

Job description

Course Information

Course Title: Climate Crisis and Climate Actions Course Code: FSCI 198 Estimated Number of Positions: 12 Total Hours of Work per Term: 180

Hiring Unit: Office of Science Education Title and course number: FSCI 198 Climate Crisis and Climate Actions Estimate of the number positions available: 12 Total hours of work per term: 180 Term: Winter 2027 Dates of classes: Thursdays: 1:05 pm - 3:25 pm Effective dates of appointment: January 2nd, 2027, to April 16th, 2027

Position summary

This position is well-suited to graduate students who would like to gain experience leading weekly seminars to develop skills in teaching and in cross-disciplinary approaches to complex problems. FSCI 198 will introduce undergraduate students from programs across the University to climate science and climate action. The course will focus on providing tools for climate science literacy, learning in community, and taking action to reduce impacts of the climate crisis. Lecture and tutorial activities focus on active learning, personal reflection, Indigenous knowledge, and building hope and resilience through collaborative action. More information about the course is here: https://www.mcgill.ca/ose/courses/fsci-198. FSCI 198 is scheduled for two teaching segments each week. On Thursdays from 1:05 pm - 3:25 pm there will be a 2.5 hour large-format lecture with all students, TAs, and instructors in attendance. The second is an 85-minute segment with groups of up to 20 students in an active learning workshop led by two TAs. TAs will receive guidelines and materials for each session. TAs will be responsible for assessing and providing feedback to these students (~10 per TA) on their written individual and team assignments throughout the term. TAs will also be the first contact for responding to students’ needs and concerns throughout the course.

Special requirements

Hourly rates and salary per term: $38.46

• Must be available for in-person training on Tuesday, January 5th, 2027 (10 a.m. - 1 p.m.).
• Must be available to co-lead one weekly 85-minute workshop beginning January 11th, 2027. (Mon: 10:05 - 11:25 am OR 1:05 - 2:25 pm OR 2:35 - 3:55 pm OR Tues: 8:35 - 9:55 am OR 11:35 am - 12:55 pm OR 1:05 - 2:25 pm)
• Must be available to attend in-person lectures each Thursday between 1:05 p.m. and 3:25 p.m. from January 7th until April 8th.

Summary of required duties

• Participate in weekly 1-hour course meetings with teaching team of co-instructors and TAs
• Meet for office hours by request of students
• Work closely with TAs and co-instructors to lead weekly workshops including facilitating discussions
• Complete course readings and follow workshop instructions
• Answer students’ questions (including emails) pertaining to course material and assessment.
• Grade and provide feedback on student assessments in a timely fashion in collaboration with instructors.
• Be accountable for professional, timely, and confidential use and accurate entry of student marks in the FSCI 198 Grade Book in myCourses.

Qualifications

• Strong candidates will have an interest in climate education and experience with grading and giving feedback on writing. Interest in Indigenous pedagogy is important.
• Knowledge and practice of science communication is valuable. A willingness to learn with undergraduate students and to engage in reflective and inclusive teaching practices is key.
• Completed undergraduate degree in science, arts, engineering, education, or other related field.
• Must have strong organizational skills and excellent communication skills.
• McGill University is committed to equity in employment.

Position Details

Location: This position is located in Montreal, Quebec and the work for this position is expected to be performed in Quebec. Hourly Salary: $38.46 Position Start Date: 2026-10-14 Position End Date: 2027-04-16 Deadline to Apply: 2026-12-01

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].

Located in one of the world’s great multicultural and multilingual cities, McGill University is internationally recognized for its excellence as a leading institution of higher education and research. For nearly 200 years, through the work of dedicated people, McGill has been breaking ground in diverse fields and contributing solutions to some of the world’s most significant issues. McGillians are proud to be part of a community that is both global and local, inspired by challenge and committed to shaping a better future. McGill received a Platinum STARS rating in sustainability, is among Canada’s greenest employers, and is a top Montreal Employer.