Sessional lecturer-FSC210H5S - Physical Evidence and Microscopy

Description:

FSC210H5S - Physical Evidence and Microscopy

Course Description: Forensic Science examines physical evidence in relation to the law. There are a number of scientific techniques used to characterize physical evidence, but perhaps the most utilized technique is microscopy. In this course, students will practice how to process and characterize trace evidence using a number of different microscopy techniques, such as stereomicroscope, polarized light microscope (PLM), comparison microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and confocal microscope. The theory and operation behind each microscopy technique will be discussed during lecture, while students will have the opportunity to operate the different microscopes during laboratory sessions. [24L/24P]

Session: January 1, 2027-April 30, 2027

Lectures: Wednesdays 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (In-person)

Practicals/Tutorials: Wednesdays 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (In-person)

Estimated Course Enrolment: 24

Estimated TA Support: 120 hours (total number of assigned hours is dependent on course enrolment and course approvals)

Salary :

• $9,997.48 for Sessional Lecturer I
• $10,699.22 for Sessional Lecturer I - Long Term
• $10,699.22 for Sessional Lecturer II
• $10,953.96 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 Master’s degree (completed) in one of the forensic sub discipline fields [ANT, BIO, CHM, PSY] with 10 years’ experience in a professional laboratory setting.  Candidate must be competent in the theory and operation of a variety of microscopes, including optical/stereomicroscopy, comparison microscopy SEM-EDX, and Confocal microscopy.  The successful candidate will also have expertise in the visual examination of evidence as it pertains to forensic investigations.

Preferred Qualifications: The ideal candidate should have experience with troubleshooting microscopes, writing standard operating procedures for microscopy, and the handling and processing forensic evidence.  We are seeking previous experience in teaching, mastery of subject area, forensic science background, and scientific research. 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; 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 on the Forensic Science Program website
2. Email your CV to Carolyn Loos (Program Manager) at View email address on jobs.utoronto.ca by 11:59pm on July 13, 2026.

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.

Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity-deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the position.