Sessional Lecturer - GLA2093H Innovation & the Energy Transition

Date Posted: 07/11/2025
Req ID: 44040
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Munk Sch Global Affairs & Public Policy
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

Course number and title: GLA2093H Innovation & the Energy Transition

Course Description: 

The shift from a fossil fuel-centric energy system to one based on renewables and low-carbon energy is fast-unfolding but still has a long way to go. While reducing carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels is the goal, there is a fierce geopolitical and industrial competition also at play, with every major economy trying to gain advantage in researching, designing and manufacturing technologies for the low-carbon economy. Because energy and national power are intimately linked, this course asks whether the transition to a ‘net-zero’ economy will become the latest site of geopolitical competition between the US and China; who (countries, regions and companies) will gain and who will lose from this transition, and what are the major obstacles standing in the way. This semester-long course will break down the major technologies that have grown in importance in recent years and the policies that supported their growth. It will also analyze the recent revival of big innovation policy, including America’s Inflation Reduction Act, China’s recent five-year plans and Europe’s REPowerEU plan. We also discuss ‘critical minerals’ and the incipient mining boom because these inputs are vital to these low-carbon technologies that will be needed in much greater quantities than today.  

Estimated course enrolment: 25 

Estimated TA support: N/A

Class schedule: Monday 11:30 am-1:30 pm

*The delivery method for this course is currently in-person. Please note that, in keeping with current circumstances, the course delivery method may change as determined by the Faculty or the Department.

Sessional dates of appointment: September 1, 2025-December 31, 2025

Salary:

Sessional Lecturer I - $9,820.70

Sessional Lecturer I – Long Term -$10,510.04 

Sessional Lecturer II - $10,510.04 

Sessional Lecturer II – Long Term - $10,760.28 

Sessional Lecturer III - $10,760.28 

Sessional Lecturer III – Long Term - $11,030.36 

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.

Minimum Qualifications: PhD in Political Science with a focus on innovation in the energy sector. 

Preferred Qualifications: Previous teaching experience in this field.

Description of duties: Developing the syllabus, teaching one 2-hour lecture per week at the graduate level, providing weekly office hours for academic counseling of students, preparing and delivering course material; preparing and delivering assignments and tests; marking student work and submitting grades.

Application Procedure: All individuals interested in this position must submit an updated Curriculum Vitae and the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form to mga@utoronto.ca. 

Closing Date: 07/17/2025, 11:59PM EDT
**

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.