Sessional Lecturer - FSC415H5S - Advanced Methods in Forensic Biology

Sessional Lecturer

FSC415H5S - Advanced Methods in Forensic Biology

Course Description: This advanced course explores the methodologies and data interpretation of forensic DNA typing, and other forensic biology techniques. The course will cover the principles, protocols, and current practices in an effort to understand the “what”, “how” and “why” of DNA analysis in a forensic context. Students will also learn about new and future trends in the field of forensic DNA typing, where discussion and evaluation of the primary literature is a key component of this course. Practical sessions will focus on the advanced techniques discussed in lecture. [36L. 36P]

Session: January 1, 2025 – April 30, 2025

Lecture: Wednesdays 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (In-person)

Practicals/Tutorials: Mondays 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (In-person)

Estimated Course Enrolment: 24

Estimated TA support: 140 hours (total number of assigned hours is dependent on course enrolment and course approvals)

Salary: 

• $9,457.90 for Sessional Lecturer I
• $9,930.79 for Sessional Lecturer I - Long Term
• $10,121.77 for Sessional Lecturer II
• $10,362.76 for Sessional Lecturer III

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:  A PhD (completed or ABD with active student status at issuing institution) in Molecular Biology or a Masters (completed) with 5 years of experience in forensic biology practices, or closely related field. Professional designation and/or professional experience is required, as is demonstrated excellence in course subject matter. Candidates will have experience in molecular biology methods & Forensic DNA profiling, as well as two or more of the following: Laboratory Analysis of Forensic Biological Evidence and crime scene investigation; Forensic Serology & Basic Serology techniques, DNA extraction methods; DNA quantitation methods; PCR; SNP genotyping (Real Time PCR and Luminex); STR genotyping using capillary sequencer, and primer design.

Preferred Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a forensic science background, scientific research, casework experience, and prior experience working in a forensic science lab setting, as is WHIMS training. Experience acting as an expert witness in a Canadian court of law is highly desirable. We are seeking candidates with teaching excellence and mastery of the subject area.  Experience with management and delivery of courses using University of Toronto or similar systems (e.g., Quercus, Canvas-based technologies, Zoom, etc.) is preferred.

Duties: Preparation and delivery of course material, preparation and delivery of assignments, tests and/or exams, as well as practicals; supervision of teaching assistants (includes providing instruction on how to mark, as well as holding office hours); marking of students’ work (during the term and beyond if an extension of time is granted by the university officials); submission of grades to university officials; and holding regular office hours. The mode of instruction for this course is expected to be in-person. However, if this changes for any reason, you will be provided with as much advance notice as practicable.  

Application instructions:

1. Apply online through the Sessional Lecturer Unit 3 Application  on the Forensic Science Program website
2. Email your CV to Carolyn Loos (Program Manager) at carolyn.loos@utoronto.ca by 11:59pm on July 18, 2024.

Both requirements are necessary to be considered. Questions can be directed to Carolyn Loos, Department Manager, at the above email.

Applicants not able to apply online should contact Carolyn Loos (Program Manager) at (905) 828 3741 or by email at: carolyn.loos@utoronto.ca.

This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Collective Agreement. 

It is understood that some announcements of vacancies are tentative, pending final course determinations and enrolment. Should rates stipulated in the collective agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.  

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.

Please note: Undergraduate or graduate students and postdoctoral fellows of the University of Toronto are covered by the CUPE 3902 Unit 1 collective agreement rather than the Unit 3 collective agreement, and should not apply for positions posted under the Unit 3 collective agreement.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

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

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 uoft.careers@utoronto.ca.