Sessional Lecturer - NEW271H1F: The Happy Mind: Scientific Perspectives on Wellness

Date Posted: 06/20/2025
Req ID: 43672
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: New College Prog
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

The Buddhism, Psychology and Mental Health Program at New College seeks a sessional lecturer from September 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025 to co-teach the following in person course:

NEW271H1F – The Happy Mind: Scientific Perspectives on Wellness

Explore the science of how to cultivate a Happy Mind. This course will merge cutting-edge research from cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and contemplative traditions to investigate what it means to live a fulfilling life. Students will engage with scientific models of well-being, including computational neuroscience models, computational psychiatry, and the neuroscience of emotions. They will study how the mind constructs its reality through predictions, emotions, and habits, examining both the promises and perils of these processes.

Enrolment Estimate: 75 students

Estimated TA Support: 125 hours

Class Schedule:

Lecture: Thursdays 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Salary:                                               

Sessional Lecturer I:  $4,910.35

Sessional Lecturer I (Long-term):  $5,255.02

Sessional Lecturer II:  $5,255.02

Sessional Lecturer II (Long-term):  $5,380.14

Sessional Lecturer III:  $5,380.14

Sessional Lecturer III (Long-term):  $5,515.18

Note:  This course will be delivered in an in person format. The successful candidate will be co-teaching the course alongside another course instructor. However, please note that, in keeping with current circumstances, the course delivery may change as determined by the Faculty or the Department

Minimum Qualifications

Completed or nearly completed Ph.D. (or equivalent) in an area related to cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and/or philosophy. Preference will be given to applicants with an understanding of, and current engagement with, research related to mindfulness meditation, contemplative science and cognitive neuroscience. The candidate should be familiar with theories related to the course content, including scientific models of well-being, including computational neuroscience models, computational psychiatry, and the neuroscience of emotions.

Preferred Qualifications

Relevant teaching experience at the university level preferred. Preference will be given to applicants with experience with engaged and/or empirical research in the field of mindfulness.

Responsibilities

Normal duties related to the design and teaching of a university credit course, including preparation and delivery of course content; development, administration and marking of assignments, tests and exams; calculation and submission of grades; and holding regular office hours.

It is understood that some announcements of vacancies are tentative, pending final course determinations and enrolment.

Application Process

Applicants should submit in one consolidated application package (e.g., PDF or Word document):

(1) a detailed letter of application;

(2) an updated curriculum vitae;

(3) names and contact information (email and phone) for two referees or two reference letters;

(4) evidence of teaching in the relevant area, including student evaluations if available;

(5) the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form located here: CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Application Form.  

Applications should be sent, by July 14, 2025, to:

BUDDHISM, PSYCHOLOGY AND MENTAL HEALTH

c/o New College Program Administrator

E-mail:  nc.hiring@utoronto.ca

Only applications submitted to the email address listed above will be considered.

Closing Date: 07/14/2025, 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.